Tag Archives: Learning

Teach so you can learn

4 Jul

I taught my second “Introduction to Knitting” class at The Black Sheep shop in Orlando, FL yesterday and it was, I think, very successful.

When you are teaching a specific skill, evidence the student has learned it is that they are demonstrating that skill.  Though the Purl stitch became the villain of the morning, all three students present – Linda, Lori and Emily – all walked away with rows of garter stitch on their needles, an encouraging start to what I hope will be a lifelong love affair with yarn for each of them.

In “The Martha Rules,” by Martha Stewart, the author mentions as one consideration to “teach so you can learn.”  This phrase came to mind yesterday as I considered the types of questions and challenges that were presented to me by my students.  Each question or each visible display of “artistic license” (this is what I refer to as a mistake in my class) presents me with a new opportunity to figure out how to fix mistakes – and with someone sitting there anxiously awaiting for you to return their project to them so they may continue!

I also saw this concept in action during the time between the first class I taught in May and this one. I took things that worked (and didn’t) and adjusted them in the class.  I enhanced the worksheet.  I approached answering questions with a greater level of confidence.  And I still am far from knowing everything.  Students hold a mirror up to you, and challenge you to continue your own learning to make sure you can, without a doubt, answer that question that stumped you this time around.

The class I taught yesterday introduced a new element for me as well – instructing children.  I don’t have any children in my life (being an only child I am an uncle to no one), nor do I have many friends with children.  I was a bit nervous, but quickly realized I simply needed to treat my young pupil the same as I treat my adult students, providing her with the same amount of attention as the others.  (I also found she was a quick study, and was passing up other students in speed and diligent accuracy).  She also provided wisdom of her own, reminding us to “follow our passion!”

Yesterday, I learned the most important thing to think about in preparing for an upcoming class is that it is going to go well, the people will be nice, and everyone will have fun learning together.  Let the rest unfold.

My journey as a fiber artist – a knitter, spinner and now instructor – continues to elevate my art, to push me to new places and to continue my learning in greater amounts of detail, and for that I am truly grateful.

For those readers who may teach their art as well, what suggestions do you have to make the craft learning experience even better?

One year of BrianKnits.com approaches!

24 Jun

This is not, per se, a post about fiber arts. Indirectly, I suppose it is. But directly, not.

It’s not that I have surrendered my pursuit of the perfect yarn. Quite the contrary in fact!  For now, as you may have seen, I am spinning my own. What I want to explore today is a follow-up to a recent post I offered readers regarding our passions in life, making sure we prioritize and that we make time to pursue them.

In addition to knitting and spinning, the other great passion of my life is writing. That’s one reason why I founded BrianKnits.com (est. July 2, 2009) - it was a response to not having an immediate outlet for writing and self-expression, and I wanted a place to share my learning as I was experiencing it, as well as a place to hear from readers about the things they’ve learned on their respective journeys into the fiber arts.  It was a great way to bring my passionate trifecta together in perfect harmony!

I’m a professional communicator in corporate America by trade, but creative writing, nonfiction or otherwise, outside of work, is a different genre than key message points and communication strategies. BrianKnits.com was born out of my love of the act of writing.

As July approaches, I am reminded that it was nearly a year ago that I started BrianKnits.com.

In that time, I’ve written about yarn stores I’ve visited.  I shared my adventurous visit to Eustis, FL. and Woodfield Ranch, spending a rainy afternoon with llamas, goats and alpacas (Oh, yes!). I heralded my yarn discoveries in yarn stores from New York City to the provincial hamlet of Sonora, California. I even wrote about my continuing experience as not only a knitter, but also a knitting instructor and later, a yarn spinner. A lot has happened in a year, and I’m so grateful to have this site as my outlet to share, as well as to learn.

As I think about the year to come, I hope to bring even more life (and, admittedly, traffic) to BrianKnits.com. As I continue to challenge myself in the skill and project departments, so, too, will that provide me with learning and insight I can then share here.  And know, kind readers, that as I share those insights, I also openly invite your ideas as well!  I would love for BrianKnits.com to be a place to engage in two-way dialogue, and not just one-way commentary.

The success and longevity of BrianKnits.com is inspiring to me.  It represents something that I have consistently, with discipline, carried on for 12 months.  I didn’t give up, even on the nights and weeks where I felt like I had nothing to say, or wondered if anyone really cared about what I was sharing at all.  I’ve learned that those who have visited my site do care, and have been incredibly supportive.

I appreciate everyone who has visited, subscribed, linked and re-tweeted – and I hope that you continue your support as I work to make BrianKnits.com an even more compelling stop on the information highway, and a site that helps others ignite or fuel their own luscious love affairs with yarn.

Craft as meditation

2 Jun

I have to admit that sometimes I allow the dynamics of life to spark a lot of extra thoughts – thoughts including “should be doing” and “could be doing” and peppered with a bit of self-doubt.  Turning 40 has put me in a perpetually reflective space, all for good, though lately, the thoughts have become more critical and tainted with judgment.

Last night these thoughts culminated to the point that by 8:45 p.m. I wanted to do nothing else but just go to bed.  The day had been enough for me and I could take in no more new data, have no additional thoughts, synthesize no new information.  I was done.

I woke up this morning and did some reading on my Kindle that reminded me of basic Buddhist principles which I have read and re-read ever since first discovering them at the age of 19.  My suffering came down to the fact that I had lost focus on the present moment.

It sounds a bit cliche, but is fundamentally true: my thoughts questioning yesterday serve no purpose.  All of that is over and done with and will never be repeated again.  My thoughts of tomorrow only divert my attention from this point in time, the present moment.  It dawned on me: I had been creating my own suffering.

Tonight after work, I came home and started spinning a new bobbin of beautiful Merino wool and as I drafted the fiber and allowed the twist to enter into it with a rhythmic beauty, I realized this not only was an act of creation, but a meditation practice. My attention and energy was fully focused on the present moment – on what was taking place in my hands and on my spinning wheel.

As I allowed the rhythm to take over, I started to pay more attention to my fleeting thoughts and as thoughts similar to those I had unearthed yesterday emerged, I would acknowledge them, let them pass, and focus again on my spinning, the rhythm, the fiber transforming into yarn.  This is meditation.

It was also in that moment I realized that our craft serves many purposes.  Whether it is knitting, spinning, crocheting or weaving – or whatever craft you might enjoy – there can be a sense of purpose, a sense of accomplishment, meditation and even healing discovered in the act of creating something in a pattern, a process, a rhythm.

I have discovered and enjoyed many of these benefits from my knitting and spinning pursuits…and I hope that you also may discover the many wonders awaiting you in whatever your passion and craft may be!

Finding inspiration in uncharted territory

31 May

I recently finished a project that had, for some time, seemed to drag on and on.  It was a scarf (and remind me why am I knitting a ribbed scarf in Florida in May?) and it has taken me a bit longer than usual to complete.  Now, during that time, it’s been a busy Spring season and I also saw the arrival of my spinning wheel, which was a complete diversion from my knitting for a good week or so.  But today, I realized there was more to it, more to why I was, well, getting bored with my project.

Even with the most beautiful yarn, a one or two row pattern is not challenging nor will it entertain you for hundreds and hundreds of knitted rows.

It should be common Knitters’ sense, but I think one of the problems I encountered in this project was that it was just the same thing every row.  Knit the knits.  Purl the purls.  Blah blah blah.  Now, don’t get me wrong, the finished product is beautiful and I’m very pleased with the end result.  But the process, that was a different story.

As I realized the source of my disdain with the project, I also had another knitterly epiphany – I’ve reached the point where I need to add more techniques to my repertoire.  Now, I’m not suggesting overloading oneself with 25 or 30 row patterns of complicated yarn overs and cables.  No, but adding a few things – such as increases – and trying them out for size.

On Ravelry, I found a free pattern by Stephen West entitled, “Boneyard Shawl,” and was immediately captivated.  As I read the pattern I began to get a bit anxious, seeing abbreviations I didn’t understand (let alone knowing how to perform the stitches they represented).  After perusing the details, I found that the 2 new elements were increases, M1L (make 1 to the left) and M1R (make 1 to the right).

And, just as I did when I first taught myself how to knit nearly 2 years ago – I went to YouTube and found demonstration videos for those two stitches.  After a few rows of practice, I was increasing to the left and right with the best of them and the shawl is now officially in progress!  I am finding myself energized, intrigued by the yarn (Rowan Scottish tweed DK in “Lobster”) and as I proceed from row to row, it’s looking just like the pattern photograph – which is a good sign!

The bottom line is that when you find yourself getting bored with projects, it could be a sign to venture off into uncharted territory.  Here are a few ways to do that:

  1. Find patterns with an elevated degree of difficulty from where you are currently performing.
  2. Take time (using books or online resources or Knitterly friends or teachers) to learn new techniques and then find projects in which you can immediately apply your new learning.
  3. Change your yarn selections.  You may find you’ve grown comfortable with specific types of yarn and now you could be tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.  Switch it up, go for something with different colors or textures for visual interest to the project (and for the Knitter).

There’s a right time to take your craft, whatever that may be, to new levels – and you’ll know when that is.  Watch for boredom.  Watch for struggle.  Watch for procrastination.  Then, ask yourself why you’re avoiding the project and the answer will be right there for you.

Happy Knitting (& Spinning)!

A “Matchless” Arrival

20 May

Tuesday saw me take a giant leap deeper into the exciting and fascinating world of Fiber Arts!  I recently wrote about the inspiration for spinning I found at Picasso’s Moon Scrumptious Yarn in Sarasota, Florida, and I have really been wanting a spinning wheel since that fateful visit!  I’m excited and pleased to report that I am now the proud owner of a new Schacht Matchless spinning wheel.  (I have to give props to Nancy at The Woolery for the great customer service and insight!)

First, I must say it was VERY easy to assemble.  Honestly, it arrives in a fair state of assembly already.  Then, I found a video on YouTube of a woman demonstrating how to assemble a Schacht Matchless wheel, so I simply followed those instructions and had my wheel up and running in under 30 minutes.

After getting my beautiful wheel assembled, I pulled out some turquoise corridale fiber to experiment and learn with.  I just started in (while watching Maggie Casey and Eunny Jang’s video, “Start Spinning”), filled a couple of bobbins with spun yarn and came to a few realizations:

Spinning is like patting your head and rubbing your belly.

I found spinning requires attention in three key points at once – the treadles, the bobbin and where the spinning action is taking place.  It is taking some getting used to but I’m working on it.

I think I like Scotch tension better than Double Drive.

I am starting to see a trend with putting too much twist into my yarn (which, I think, means that the tension needs to be turned up so the yarn feeds onto the bobbin quicker).  I just have to remember to give the yarn to the wheel once the right amount of twist has been worked in.

Stop more frequently to check twist in spun yarn.

I need to remember to take frequent breaks to let the yarn wind back on itself to see if I’m putting the right amount of twist in.  It took me a while to realize that I had way too much twist in yarn that had already been pulled onto the bobbin.

When you start pedaling, make sure the wheel is turning in the correct direction for what you are doing.

At various points in my practice, I would start treadling only to notice the wheel and bobbin spinning in the wrong direction (which created tangled messes on the flyer and bobbin).

Don’t rush the process.

I think, at times, I would feel I need to spin quickly because the wheel was turning (forgetting I could simply slow or stop my treadling, get the yarn and fiber under control, then start treadling again) to make even yarn.

I must admit my first two bobbins ended up in the garbage as a tangled mess.  Then, I put things in perspective, taking the process a bit slower, allowing me to spin a bobbin of chunky turquoise corridale wool and another bobbin of chunky chocolate colored corridale – and then, I plied them together!

The end result errs more on the side of art yarn, but I was able to work through the complete process and I gained a bit of confidence and am excited to continue my daily practice to refine my technique.  I still need to wash and set the twist, but I think for a first attempt, I didn’t do too bad.

I learn by doing and am giving myself permission this time around (unlike my first foray into knitting) to make mistakes.  I’m sure the learning experience I’ve had over the past couple of days are not new or groundbreaking; these insights, however, are my first lessons as I begin this exciting next step in my journey as a Fiber Artist.

For you handspinners out there, what have you found to be important points of awareness for beginning spinners?

Teaching my first knitting class

9 May

Yesterday morning marked another milestone in my fiber arts journey – I can now add “knitting instructor” to my calling card.  After an initial warm-up with a private lesson last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to teach my first introductory knitting class at The Black Sheep Shop in Orlando, Florida to three eager and willing students – Cindy, Karen and Stacy.

In the three hours I spent leading this class, I had a few discoveries along the way…

Just because you can fix your mistakes doesn’t mean you can fix others’ mistakes.

Everyone knits differently and as a result, make mistakes a little differently, too.  I had a good realization yesterday that I need to study the construction and form of an individual stitch to a much greater level of detail so that I can put one back together effectively for a student.  (We even had a couple of “do-overs” yesterday because it would’ve taken much more time to try and correct an error than it would to frog the completed rows of the swatch and start over again.)

The most important thing anyone learning a new craft, including knitting, is to give yourself permission to make mistakes.

One clear theme I’ve picked up this week, between the lesson and the class, is that, as adults, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do everything right.  We get caught up on the end result, and by doing so, we miss the enjoyment that may be found on the journey.  Before class began (and with a few reinforcing statements throughout the class), I reminded my students it is important to avoid getting caught up on doing it “perfect” and focus more on simply doing it – actually making the stitches, first one, then another and then yet another.

There is ALWAYS more to learn.

The thing I have also discovered about teaching that I really enjoy is the simultaneous experience of learning.  As I am sharing with students the knowledge and skills I have, through their questions or mistakes, I am also learning how to respond, how to correct mistakes that I would not otherwise be familiar, and am able to benefit from the experiences and stories they share in the class environment.

There is just as much learning as there is teaching when you are the teacher whether it is input from your students, or great feedback you receive afterward from store owners.

I have another private lesson scheduled next week,  and my next class is scheduled for June 26 from 9 a.m. to Noon.  I’m looking forward to continuing work on my projects, and continuing to build up my knowledge so the next class is a little easier, a little richer and just as much fun!

Our knitting nemeses

8 Apr

My friend Karen loves lace, while simultaneously hating it all the same.  She has mastered the art of frogging as a result of her pursuit of lace, and with each colorful ripping her commitment to subduing her knitting nemesis appears to grow in strength and intensity.

I recently wrote about the resurrection of a sock project, and a few days later, I did finish the first sock of the pair.  As I was packing my knitting bag for my trip to California tomorrow, I caught myself a couple of times considering packing straight needles and worsted weight yarn along with my sock project (“in case I get bored,” I told myself).  Upon further reflection, I acknowledged that having only a sock project in my knitting bag makes me, well, nervous.

Nervous in that I know how to knit a sock, and yet there are climactic moments along the journey (heel turn, picking up stitches on the gusset, etc.) that make me sweat at the mere thought.  But tonight, much like Karen, I told myself with firm determination:  ”Brian, you WILL master the art of sock knitting.  Many have come before you on this journey, and you, too, can do it!”

This determination is being driven, in part, by not wanting to be viewed as a one hit knitting wonder, as simply “a scarf man,” to face the evils of gauge and fitted garments, and prove to myself that I can create anything I desire.  It’s also being fueled by the drive I have to continue to develop my art, to take my skills to new levels (despite the frustration and, ahem, occasional rage, that may emerge).  And, frankly, some fuel also comes from the inspiration I get from other knitters who take on amazingly complex projects and end up creating something beautiful!

Whatever our knitting nemesis, we can and will overcome – and we can say that it’s all for the sake of our art.

What is your knitting nemesis?

Sock Resurrection

4 Apr

This being Easter, for those who observe, today’s theme is around resurrection.  In that spirit, I was looking through my active project archive and discovered the first of a pair of socks I started last September that I had all but written off.  With a scarf and dishcloth recently completed, and with a passing comment that gave me pause (“You don’t just want to be known as a ‘Scarf Guy’”), I thought I, too, should embrace the theme of the day and bring my sock project back from the dead.

This is my second pair of socks.  The first pair was completed as an outcome of sock knitting lessons I took at The Black Sheep in Orlando, Florida.  With the detailed written instructions provided by Julie, my instructor, I have been able to successfully reproduce results and to make sense of what many newer knitters consider a more complex project.

I remember my initial exploration into the world of sock knitting and, at first glance, it appeared complicated.  What I have learned is that it is first important to understand the components of how a sock is structured. Then, you can break the simplified components into individual techniques that take you from ribbed top to heel to toe. I have found that by taking a seemingly complex task and breaking it up into smaller, manageable parts makes getting through the process not only more productive, but more enjoyable as well.

What knitting socks has also taught me is that to accomplish anything substantial, one must be perseverant. Much like scarves (only with smaller yarn, needles and stitches), knitting even one sock requires determination and commitment.  Then, just when you celebrate the momentary joy of finishing one sock, you realize the project is only half-complete and an entire 2nd sock is required to see it all through to the end.

Some may ask, “Is it all worth it? For all the time, energy and money you spend on knitting a pair of socks, you could get many pairs at the store!”

These are comments by those uninformed of the ways of us Knitterly folk.  Knitting socks is not about necessarily having the socks to functionally wear (though, in large part it is – and the first time you put on blocked hand-knitted socks, you will not want to take them off!), but it’s about the process of taking on something seemingly complex, taking time to work through all parts of the construction process correctly, and to have the journey culminate with two beautiful socks that fit yours or others’ feet to perfection.

So, to answer the question I would say: Yes, absolutely.

What “Alice in Wonderland” can teach you about knitting

17 Mar

After seeing the new Tim Burton version of “Alice in Wonderland” this past weekend, it got me thinking about knitting and the lessons and connections that could be drawn between the film and the craft.  Here’s what I came up with:

Be wary of big parties.

Being an introvert, I always enjoy smaller gatherings of close friends or knitterly folk to work on our craft and share tribal knowledge with each other.  If you arrive and there’s more than 100 people, many of whom you don’t know, take your craft bag and get the heck out of there!

An unfamiliar space can take you on a great adventure.

Knitting along on a project, discovering a hole in your knitted fabric can bring on the myriad emotions Alice may have felt as she fell through the space in the tree.  It is extremely frightening.  It is mysterious, as you try to figure out what has happened.  It is disturbing, as you begin to realize the only solution is to take your project OFF THE NEEDLES (YIKES!) and frog a few rows.  It is confidence building, for when you’ve done what you need to do, you close up the space and carry on with your journey.

Caterpillars and other creatures are bad news.

Just as I wouldn’t begin to trust Absalom, an opium-smoking purple caterpillar, so too should you not trust any creature with wings or legs near your yarn or beautiful items made of yarn.  I get ill just reading the section in yarn guides about moths, roaches and other mean creatures who munch on your merino or start a suburb in your silk/wool blend.  Should you come across one, especially with an opium-exuding bong, it might be time for a sedative after all.

Follow your instinct.

One of the biggest lessons Alice learns is to trust herself, to believe that she can, in fact, battle the Jabberwocky, and even the demons she faces in “the real world.”  The greatest challenge to learning how to knit is going into it with the belief that you can’t do it.  Have confidence and believe in yourself and your abilities – millions of people have learned how to knit over the centuries, which should tell you there’s absolutely no reason why you wouldn’t be able to figure it out as well!

With these lessons in mind, I wish you Happy Knitting!

A Visit to Woodfield Ranch

28 Feb

Peter Brown and his uncle, Steve Hoban, were gracious hosts yesterday as I dragged three willing companions out to Eustis, Florida to visit Woodfield Ranch.  Besides having a beautiful, spacious home, Peter and Steve also have a beautiful array of animals – including Huacaya Alpacas.

After a tour of the home, we first met a llama and a llama/alpaca mix…one in particular was quite friendly.

We had an opportunity to meet Newton, a beautiful brown baby alpaca, the newest addition to the Woodfield Ranch menagerie…

I learned there are two types of alpacas – Suri and Huacaya.  Suri alpacas have silky, lustrous, hanging locks, and the Huacaya sport a thicker, finer and fluffier fiber.  The alpacas at Woodfield Ranch are huacaya and are of Peruvian origin.

While Peter was putting Newton back in the pen, Steve brought around an adorable Nigerian Pygmy Goat named Farley who behaved more like a house pet than a farm animal…absolutely adorable!

It is a particular challenge to raise and keep alpacas healthy in Florida, primarily because of the heat and also particular parasites native to the region.  It is clear that Peter and Steve have a deep love for the animals they care for, and whether for the reason of maximizing the land on their ranch, or for offering their alpacas for sale or for selling their luxurious fiber to the Weavers Guild of Orlando, they take every effort to keep the animals healthy and happy.

We ventured into the main female pen and took a look at their luscious coats up close.  I found it interesting that, as it had rained prior to our arrival, the top layer of the fur was moist, yet below that, it was dry.  It’s incredibly thick and luscious with a fair amount of crimp.  Certainly the younger alpacas sport a more notable crimp than older alpacas – but all of it was incredibly soft.

We went in to the barn to see where the shearing process takes place.  Alpacas are normally sheared once per year; however, to keep the animals comfortable in the Floridian summer, Peter and Steve shear their alpacas twice per year.  A rotating table is used to prepare the alpacas for shearing – with the table tilted vertically, the standing alpaca is stood next to the table and then strapped to it to ensure its safety.  Once secured, the table is tilted horizontally and the shearing takes place.  Although it is not something the alpacas appear to enjoy, it does not cause them pain and again, their safety is the first priority for Peter and Steve.

We reviewed fiber samples from three different colored alpacas at Woodfield Ranch…all absolutely luxurious, each with their own unique nuances and texture.

And I was excited to not only walk away with these three samples of the fibers available from their alpacas, but as we finished our visit, Peter presented me with another large bag of alpaca fiber that is destined to propel me into a new budding obsession, in addition to knitting…spinning my own yarn!

It was a fun and educational visit to learn all about and meet the beautiful creatures that share their fiber to make wonderful yarn with which we can create luxurious garments.

Thanks, Peter and Steve, for a wonderful afternoon at Woodfield Ranch!

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