Knit, Purl....Cha, Cha, Cha

            Over the years my knitting style has evolved.   When I was a beginner at seven years old, I made scarves, blankets for my baby dolls and sometimes a pair of mittens with my mother's help.  For most of my teens and early twenties, I let my needles gather dust, only to pick them up occasionally to make an afghan.  It wasn't until I was in my early thirties that I ever ventured into anything three-dimensional, and that was only after being bored to tears with "knit one, purl one, repeat to the end of the row."

            My first sweater was a boxy mauve mess that I would have been mortified to wear.  Even though I followed the directions and got gauge, I was horrified at how long it took to knit such a hopeless disaster and vowed to never again finish a project that half-way through seemed doomed to failure.  

            Fast forward ten years of experience in learning how to make socks, complicated mittens and adorable hats.  I was perusing a Knit and Style magazine when I came across a fabulous, multi-colored "Cha Cha Jacket."  Reading the instructions, I realized it wasn't hard to make, but it was complicated.  Thus, I set the pattern aside and went back to knitting more socks for another year.  Still, that Cha Cha Jacket intrigued me.  It was a challenge to be met, and whether I could accomplish it or not, I still wanted to see if I had honed my skills enough to attempt it.   I'm happy to say I finished my first Cha Cha Jacket in the winter of 2010 and have since made two more. 

            I wear my Cha Cha jackets often around the house or out and about when I don't mind being frequently stopped by someone who asks, "Did you make that?"   I've learned over the years that knitting in public or wearing an item that blatantly says, "Yes, the woman wearing this made me!" often invites commentary and questions.  (I once taught an entire row of passengers on a flight from Detroit to California how to knit a top-down sock using circular needles.)   The other day I was meeting a friend for a cup of chai and walked into the restaurant wearing my Cha Cha Jacket.  As usual, while I was standing in line, heads turned and someone asked, "Did you knit your coat?"  When I nodded, she said, "I knit, but I could never make that!"

            Since starting Little Lambs for Peace last month, knitters have told me, "They look hard...I don't think I could do it."

            I know how they feel.  I started making toys two years ago and they were tricky at first, but over time and with practice, I've make progress, and isn't that what knitting is all about?  My love of the craft has taught me endurance and patience, the ability to laugh at my many mistakes and the tenacity to challenge myself every once in a while.  Like learning a dance step, knitting something new can be daunting at first, but over time, and with experience, we can all proudly say, "Yes, I made that!"