How Long Have You Been Knitting?
Wednesday April 18, 2007
We're all at different stages in this knitting journey, of course, but I thought it would be interesting to know how long you all have been knitting. And if you fal in the forty-plus-years category, I'd love to hear more about how long you've been knitting and how you got started.
Poll:How long have you been knitting?
Poll:How long have you been knitting?
- Six months or fewer
- Six months to a year
- Between one and two years
- Between two and three years
- Between three and five years
- Between five and ten years
- More than ten years
- More than twenty years
- More than thirty years
- More than forty years
Comments
What does “work 1 st. rev st-st(=P RS rows ;k WS rows) beside chain selvedge. What is a chain selvedge?
I started knitting for my dolls when I was about 10 I am know nearly 61. I can’t remember being taught how to knit but my mother used to knit me little suits and jumpers in the 1940’s. I have learnt a lot from knitting books and just trying things out. My favourite yarn at the moment is eyelash yarn so soft and warm and the compliments you get for such an easy and quick knit. I am knitting for my two and a half year old granddaughter at the moment in readiness for next winter. I am using patterns from the early to mid 1900’s very interesting but sometimes difficult to match yarn and needle sizes as most are american and I live in the UK. If you have just started knitting keep on going it will keep you happy for many years and you will never be without something to wear. Christine
I will celebrate my first knitting anniversary on April 23, 2007! My only regret is that I waited so long to pick it up (I’m 41).
My aunt has been knitting for over 60 years–her aunt taught her when she was about 8. She has knitted for four generations of her family!
Goodness, it is 53 years this year. I started at a very early age, 4, and have knit so long that I don’t remember learning to knit on dpns. I will learn and try any new technique that comes along and discard those I don’t care for. I take workshops as I can because there’s always something new to learn and someone else’s perspective on things.
BTW, Gail, what that’s telling you is that you have one stitch on each end that is an edge stitch and on rows you are expected to knit you slip your first stitch (selvedge stitch) and purl the next stitch, then knit the remaining stitches. On the purl side rows, you slip the first stitch and knit the second and purl the remainder.
My Dad was in WWII and learned to knit then. He taught me when I was 8. I made a lot of very lopsided scarves for a long time until I picked the skill up in earnest when DS told me that I was going to be a GRANDMA. Sweaters flowed after that. Which reminds me…I should make the little one another sweater now that he is three and getting bigger.
I learnt to knit from my mum when I was 5 – she came from a long line of knitters that knitted more out of necessity really. As New Zealanders there was always plenty of wool but Mum said that they only ever has 4ply to use until much later on. I’ve knitted for over 40 yrs now and go through different styles – at the moment I’m into textured patterns and am doing a lacey jumper for myself. I’ve taught my daughters to knit also so hopefully they’ll eventually pass it on.
My mother taught me when I was about 10 years old. I taught myself to crochet when I was about 16 and did that for years. I returned to knitting about 6 years ago and love doing it! I recently checked with my mom and her grandmother taught her to knit when she was about 10 years old, too.
I’m only 22, but I’ve been knitting since I was 7 (albeit badly!), when my mom taught me, so its been over ten years for me! I stopped for a couple years while I was a teen, but I’ve been going knit crazy for the last 3-4 years… I even taught my best friend how to do it, and now she’s just as obsessed as me!
My mother tried very hard to teach me how to knit when I was nine or ten, but it didn’t take. Right after I graduated, I got an apartment with a school friend who taught me how to knit and purl, decrease (badly) and I made an extremely awful sweater. There were many breaks before I picked up knitting again in earnest, and taught myself some everything else, and am now knitting on two or three projects at a time on an ongoing basis. I’m now 67, so I guess I’ve been knitting for close to 50 years off and on. I belong to a weekly knitting group that meets at a large yarn store (mail order world wide with a local shop), so my yarn stash is never-ending.
I have been knitting since November of 06. I had to teach myself since I dont know anyone who knits. I have always wanted to learn and I had a really hard time in the beginning because I just had to figure it out on my own. Thank you for all the wonderful websites that give advise, tips and pictures for those of us who can’t just ask someone to show them. Needless to say I have caught on wonderfully! I also think that it is really unfortunate that these skills are not passed on to young girls very much these days. My daughter (13) has recently learned to crochet from my mother but I don’t know many other girls her age who are being taught these wonderful crafts.
I’ve been knitting heavily lately, but off and on for quite a few years. I started when I was 19 or 20 when I lived by myself in the Adirondack Mtns. of NY.
My mother taught me at 6, then retaught me at 17 as a senior in high school. I am 55 now. I have knitted more in the 6 years, since my mother has died, than I ever did before. I think it is a way to remember her and keep her close.
I taught myself how to knit when I was 13 years old. My mother did some knitting, but mainly crocheting, but refused to teach me how so I bought a book and learned for myself. I thought then and still think now that knitting is the most fun and creative and relaxing. The first thing I ever made was an afgan for my grandmother. It was how I learned to knit. I did 12 rows and 25 stitches across in knit purl and then did 12 rows and 25 stitches in purl knit until it was long enough(and I was sure I knew the basic stitches). I sewed the panels together and gave her an afgan she used on her bed every winter until she died in 1982. I now have that very afgan and have such wonderful memories associated with it.
I knit, crochet, cross stitch and cro-hook and I taught all of them to myself over the years. I’ve been kniting now for 55 years and hope to keep at it for another 55 years.
I have been knitting for 54 years (I’m 62). I was taught by my godmother (owned a yarn shop), and I taught my own classes at age 12. First project was an afghan of squares done in different stitches – gauge anyone? I design and teach knitting, and do crochet, cross-stitch, needlepoint, tatting, and sewing/tailoring as well.
When I was in 4th grade, our (somewhat militant) teacher would read to us at the end of the day if we had all our work done (and woe be unto anyone who did not have their work done). We were expected to sit with our hands folded. Then she had the great idea to teach us all (boys and girls alike) to knit while she was reading to us. We all brought in size 5 needles and “wool” (the only yarn readily available in those days – 1944). We all knit 5″ garter stitch squares as she read to us. At the end of the year she sewed together all the squares and we gave the resulting blanket to the local VA hospital. I’ve been knitting ever since!
I taught myself when I was pregnant with my now 40yo son. Since I taught myself from a book laying on my lap I have a technique that isn’t the norm…but nothing I’ve ever knit has fallen apart! I knit for my family and do lots of blankets, afghans, caps, scarves for charity. Also, got my church started knitting bandages for Global Health Ministries. They are very needed in 3rd world countries.
My Grandma lived with my family while I was growing up and she taught me how to knit when I was 13.I’m now 59.I remember knitting a row and pearling back and it seemed that in each row there was something I had to have Grandma “fix” for me. When I was married and left home and didn’t have Grandma around any more, I bought myself a good “learning to knit” book and taught myself everything else by trial and error. I remember not owning a stitch holder or even really knowing what it was for, so I did some improvising and used a diaper pin. My most challenging project has been a baptismal dress, booties, bonnet and blanket for my third grand-daughter. I bought the yarn and very intricate pattern for the first grand-daughter but didn’t finish the project until the third came along. The subsequent seven (boys and girls) have worn it as well. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment after this project was finished. However, I had to be by myself in another room without tv, telephone, or interruptions counting every single stitch with the pattern book and pencil in my lap. I usually have several projects going on at the same time. Some “no-brainers” to do while riding in the car or in front of the tv and some more challenging where I need to keep track of rows and patterns. I’m looking forward to retirement when I can have my knitting bag with me all the time and my cat in my lap as well.
I first learned to knit in the Girl Scouts and have knitted ever since, so I guess that would be around 63 years. I didn’t knit all those years as I worked and didn’t have alot of time, but then we started knitting classes at Sears and I decided to take those. My main projects are knitted afghans for my family, but I have also knitted sweaters. It is a great hobby and relaxing.
I asked my mother to teach me when I was about 9 or 10. She knew how to do everything! knit, crochet, embroider, sew etc. Though she made a lot of clothes for us she thought the other skills were old fashioned!!! I knit a l ot for years, took up crocheting in my 40s and didn’t knit much although I liked the looks of knitting better. With 4 children I found it easier to knit. Now, I am back! I knit for my church boutique, for charity and for my family. I, too, remember when there was only 4 ply, fingering and sock yarns.
I started knitting at age 4 at home – self-taught as far as I can remember – I started with a Knitting Nancy doing French knitting, making tubular scarves for dollies, etc.
We were taught at school in those days but I already knew how, so soon progressed, i have knitted for the Womens Home Industries, Artwork, rowan, Debbie Bliss, Wensleydale, etc.
During the war I was a wireless operator in the WAAF, and while on “listneing watch” knitted balaclavas, mitts, scarves etc for the Forces. Khaki, navy and Air Force Blue wool was off coupons, so you could get as much as you could use. I also knitted striped things with darning wool – long strips all joined together as any other yarn was on ration.
I am now 82 – my latest project is a shawl in Kid silk for my daughter to wear at her son’s (my Grandson’s) wedding in December.
I was taught to knit by a woman I worked with 47 years ago. She made the most beautiful suits for herself and I was quite envious. I asked her to teach me, never dreaming it would become my lifelong passion. I knit for family, friends and gifts for co-workers new grandchildren. I’m never without a project or two or three going on at the same time. My yarn stash probably rivals a small yarn shop. I’ve taught a few people to knit along the way and delight with seeing a good finished product. I hope all of the new knitters who responded will enjoy this pastime as much as I do. My daughter never caught the bug, but I’m hoping one of my four granddaughters will continue the tradition.
My Aunt Margaret taught me to knit when I was nine and I’m 52 now. I couldn’t quite get the hang of it and left it for many years. Then one day I put down my crochet and decided to give knitting another try. With my Coats & Clark instruction book we succeeded. Now I’m a knitting hound. My last item was a houndstooth dog sweater with a rib stitched collar.
Aloha! Your poll made me laugh because I have been knitting since I was 8, 55 years ago. My grandmother taught me, and I, in turn, taught one of my granddaughters during the Christmas holidays. She just turned 6 and took to it like a duck to water. I had thought she’d be too young, but maybe she’s just brighter than I was at that age. I can’t wait to see if she will follow in my footsteps. I’ve made everything from toys to clothing to cell phone “pockets” and also crochet just as much. My hands are busy every day, and I have always loved the satisfaction it gives me.
Aloha, Bonnie, The Happy, Crafty Lady on Kauai
I have just celebrated my 80th birthday
and I have been knitting on and off since I was 18 when a neighbor tried to teach me. What a fiasco! Every time I tried to make a stitch my wrists would crack. I gave up and took up crocheting which was much easier for me. But when I got married my husband wanted an Aran sweater and I found it much easier to knit and Ive been knitting ever since. I enjoy it so much. I love working with wool. The colors available are so beautiful. My only complaint is that the manufacturers are spinning more bulky yarns and less of the lighter weight yarns.
My husband was in the Military back in 1964, we had been married only a few years when we left for Germany, as he was away quite a bit on exercises I got lonely so I bought a ” How to Knit ” Book I did fine untill I decided I was ready to knit a sweater luckly I had met a friend who could knit very well and helped me get the job done ! I`ve been knitting since.
My mother taught me to knit when I was 4 yrs old. I’m now 64.5 yrs. old.
I started knitting leper bandages out of crochet cotton, progressed to afghans, sweaters, scarves, and now designing my own baby blankets and scarves. Every year I do several projects for carities like premie caps, and chemo hats.
When I was 11 (1963) we lived on the prairie in a town of 250, far from any large town. That winter, it snowed and snowed so no one could leave to go anywhere so the local general store stocked yarn, needles, and supplies and gave free knitting lessons. I took from a lady in the evening and mother took from a lady in the afternoon, we knit completely differently. I started a vest from a magazine, knitting only during blizzards. By the time I finished it when I was 14, it no longer fit! I still have that beautiful maroon wool in balls in my stash. Knitting has brought me years of pleasure and comfort.
When I was 10 (1955) my mother taught me how to knit. I liked sweaters and we couln’t afford much so I made every color possible and yarn back then was very cheap. To this day I make sweaters for my granddaughtersand I’m 61 years old. My mother was always knitting or crocheting all the time. My mother was making lap afghans in the nursing home where she was living one month prior to passing away at the age of 95. I have kept the last two she made. I have taken pictures of items and made a book of who got what from whom. My sister also has been knitting for over 40 years. I quess it runs in the family, but our children don’t seem to have the interest we had. I work on something every day to relax.
I’ve been knitting for nearly 70 years and I’ve never made anything for myself! I leqaned when I was nearly 6and have been teaching, designing and doing commissions ever since, darned near. When I was ian actress I knit sweaters for my husband between “takes” in Hollywoodand during intermissions back stage on Broadway. Knitting is tyhe most wonderful way to teach one patience and it can be wonderfully creative.
Delighted this morning to find all you fellow enthusiasts. 83 years ago,in 1924 an aunt taught me knitting. First I made booties for babies, then aged 8, one sock on four needles for my father, (a school project). Mum made the second! My first two jumpers at age 10. By 1935 I was knitting orders for a local craft shop because, like most others in the long depression, father was unemployed and I needed pocket money. In 1949 my husband, two children and I migrated to Australia. After lots of knitting, three babies and house building in Adelaide, I decided it would be cheaper to spin my own wool. Lots of sheep here! I ended up being a judge of hand spinning and knitting at the annual local Royal Show, resigning only because of ill health in 2001. I’m still knitting and crocheting rugs for charity but less now because I’m ‘mad’ about quilting too. Looking forward to more stories. Knitting can soothe you for a long life! Cheers. Mary.
My grandmother taught me to knit when I was about 6 so that was 1947 or 48. She taught me in German (which I have now forgotten). I am now 65 and I think of her every time I make a mistake and want to leave it in saying I’m the only one who will know and granny said ya, you and god.
I learned to knit when I was about 13-14 from my Home Economics teacher. I had a hard time finding mittens to fit me well so I had a chance to learn. When I finished them, I said I’d like to learn how to knit a Norwegian sweater. I was promptly told that’s not possible since I wasn’t Norwegian by some of my classmates. It took a while but I did learn how to do that and have never stopped learning. I am now in my 70’s. I just love it.
I learned when I was around 11, can’t remember if it was in girlscouts, a neighbor or taught myself. Didn’t do much of it then but picked it up again when I was around 30 and did quit a bit of it for about 10 years and didn’t knit at till early in 2004 and have been knitting like crazy ever since. I very much regret not knitting all these years and am not sure why I quit. I teach myself new things.
I was taught when I was about 7 by my Irish Grandmother and later my Mother. At first it was just small squares in various colours then my Grandmother taught me how to make tea cosy’s. I knitted them in stripes and also squares in a type of Fair Aisle (you carried the wool across the back). At 14 I started my first jumper, a beautiful grass green (it’s my favourite colour) which I never finished. My mother eventually pulled it undone and I ended up making her a vest from it in the 1970’s. It looked great and she loved it and wore it everywhere. I started knitting again when I was having my first baby who has just turned 34. I have not stopped knitting since and have 2 other children, 31 and 29 as well as 8 grandchildren who I have knitted countless jumpers and cardigans for over the years. I now knit for other people as well and love it.
I can remember my mother knitting her skirts and tops She passed away when I was six and was placed in a boarding school , the yard teacher as we called her was always nitting and offered to teach as I was always watching and asking questions, so started my knitting at 8 years. Am now in my 60`s and always have two or three projects going. Never sit down without my knitting at hand. Knit mainly for family and friends and now that I am retired everyone gets to give me their requests . What a great way to keep busy and active.
i had learnt knitting in school since 1953 and just love to do it—knitting gives me so much relaxation and a mental peace–i am now entering the 54th yr of my knitting—still love to knit and try new designs
Taught myself to knit in early 60’s. Children learned, when they were big enough to carry things for me, that if they got my knitbag rather than my purse they were certain to go with me!
Though much knitting is now being done for grandchildren to use/wear, I enjoy the challenge of knitting lace items and hope children and grandchildren will feel that some of them are worthy to be considered as special keepsakes to pass on to their children and grandchildren. Time will tell.
I learned to knit when I was about 11. My Aunt Bertha taught me to make scarves. She knit mittens for me. She was a wonderful knitter – even knit a coat once. I have picked it up and put it down over the years, but in recent years have begun making sweaters and following more ambitious patterns. I find knitting is like a meditation.
Learned rudiments of what to do with knitting needles near age 10. Still have the Hero’s bought for me.
Fast forward to fall 1949. Nursing School roommate knitting socks for her male relatives as Holiday gifts.
Willingly agrees to help others of us to do the same.
Would you believe argyles?
After splitting yarn doing and redoing the cuffs more times than could be counted, the socks were finished in time for presenting.
Have to admit to being a selective knitter. Will pick up needles as the need presents.
Last projects were a po sweater for daughter in 2005 and scarves for granddaughters in 2006.