Dear friends,

I retired in 1965. One of my goals was to learn to knit. Now that I'm passably a knitter, a friend and I are going to try to become Master Knitters. We are starting with the Basics, Basics, Basics course. Do you think an old woman (72) will be able to handle all the courses? I'm really excited about doing this, but I'm afraid that I don't have the expertise to do the entire program. Is there anyone else out there like me? Old, a fairly new knitter determined, and a little fearful?

Sincerely,

carolynpitzer@yahoo.com

You are never to old to start. Actually I think new knitters have an easier time with the Basics course--less to unlearn. Self-taught knitters (I was one so I am speaking from experience) can develop some habits which aren't the best.

Arenda

Oh, I'm sure there are many like you. I think you and your friend will have a great time. This message board is a wonderful resource.

WELCOME !

You will have a great time learning the BASICS course. I did, but I didn't have a friend nearby to bounce ideas off of. That is a treasure. Enjoy.

Basics is a wonderful course to get you to REALLY look closely at your stitches and swatches. It is amazing what you can learn.

When your submitted swatches are returned to you after review, you will see where you could possibly improve, or correct your knitting. I was nervous at first with the critique process, but once I received the first group of swatches back, I realized, this isn't a test, it is a learning process. The suggestions and those little pieces of colored thread on your reviewed swatch were a perfect way to get you to look very closely at what you do as a knitter.

Keep in touch, let us all know how you and your friend are doing. If you get to a point that may seem frustrating, keep at it, ask questions. That is when you learn the most. Keep reading these forums and a number of your questions may already be answered, if not, write again, and again, and someone here will be happy to assist you as best they can.

Good luck with the course, and we are all glad you are here.

Carolyn,
I would say that if you feel you can do it, you can do it!

Enjoy the process. You may find after doing the Basics course, that you don't want to continue. Or you may move on to the Master's levels and only do Level 1 or Level 2, or you may go all the way. Just know that everyone here started out a beginner and is more than ready to offer a helping hand (or at least some helpful advice). I'm currently working on Level 2 of the Masters Handknitting and it is going much slower than when I did Level 1, but bit by bit I'm getting it done.

I am also in my seventies and a self taught knitter. I am having to unlearn a whole passel of bad habits. But its fun and I want to go on to the Master Knitter course. Provided, of course that I finish this one before my face falls in my wheaties one morning. LOL

Hi,
I've knitted off and on for many years (more off than on), and now that I'm retired, I'd like to "do it right!" I'm learning so much from this Basics Basics Basics course. I'm having a heck of a time with the lifted increases, however. The first increase (after knitting two stitches) on the row is supposed to slant to the right, correct? Hmmm, I'll try to clear my mind and read the directions again, because mine looks like it's pointing to the NW! Thanks for any suggestions.
Bena

Lifted increases are the hardest for me too. They look o.k. once you get them done, but I will have to practice some more. Hang in there.

Welcome Carolyn
I am quite late at welcoming you but have been down with some bug and now I am off work on leave I am getting caught up.
You are never too old to do anything you truly desire to do. I finished level 1 and just starting to get around to working on 2.
Best of luck to you and welcome.
Ed