Tricoter = to knit
I am back at school two mornings a week trying to improve my conversational French . My first assignment was a five minute presentation on a useful habit I have. I chose knitting because, although I've only recently got out my needles again since a break in the summer (note to self: knitting socks at the pool during 40C weather leads to many mistakes and eventual frogging) I am in love with the idea of knitting. I think it's the ultimate hobby. Here's a rough translation of what I tried to say (with far fewer mistakes in this version I suspect):
It's creative - let's face it, to the uninitiated making anything wearable out of wool is impressive and most importantly, unique.
It's challenging -I love the accomplishment of working out how to do a new stitch. I'm very nerdy like that. I finally worked out how to do a twisted rib on a sock cuff this week. It only took me two years.
It's deceptively easy - all that K2, SSK, K2tog, K3 YO K1 stuff is actually very straightforward once you're brave enough to just have a go. I know many accomplished knitters who are scared of knitting in the round and I can fool them into thinking that I'm extra smart because I once watched a youtube video that showed me how.
It's relaxing - I really switch off when I knit and find it very useful when I want to be distracted from the mundane things in life like cooking dinner, helping children with homework etc. It never ceases to amaze me how long you can get away with "Just a minute, Mummy just has to finish one more row...".
It's practical - you can knit virtually anywhere (although not at an outdoor swimming pool during a heatwave - see above), I have knit at the skating rink, on the bus, in the car, in the Dr's office, waiting for my tires to be changed to name a few.
I could have added something about how special it is to give someone a knitted gift but I didn't because as I have previously alluded, I am a selfish knitter and keep it all to myself thank you very much.
On the needles so far, are these socks and this cowl. What about you?
knitting is great ~ I want to do some soon...
btw, that's a gorgeous cowl you're knitting !
Posted by: Rachel | September 30, 2011 at 09:17 PM
I leave the knitting to my daughter. She's already better at it than I could ever be and she knits at every opportunity...it really turns heads at her school! :o)
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | October 01, 2011 at 05:31 AM
Yes! I remember seeing her socks! Very impressive - does she work it all out herself or does she have someone to teacher her?
Posted by: Lina | October 01, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Super! Veux-tu pratiquer ton français avec moi :)
Posted by: Claudia | October 01, 2011 at 09:08 AM
I lurve that cowl - and hooray for you improving your French - c'est fantastique!
Posted by: domesticali | October 01, 2011 at 02:46 PM
French? Oh dear that' s much trickier than knitting!
(must knit that cowl too, tres bien)
Posted by: monica | October 02, 2011 at 03:10 AM
Learning something new seems to sit well at this time of year, new school year and all that. I'm learning to make a website at the moment, knitting is much more fun!
Posted by: French Knots | October 04, 2011 at 04:36 PM
Since learning how to knit, I have discovered I can't live without it. I love socks, but I am a bit of a stitch nerd, too.
Posted by: Laura | October 06, 2011 at 09:20 PM
I like that knitting makes me slow down. I can only go at a slow and steady pace and I find it calming. It helps switch my brain back into a less frantic speed.
As for French, well, it wasn't one of my better subjects in school...
Posted by: UK lass in US | October 08, 2011 at 01:19 AM
I'd say the same about crochet !
and I'm learning how to be a shelfish crocheter -- it is not perfect yet but i'm on the (good) path.
I have free & unlimited phone to Canada if you'd like an extra practice of French -- and I wouldn't mind some English practice either ! :D
I'm green with envy (in a good way) that you can knit socks !!!
Posted by: un arc-en-ciel dans le lavabo | October 10, 2011 at 05:20 PM