Don't Give up on the Stitch!

Knitting as a Hobby

There’s a special kind of magic in trying new things. It’s that rush of excitement when tasting a dish for the first time, the thrill of riding a new roller coaster, or the joy of striking up a conversation with a stranger and discovering a new friend. And, of course, nothing compares to the delight of diving into a fresh ball of yarn with brand-new knitting needles.

In my knitting journey, exploring new patterns and techniques has become a passion. Every time I discover a pattern—whether purchased or found for free—I challenge myself to learn something new.

Knitting Techniques I've Learned:

• The intricate Double Center Decrease for beanies
• The delicate art of Yarn Overs
• The charming Picot’s Edge
• The cozy Half Fisherman’s Rib
• The elegant Italian Bind Off
• How to knit an entire sweater
• And so much more.

Learning isn’t just about adding skills; it’s about enriching our lives. There’s a thrill in conquering new challenges. According to a Forbes article, learning enhances self-confidence, resilience, and motivation—all qualities I’m experiencing firsthand.

Beating my Novice Skills

Recently, I embarked on a new adventure: joining a test-knit team. My task? Knitting a children’s sock using Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) and fingering yarn—neither of which I’d used extensively before. To make it even more challenging, the deadline was just ten days away. I had no supplies and no experience, and yet I was determined to succeed.

Swatch after swatch, I struggled to meet the gauge. I tried larger needles and thicker yarns and felt the weight of frustration. But I persevered. Just when I was about to send a resignation email to the sock designer, I decided to give it one last try.

And I did it. I made another swatch with a yarn I hadn’t even caked yet, and it worked.

What keeps us from thriving? Fear and self-doubt. These twin shadows can loom large, whispering that we aren’t good enough, that we’ll fail. But deep down, we all have the courage to defy those doubts.

Remember when we were fearless children, expecting to bounce back after every fall? That spirit is still within us. Embrace it, and let it guide you to new discoveries and endless possibilities.