There are no stupid questions in knitting

I don’t watch much TV.  I used to. Mostly Barney and Blue's Clues with the kids.  In the evenings I might indulge in an episode of Star Trek or Seinfeld.  But those were the days when watching TV meant settling yourself into the sofa and clicking exactly one button on the remote.  

ON meant ON and OFF meant OFF.  

Arrows scrolled you through The Nanny, Melrose Place, Coach, and Star Trek Voyager.  A different set of arrows allowed you to hear the show over the kids’ assertion that it was not bedtime because it was still light outside.  

Ah, the good old days. 

Everything is different now.  To be honest, I don’t even know how to turn the TV on.  There are at least two different remotes, a keyboard, and three different Input devices, whatever that means. 

So I just don’t watch. Sure, I tag along with the boys if there’s something they want to see that is mildly interesting to me, but choose what I want to watch, actually find it, and get it on the screen?  That’s a hard no.

When I mentioned this to Johnny and Colton, they said, almost in unison, “Mom,, how do you not know this?” 

They didn’t mean anything by it, but still, I was irritated. Hurt  Maybe even a little ashamed.  Why didn’t I know?  I’m a smart person, and I know how to do lots of technical things. I’ve seen them get their shows and movies on plenty of times, but it just has not clicked for me.  

What I wanted to hear was, “Yeah, it’s confusing, but I’ll show you how,” and then have them show me.  And not just that one time.  I want them to show me again and again until I get it. 

It’s the same with knitting.  Whether we’re just learning to make a knit stitch, or we’re struggling with getting the seaming right - it can be confusing.  Sometimes it takes several times to really get it, and that’s okay.  I am happy to show you as many times as you need.  That’s how I want to learn myself, so that’s how I teach. 

There are no stupid questions.  If you have that question, it’s more than likely at least one other person has the same question. That being said, in a group with a wide mix of skill levels, it can be hard to ask a question that might seem really basic. By the same token, more advanced knitters might not ask a complicated question in  a group of beginners. So, it can be good to organize folks by skill level and interests.  That’s why in Club Crazy for Ewe, I have a group for knitters who’re just beginning their sweater knitting journey and want in-depth explanation of each and every step along the way.  And there's a group for very accomplished knitters who want more of a mastermind experience, and there are several groups in between.  Plus there are intensives that focus on fit, finishing, and other special techniques that cut across skill level. Of course, nothing says you can’t cross over, but it’s about being in a group where you feel comfortable and you're getting exactly what you need and want. 

I’m super excited to host Club Crazy for Ewe because it’s not only a place to belong, it’s a place to learn and grow. Like the in-store experience, it's a place to find friends, make connections, and build your skills. I hope you will join me. 

No one knows everything, and the day I tell myself I do know everything, is the day I should put down my knitting needles forever.  We are all learning every day, and that is how it should be. 

I look forward to seeing you in the shop, around the table, and inside Club Crazy for Ewe.  You are always welcome here. 

Warmly,

Ellen

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