Monday Musings: So Much Life In Those Stitches
I’ve been knitting for 55 years, and I’m currently being humbled by a baby blanket with a supposedly simple pattern. It’s for a new grandson who’s joining our family in January, and I thought it would be a lovely, relaxing project. Not so much.
Once I read that the pattern was simple, I took it as permission not to pay close enough attention. I’d get 16 rows in and discover a mistake four rows back, frog it, and start again. Then I’d get another 20 rows in and realize I’d used the wrong stitches six rows earlier. Out it all came again. This has happened more times than I care to admit, but at least I’ve had some good laughs at my own expense.
I’ve altered the pattern along the way, and the latest section is finally looking pretty good. I even bought new stitch markers to give myself a little lift when reknitting the same section for the fourth time.
Knitting has been part of my life for so long that I rarely stop to think about what it’s given me. I can vividly recall sitting in our front room while my mom taught my girlfriend Debbie and me to knit when we were 15.
I had no idea that afternoon that I’d still be knitting all these years later. Over those years, I’ve knit for babies, my children, my husband, and plenty of things for myself. I remember some projects vividly, and I’ve probably forgotten others completely.
When my children were little, I knit my dad a gray cardigan. I made it from polyester so he could toss it in the washer and dryer without worrying about it. He loved that sweater. In fact, I don’t think he took it off very much. Every time I saw him, he was wearing it.
Of all the things I’ve knit over the years, I don’t think anything I made was ever loved quite as much as that cardigan.
When Dad passed away, I didn’t have the presence of mind to find it and keep it. I wish I had.
So Much Life In Those Stitches
I don’t think I understood when I first learned to knit how much of my life would eventually become tangled up in it. That afternoon, I was simply learning how to make something. I certainly wasn’t thinking that decades later, I’d still be doing it, or that the things I made would become attached to people and periods of my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Some things were worn until they wore out. Others probably ended up in a donation pile somewhere, and there are plenty of things I’ve completely forgotten making.
But I remember a few vividly, because of the person I was thinking about while I made them. I didn’t realize then that those ordinary hours spent knitting would become part of how I remember certain people and periods of my life.
Maybe that’s one of the gifts of getting older. We can look back and see the significance in ordinary things we could never have recognized while we were busy living them.
Experience Has Made Me More Flexible, Not Less
I know far more about knitting than I did when I started. But apparently, that doesn’t prevent me from making a mess of a simple pattern. What has changed is how I react when things go wrong.
I still have standards. I’m not going to leave a glaring mistake in a blanket I’m making for my grandson just because fixing it is annoying. But I can laugh at myself, pull it apart, and do it again. And if the pattern isn’t working the way I want it to, I’m perfectly comfortable changing it.
I think I’ve become more like that in other parts of my life too. I’m more confident in my decisions than I was when I was younger, and much better at speaking up for myself. At the same time, I’m less invested in everything going exactly as planned.
For years, I probably thought confidence meant being certain. Now I think there’s confidence in being able to change your mind, adjust your expectations, or take a different route without feeling like you somehow got it wrong.
I still know when something matters enough to stand my ground. I’m just getting better at recognizing all the things that don’t.
Someday I’ll wrap my grandson in this blanket, and by then I’ll probably have forgotten how many times I had to frog the darn thing.
I just hope he loves it half as much as my dad loved that gray cardigan. I’d be very happy with that.
Is there something you’ve been doing for years that means more to you now than you ever imagined it would?
Have a fabulous day and be kind to yourself.
My mother wasn’t big on domestic attributes such as knitting, sewing, baking etc so I had no help there. My aunts and older cousins lived literally half a world away and they were all beautiful knitters and one aunt was a tailor. So I taught myself using old style women’s magazines. Gradually I learned to knit, crochet, sew and cross stitch. I would never claim to be particularly proficient but my children and seven grandchildren have reaped the benefit. I had to find premie patterns for three of them but they had tiny cardies, booties and beanies which fit properly. They all had baby blankets but then requested full sized ones. Last Xmas when we were visiting one branch of the family I was intrigued to see my 22 year old 6’6” grandson curled up under his “blankie” having a nap! I still have a Shetland shawl that I used as a baby and I used it for my children and grandchildren. Knitting does span the generations and brings back memories.
That’s wonderful, Kenzie. I love that your 22-year-old grandson still has and loves his. That’s beautiful
Lovely post! I am a fellow knitter. I appreciate your thoughts very much.
I read your musings quite often. They’re enjoyable. I feel the same way about quilting. I imagine the person who will receive the quilt that I stitch as I stitch it. Like you do wth your knitting❤️
My aunt tried to teach me to knit when I was 12, and it just didn’t work. I already knew how to crochet and embroider, thanks to my grandmother, but knitting I just couldn’t get. I think it was the two needles–one too many for me!
lol, you always crack me up Kay
Blue square with the boar is so sweet!
Your knitting is lovely. I have been into crochet for 15 years. I started with shawls, but now crochet sweaters. I love the feel of the beautiful new yarns. My daughter knits and we have a great time visiting yarn shops. Every year we go to a fiber fest, staying in a lovely hotel for three days. We take classes, sip wine and enjoy seeing the beautiful creationś of fellow yarn artists. The new designers are creating fabulous patterns. It is a relaxing activity that is great for keeping the brain active.
That sounds like so much fun, Kathy!!
When I was at summer camp (500 miles away), my Mom knitted “cabin booties” for all four of us in Cabin 15, plus our counselor , and mailed them to us. Everyone loved them! I still have my pair.💖
That’s so cool
Sweet- lovely post Jennifer. Knitting = life 🥰.
Yes, it does for me:)
Your knitting is FABULOUS!
You’re so sweet, thanks
Jennifer, I am like you my mother taught me to knit at 8 years old and I remember exactly what I knitted – a watermelon pink 12 ply jumper with a polo neck. I loved that jumper and wore it until it was too small. Knitting is my go to when life needs to slow down and I can mediate
YES! Me too
Learned knitting as a kid from my grandma and never really embraced it. I took it back up about 10 years ago and love it. I never thought that learning it 60 years ago would have so much impact on my enjoyment today. Please share more of the things you knit with us. When I saw the beautiful Tommy Bahama Stetson sweater featured in your blog, I wondered if you had ever considered knitting something that ambitious!
I have made several Norwegian sweaters carrying 7 or 8 colors across the back at a time. That was many years ago, and my husband still has his!
Beautiful knitting Jennifer, I needlepoint and make ornaments for my grandsons each year! How many grandchildren do you have, I think you have only mentioned boys? Always enjoy your posts!
Only boys. I used to needlepoint for many years until my arthritis made it hard to hold the tiny needle.
Thanks for your wise reflections and resolve. They are truly some of the gifts of age. For me it is the photo books for family members, especially the one of my husband’s favorite, beautifully composed photos from solo and joint trips. He still appreciates this coffee table book after all these years. And the ones I made for significant family birthdays as well as the ones I created for each granddaughter as they were 12 & 13 following a European cruise with us for one and a Mediterranean cruise for the other. They enjoyed the photos as well as included journal entries I wrote. And we treasure the memories.
Those sound so lovely Ann
Thank you for a wonderful post – and congratulations on your future tiny arrival.
My best friend taught me to knit in university. She died way too young and unexpectedly a few years ago – I still think of her and send her gratitude for her patience in teaching a “leftie” to knit.
My first baby sweater was for my newborn nephew. I didn’t know anything about armhole shaping – the poor darling screamed when the sweater went on because he couldn’t bend his tiny arms! Epic fail.
I used to be so frustrated with having to “frog” a project or rip back. With time, I realize that knitting can be just as much about “undoing” as “doing” – and accepting that things don’t always come out perfectly the first, second or even third try. Kind of like life.
Yes, I totally agree. I’ve had many disastrous projects that were simply frogged and forgotten. Each one taught me a lesson.
I have both knitted and crocheted over the years. I crocheted a pastel green and white striped baby blanket for my second baby – my daughter. Back in 1979 we didn’t have reveal parties. Now my 9 year old granddaughter is sleeping with it. My daughter still has the baby blanket that my great-aunt knitted before she passed in the early 1970’s. It’s a special treat for one of her 4 children to get to sleep with it since it is so well loved. I checked my cedar chest and found that I have the same pattern blanket as my daughter’s that my great-aunt knitted for me 74 years ago. I wouldn’t be surprised if my sister still has hers too.
I love that story, Nancy. Those are such precious memories
I loved your knitting story. As a lifelong knitter…learned when I was 10 and still knit every day at 84. Knitting has gotten me through some of the worst times and best times of my life. I still
have a Shetland fairisle pullover I made after breast cancer diagnosis and radiation when I was 51. Working on it kept my mind off the hamster wheel of what might happen. I consider myself blessed to still love everything about knitting, the choosing of patterns and yarn and planning the next project is almost as good as the actual knitting. Thank you so much for sharing all the joy this hobby brings to your life.
I could spend all day in a yarn store choosing the yarn and Pattern. I even have several vintage knitting books that were my mom’s
As a lifelong knitter, I absolutely
Knitting was my meditation for over 60 years. My last project was a little cable knit blue sweater for my great grandson. My hands are very crippled from Rheumatoid arthritis and I just can’t knit anymore. I miss it dearly.
I’m sorry, Sydney. That must be very hard. I know I will, too.
Thank you for a lovely, gentle, joyful post. I’ve knitted my whole life too, and torn out lots of rows, but my work is nothing near your level of expertise. Thanks for sharing this today. I appreciate every stitch you shared today and today Will remember fondly the woman who taught me!
I’m so glad I learned to knit. It’s been a constant thread through my life
You look like an amazing knitter! I used to love to cross stitch. I have an old fashioned Home sweet home one I framed that really means a lot to me. Im unable to do it anymore because of arthritis. So great that you are stilling knitting.
I feel very fortunate but I have to pace myself or my hands get sore
I recently saw a quote that said, “I am myself at 16, but loving her this time.” Aging definitely has its benefits, and this is one of them.
Beautiful message. You are very talented. 🥰thank you so much for sharing.
My Mom and Grandmothers tried to teach me to knit. I never found it fun or relaxing, and I was terrible at it., even sewing… But I benefited from my Mom, I had some beautiful sweaters, especially fisherman’s knits. I have friends that just love to relax and knit. I guess some have it and some don’t. Your pieces are beautiful…
That’s very true, Nancy. You’re so lucky to still have her knitting.
Thank you for your musings of the benefits of growing older and recognizing what is important, and what is not. The act of knitting is a wonderful analogy of accepting changes in life, adapting to them, and most of all, keep on keeping on!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Martha
Dear Jennifer, thank you for this wonderful post. I also made my Dad a big chunky cardigan with wool I bought at a yard sale. He loved it and wore it out. In his later life he “ran cold” most of the time. Knitting is a special place for me because it is calming. Usually I can knit even when tired or under the weather. This is usually not true with sewing which I also love but which is much more up and down with stitching at the machine and getting up to iron and trim etc. For those who are new to knitting the Utubers do a good job, but a local yarn shop with a patient teacher can help fix an issue that has you stumped. Thank you for showing all these wonderful projects.
Great idea about lessons at a local yarn store. Plus, you get to meet other knitters nearby.
Lovely knitting, Jennifer. I tried it, but it just wasn’t my thing. Crochet was easier for me ,and easier to correct mistakes. I don’t crochet anymore , but I do quilt on the sewing machine, and have joined a quilt group. Thanks for sharing.
Same, I love this message. My sister has a blue suede blazer my dad wore. He was so handsome. I was visiting my sister last week. I opened the closet and there was the blazer! Made me smile. I took a few moments to remember. Thank you Jennifer.
Beautiful.
Congratulations!!! I still remember a gold vest my
Mom knit for me in grade school! (I am a failure in knitting and can sorta crochet lol)
I still remember the matching green mohair cardigans my mom made us when I was about 7. It was soooo itchy. ❤️
I started knitting about 10 years ago (I’m 74). I took adult Ed classes at our local college. I did it because it made me feel closer to my late mother, who was a beautiful seamstress and knitter. I am not nearly as good as she was. I have developed wonderful friendships with my instructor and several other former knitting classmates. We meet regularly once a week at our local library. Such a wonderful group of women. I mostly stick to hats,
Washcloths, and scarves. Not the natural my mom was, but “so be it.”
Just beautiful Kay! I love your story. Knit on!
Beautiful knitting. I still cannot grasp making socks.
Have a great day.
I’ve made about 10 pairs and disliked all the results.
But I like them!
This article is fantastic. It brings about me sewing and quilting. More importantly it stresses the confidence that comes with age. Thank you.
I just loved this message ( and your beautiful work!) Thank you for sharing…,
My husband and I took a beginner knitting class with the owner of a beautiful yarn store on Whidbey Island a year ago. She was very patient, and we learned a little bit. But then we came home and didn’t finish our potholders. Your post was so enjoyable to read; I feel I need to get my kit out and see if I can have a go at it again. I am hoping maybe I can find an instructional video to get me going again — or a friend to help! The thing I am doing longer and with more joy than I ever thought possible is teaching piano.
Teaching piano is amazing! Check YouTube for Patty Lyons knitting videos.
Congratulations on your new grandson! Knitting for family is a priceless gift. My mom (now 91) still knits sweaters, blankets and toys for all the great-grandchildren and the grown grandkids put in requests for blankets on a regular basis. She is also very particular about her craft and our family joke refers to Mom/Grandma doing “negative knitting”! I enjoyed this post and love seeing the projects you have made.
You’re so blessed to have your mom. Thanks for sharing your story, Susan.
Good Morning Jennifer; As always, a great Monday musings. I admire your patience at making some of these beautiful items. I’m sure so rewarding once finished. For me it’s cooking. A life long passion to create delicious food and the reward is sharing that food around a table with friends and family. Like you and knitting, I learned to cook at a very early age and eventually led me to attend culinary school. I currently share that passion through my food blog to encourage people to cook at home and gather around the table as often as they can. When I receive a comment from someone across the country with any type of sentiment “my family loved it”, my heart feels full.
I love that Lee Ann!
Lea Ann, I would be interested in following your blog. What is it called? Thanks
Yes please share!
Hi Karen, I’m based in Colorado and my cooking revolves around Colorado Comfort food and Southwestern Specialties: https://www.highlandsranchfoodie.com. Thanks for following along.
Amazing, thanks for sharing
Love your stories and your knitting. Simply beautiful! You are inspiring me, at 71, to at least try knitting. So far, a lot of just practicing stitching and frogging. I am using YouTube videos to teach myself.
Look up Patty Lyons. She’s brilliant and has a lot of videos.
As a child I loved crayons, pencils and paper! Starting in 4th grade my parents put me in art class after school. My parents both worked hard and I’m sure it was difficult to pay for this, so very thankful to them! I have never stopped painting or drawing, I’m now 75 and still love it.
That’s wonderful Peg. I’ve tried drawing and painting but the results are dismal. What a beautiful way to express yourself.
Your work is ABSOLUTELY beautiful!!! Your story follows mine — my mother teaching me to sew, up to my showing my grandson how to use the sewing machine! There in lies lots of great memories.
Thanks so much. I love your story Anna
What a sweet column. ☺️
I learned to knit at a young age and remember knitting a few vests. My mom helped me with the cables. She learned to knit from her mother while living in England through the War. She was a lifelong knitter and even taught my brothers when they were confined at home with chicken pox and boredom! Alas, she passed away on 9/22/26 at almost 97. In her later years, her eyesight failed her and she could no longer knit. I have been considering taking up knitting again to pay her homage in a way and to feel closer to her.
What a wonderful story. I think you might really love it!
What was the knitting pattern you used for the baby girl set? It is so cute. By the way, I think you are a very good knitter. The little booties are adorable!
I don’t have a link to the pattern. I think it was from a very old book I have.
Thank you Jennifer for sharing all your knitting projects and wisdom! I totally agree with you about all your attitudes. Great post!
I have hundreds and hundreds more but I only added a few to Ravelry so I found these projects. I wish I had put more on there.
Well said! My Sissy taught me to crochet when I was in high school. Had I realized how hard it was for a left handed person to teach a right handed person, I would have remembered to thank her during one of our last conversations. I’ve learned to read patterns on my own and try a new one for each baby blanket I do but sometimes putting it on hold to go back and start one of my favorites instead. My little grandchildren are using the ones I’ve made….. It warms my heart! I hope you have gotten through your website issues because you’re the one email I truly look forward to reading. I share many with my 35 year old daughter. Life has a way of softening us at times and the wisdom to know when and how to take a stand for ourselves.
Oh Sherry, how wonderful! That warms the heart.
That blanket is beautiful! A keepsake for sure!
You’re inspiring me to continue knitting even though my attempts of 10 years are amateurish.
Oh yes, please continue. It’s so rewarding and perfection is over rated.
I too, have been knitting since I was a kid, and saw so much of myself in this post! Thank you for putting into words what I’ve often thought as I worked on various projects. Thank you, and have a wonderful week!
Susan
Enjoy your week Susan
Lovely read to start my week. Thank you.
You are so thoughtful, loving and giving. I am inspired to start knitting again. I make handcrafted cards – donate them, and give them to friends and family. Keep the good karma flowing!
Your cards sound wonderful.
Oh what is the name of the pixie hat? I love that. I’ve knitted for years as well and recently downsized my stash as it had gotten out of hand. I’m in the mood for a new project to have while watching tv in the evening and this little hat would be perfect.
That pattern is here-https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vintage-pixie-cap-2
I love knitting too – I am part of a group H.O.P.E. Chest (Helping Other People Everywhere) started when a friend who worked at a local yarn shop wanted to lessen her sizeable (huge) stash. Over the years we have made 1,000s (literally) of alllll kinds of items – all donated to charities in our area. We are blessed beyond measure by our fun times circled up laughing, gabbing and “yarning” together!
Your are! I miss my old knitting group.
Thank you for sharing your knitting with us. Your projects are beautiful and heartfelt. <3
that was delightful
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your knitting philosophy as well as the pictures of your knits.
I, too, learned to knit as a kid from my mom. EVERYONE got knitted slippers that year, haha.
Career and starting a family interrupted my knitting for years. I’m back at it since I retired. It’s not only rewarding to gift a hand knit item, but knitting is a real stress buster for me.
Me too. Knitting is so important for getting off screens too.
I love those socks!
I, too, knit and you perfectly described the craft and how it relates to me as I age. Thank you!
Happy Monday