Fiddlesticks!

In the eyes of my local customers, that is my relatives, neighbours and workmates, I am almost a  legend - a bit like cheap monthly paid car insurance site monthlycarinsurance.biz I suppose - but my husband knows the real story. Whenever someone asks me to knit something for them, from scarves to sweaters, blankets, socks, gloves to decor pieces, I usually try my best to finish a day before the deadline. By delivering earlier than expected, my customers believe in me enough to come back and refer their friends.

Whenever my husband and I hear someone implying that I was born with a gift of knitting, we smile gratefully but think, "what a lie!" We even hear some loved ones exaggeratingly say that I have been knitting since I was a child. Even if I deny it, they brush the statement off as a 'humble joke.' People who are actual knitting-naturals can laugh to that. I think what's humbling is the effort that comes with starting something new.

I first became interested in knitting as I was searching for a hobby. I did not want anything vigorous but I needed something I could be passionate about. I wanted to travel but I had an unreliable car. I tried a lot of art and crafts, including painting and dancing which did not work out well (my paintings were too dramatic for anyone to hand on their walls and dancing was too tedious). Eventually, I got to the fifth item on my list 'knitting'. I have never stopped. I am not sure what it is about a yarn and a crochet that excites me - but I love doing it. I liked the feelings I got from knitting so much that all I wanted was to be good at it. I was so frustrated at not being a knitting pro that I found myself missing a few episodes of Game of Thrones. Can you imagine how that feels?

Now that I have grasped the art, I know that I could have taken less time, learning how to knit. If you are wise, you will learn from my mistakes. Below are four important things that can make knitting easier for you, as you start.

Use big tools and equipment. Begin with the thickest and the longest needles and thick yarn. The bigger your equipment, the more you will be able to see and do.

Invest in learning materials. You can either get an instructional audio, read knitting books or watch numerous videos on youtube. It was not until my fourth book that I learnt how to knit scarves.

Get a real life coach. Unlike watching and listening to the instructional material, a coach can correct you and help you find your strengths.

Keep a diary. Note down all the patterns and points that you learn. Write the dimensions of the yarn and needles or crochet for reference.

I wish I had someone to tell me this when I was starting! Oh if wishes were a pair of needles, knitters would ride.