When Learning Something New

With the first cool breath of Autumn, many people with a creative bend, often find themselves thinking about starting a new project, or perhaps learning something new.

They long to do something that makes them feel warm and cozy.  But after a couple of weeks they start to become discouraged, or disappointed when the project either does not come out quite like they had pictured, or when it was harder to learn than they imagined.

 

There is a particular conversation that I believe all knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners, cross-stitchers, embroiderers,  quilters, needle pointers, crafters and artists of all kinds have had with a sweet and well meaning soul at least once, or perhaps even a million times.  It just happened to me again yesterday.  It goes something like this:

"Your work is really beautiful, I don't know how you do it! But I could never do that myself.  I just don't have enough patience." Or..."I tried when I was a kid and I learned how to chain stitch...made a pillow...a slipper...granny square.  But now I just don't have the time...it made my hands hurt...they say it is suppose to be relaxing but doesn't it just get you right there  between the shoulder blades?...And, besides it is just too expensive.  Your work is beautiful though!" 

I have always wondered what to say to this.  I'm not going to lie, I really do appreciate the kind praise. I eat it up like fine chocolate. But then really, doesn't everyone like to have their work enjoyed by others. It never gets old and makes me feel good right down to my toes! :)

Yet, I always walk away feeling just little bit uncomfortable too, because I know that there are always people out there that create things with much more intricacy and expertise than I do.  And also, what I have managed to learn, didn't happen over night, and neither do I have some inherent "magical" talent for it. I learned my craft in "spurts".  That stretched over decades.

For many years I enjoyed teaching classes in crochet and beginning knitting. Unfortunately my health does not permit me to do that right now.  

Like so many of us living with chronic pain, life becomes divided into "good days" and "bad days".  And, because I cannot always predict when the "bad days" are coming, at least for now, I have had to cut back on activities which require a time commitment.  I feel so much more at peace now that I don't have that constant "I'm letting everyone down" feeling. 

Over the years I have gained some experience by watching all the different ways, people in my classes learned.  Seeing first hand what worked for some and didn't for others and what ultimately lead to their discouragement.  

*If you have have ever dreamed or thought about learning one of the fiber arts here are a few tips that I have really found to be helpful: 

1.  Start small.  I have noticed that those people who can find joy in making a granny square or a simple scarf of double and single crochet stitches are the ones that succeed.  

I always had my students begin the class with only 2 things.  One skein of less expensive acrylic worsted weight yarn, in their most favorite color.  Never black, and not a color that matches their decorating aesthetic or one they want to wear.  I tell them that I want them to tap into that feeling of excitement and happiness they feel the moment they see it in the store.  It often takes them back to their childhoods and many are surprised by their choice.

But it matters, and it helps when you are first learning.  I also ask them to bring a size H aluminum crochet hook.  There will be other simple supplies gathered along the way, but it's important not to feel overwhelmed at the beginning. 

Those who have come to class carrying a designer bag with $200 of fine wool, wanting to make a queen size afghan...(you would be surprised at how many!)... have always become quickly overwhelmed and give up too soon. 

Never let yourself be talked into investing a lot of money when taking a crochet or knitting class before you find out if you even enjoy it.  There is plenty of time to play with the "good stuff" after you have put a few skills under your belt. :).

2.  Those that succeed: love the practice.  Give yourself time, and take pride in each new  accomplishment.  A universal truth: Anyone you admire, who does something artistic with their hands, no matter what it is, always, always, always, learned through practice. 

And, never judge yourself by what others are able to do.  Realize when you look at pictures on Pinterest or when you see a friend's intricate doily, that you are seeing a "finished product".  

People rarely, if ever tell about, all the many rows they had to rip out.  I have literally pulled out thousands! Crocheters do not display their wonky granny squares, lop sided doilies, the sweaters that pilled up and shrank in the laundry, and the pair of socks with that one lumpy heel, that you feel like a pebble in your shoe with each step. :) 

So never look at someone and think: "Everyone is doing better than I am, I may as well not try".  It's all an illusion. Everyone makes mistakes.  If you don't, you are not learning.

One skill builds on another...

  
No one ever has picked up their knitting needles or crochet hooks that very first lesson and found their "Happy Place".  But if you keep practicing, it will happen and when it does, it well worth the wait.  

There is always something, that I still get really excited about, every time I see it happen to a student.  It's that one day after much practice, when they pick up their work and suddenly find that their hands are working independently of their thoughts.  

It can be compared to someone who can play the piano without looking at the sheet music. They just play from the heart.  This is when the fun of crocheting and knitting really begins.  Trust it.  Because it will happen.  It's called "muscle memory" and it's one of the best feelings ever!  Sometimes we even start knitting our dreams. :)

3.  Patience.  Another universal truth: no one is just born patient.  I truly believe patience is a learned behavior.  Patience isn't an easy quality for anyone to develop, especially in the fast paced world we live in.  But, when we make excuses for not trying to do the things we want to, because "we are not patient", it can lead us to really sell ourselves short. 

It is so much easier to be patient when we  have realistic expectations and can see the fruits of our labor.  That is why starting small  can be a real key to learning something new.   

I have always found it best when learning a new skill such as knitting or crocheting, to pick it up and work on it a little bit every single day in the beginning.  Letting our project sit for two weeks and then spending three hours on it in one afternoon does not usually end well.

You will be much more apt to get frustrated, forget vital steps or make a big discouraging mistake that needs to be reworked.  Your hands and wrists will get tired and your back will grow tense.  

So if you decide to take a class, make sure that you make a little room for it in your life.  Don't just try to fit it in around a crazy, busy life schedule.  Don't let it become "just one more thing" that adds stress to your life.  Treat it as your oasis.  When you pick up the yarn, even if it is only for 10 or 15 min a day at first,  it is "your time".  Like a cup of tea or a bite of a warm sugar cookie.  It is a rest, and a reward.  If you approach it like this you will succeed.  It doesn't matter how long it takes you.

Most fiber art projects involve quite a bit of repetition.  Repetition can also really try our patience at first.  But then a funny thing happens.  Once we get past the learning curve, the repetitive movements actually become relaxing.  Once we start to taste the rewards of patience, it becomes addictive.  That is one of the reasons you see so many people take their knitting with them everywhere they go.  It's more than just fun, it can help a person self-soothe.  It sometimes works wonders for those that struggle with anxiety.  

4.   Last but not least...be observant to how you actually learn.  For some, being in a class environment is not the best.  Perhaps you will do better taking a class on Youtube using videos that you can stop and start at your discretion.  Perhaps you learn better from looking a "how to books".   Or maybe you have a close friend that knows just how to explain it to you so that you understand.  

There are many ways to learn according to our personalities.  I always encourage young ones to reach out to the older friends and family in their lives, sometimes they are happy to share their skills.  Always remember there is no right or wrong way to learn.  

Hold your hook the way that feels natural in your hands and the same with needles.  There are also many different ways to knit.  Find the one that suits you best. For example it is often very hard for crocheters to learn knitting the way we do it here in America.  

Most people are taught what is called an English or American  "throwing" style. But often when a crocheter has someone show them the Continental "picking" style they are able to learn the technique with ease. Don't try to force your hands in an unnatural position.  

"Knitting (crocheting) is a boon for

those of us who are easily bored.

I take my knitting everywhere

to take the edge off of 

moments that would 

otherwise drive me 

stark raving mad."

-- Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

I hope that those of you who are in that "in between" stage trying to decide whether or not to jump into the world of fiber arts that you will give it a try.  Go exploring and find something to do that you enjoy and that expresses who you are as an individual!  You really can do anything if you set your mind to it.
  

With Love, 

Delisa