7 March 2011

unschool monday :: unschooling me

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It seems like ages since I applied myself to learning something new. I think I've been content with watching the owlets potter along on their learning journeys. I've learnt about them as they have grown and challenged me in so many ways... but I can't say I've picked up a new skill of my own for a while. Last monday I wrote that it was time I got back to the crafty stuff, both for my own benefit and for the owlets. It keeps things interesting around here when there's new stuff happening. So I'm knitting.

I actually studied knitting at university. But perhaps I didn't listen, or I wasn't interested, or I was too busy dreaming about Huz... I don't remember much of it. I remember struggling with the knitting machine, vaguely enjoying the results and being shocked when the teacher suggested I pick knitting as my major. I politely declined and then ran off to print stuff... then got a job as a sock designer, working with knit for about 10yrs. But I still can't knit. Not anything beyond garter stitch anyhow. Actually I knit garter stitch quite well now, having had lots of practice. So here I am with CIRCULAR needles, learning how to knit something more than a square.

I borrowed a bunch of books from the library, much to the interest of the google-age owlets. I've had a look around blogland and youtube and I think I'm ready to knit. Something. I anticipate much stopping and starting and growling as I try to follow a pattern, then change it to make it my own because much like big owlet, I don't usually like following the instructions to the letter. I've got lots of mentors around me too should I need. All the vital ingredients for any unschooling adventure. It should be interesting. And hopefully practical. I'm planning on knitting something for this tiny one...

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Because she's small, so it should be quicker. She's also growing hugely, and quickly, so I need to work fast (I always work better with a deadline). And because she needs clothes. By the third owlet, the clothes just seem grottier and none of them fit. *sigh* So we begin again.


9 comments:

  1. Good luck! I shouldn't tell you I find knitting the smaller things more fiddly because of the smallness, huh? :) Lovely color you've chosen, too.

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  2. Ooh, i just picked up my circular needles again too - and i've already started something and taken it apart twice! lol! You are infinitely more crafty than me though, so i'm sure you'll succeed...i might stick to a simple hat for now, but i need DPN's too!..it's all too hard!
    BTW - your link adding gizmo is set for next week! xx

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  3. Yay! Go you! Nothing better than mastering the circular needles and knitting stuff WITHOUT JOINS.

    I used to think smaller was better to aim at too. Though those littlest anklebiters grow so quick. Now I think "hmn...if I knit for the eldest, then there's a handmedown for the youngest". A logic of sorts.

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  4. I can relate to the not being able to follow instructions to the letter thing. I always can't help but try and change things - even if I have no idea what I'm following :)

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  5. I don't use DPNs, EVER! read up on how to use 2 circular needles to knit in the round for small projects and save yourselves a world of trouble people! LOL.

    btw I taught myself to knit and crochet from books from the library too :)

    I prefer smaller stuff because I am impatient and lose interest if it's not progressing fast enough, hehe.
    Big fan of instant gratification!

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  6. I pulled my square of knitting out last week and thought how I really should learn how to 'properly' knit one day, you know something other than a square or scarf lol I also thought its time for scarf season soon so I better get onto it!

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  7. I'm halfway through a scarf. Seem to have mastered the garter/ pearl stitch thing...if a little messily. I would love to attempt the circular knitting soon, but it does scare me. But it is a huge incentive when you have littlies to knit for!

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  8. I love that green yarn.

    Possibly my favourite thing about home ed is that we all get to learn, not just the kidlets. Having finally figured out how to bake bread, I've got a few more things to learn on my list.

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  9. Hi...I just linked here from "50 Best Blogs in the Unschooling Movement." Lovely blog. We are unschoolers...in SW Ontario, Canada.
    Nice to "meet" you. :)

    I love knitting. I've been at it for years and years and really couldn't imagine life without yarn and sticks. :) Can't wait to see what you knit up; that green is gorgeous. ~Debbie

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