3 Tips for Learning to Knit

Cozy wool in saturated colors. Smooth bamboo needles. A rhythm that calms the mind. Wherever you are is where you should be. This is the Zen of knitting. We knit because we want to. Not because we need more sweaters or washcloths. If you approach knitting with ease and breath you will see a ripple effect in your life. Knitting gives you permission to sit. When you knit there are no deadlines. It is you, the needles and the yarn.

The trick to learning to knit and sticking with it is to be realistic and take on projects that fit into your life. At times you will
want more challenge while other times in your life will call for merely knitting square swatches.

If you want to learn to knit. Keep these three tips in mind because it is easy to pick-up the needles and start a
project. The hard part is keeping that project from gathering dust.

1. Start small. Take on manageable projects. These may be as simple as potholders or cell phone covers (the perfect gift for the friend who doesn't really need anything).

2. Knit a bit. Fill the little bits of time in your day by knitting just a tiny bit. We are busy people, so it is good for the soul to stop and knit a row or two. You could liken it to smoker's break for non-smokers.

3. Satisfy the senses. Buy materials that you enjoy holding. Spoil yourself with the good yarn. You can often find
it on sale. But, make certain it is a color and texture that pleases you. Do not skimp on the yarn because you are learning. Buy needles that feel good in your hands, too. Bamboo makes a beautiful, smooth needle.

Finally, a great book that will walk you through casting on to nice patterns is "Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook." It is a
knitting book with an attitude. It is fun to read, but more importantly the instructions are crystal clear. It even has a cute pattern for a cell phone cover.

"Breathing in I calm the body, breathing out I (replace smile with knit)." Not to make light of Thich Nhat Hanh's beautiful
words, but when you pick up those needles you may find yourself in the zone.