Why knitting?

Well, it's a long story to tell!

My first contact with active knitting happened when I was six or seven years old. My grand-aunt, Valentina, a very sweet, old woman, knitted all day in her cozy, little room, on a wooden chair besides her little bed. I loved to stay there and listen to her stories, her memories of World War I and World War II... she barely spoke Italian: she used the lovely regional language that gave to her stories a special taste.

The grand-aunt knitted the most wonderful garments. Huge blankets, socks for the whole family, sweaters... all were perfect. Her needles were magic! It all was very fascinating to me. I wanted to learn, but she didn't notice my interest, or she thought I was too young (and a boy). She lent me two needles and a skein, but I couldn't make out how to use them. Also, we didn't visit her too much, so it was in vain. I moved to Spain when I was 11, and saw her only once again, the year before she died, when I was 20. I couldn't ask her to teach me (nor I had the idea of knitting in my head) because she was very thin and could barely take a glass of water. Requiescat in pace, Zia!

Last year I felt the need to find this connection to the past. I bought needles, yarn... and looked for information on the Internet. I found many sources, but it was all a bit confusing. I learned how to cast on and how to knit stitches. A grandmother-in-law taught me how to purl and how to hold the yarn properly, with the aid of the little finger. I was able to do a few experiments, but then the hot summer prevented me from trying anything else.

Now, it's serious. I am really into serious knitting now, although I am a beginner. I would love to share with you all my progresses as I go on learning. I have already done a few baby hats, and did my first hand-knitted present to a relative: everyone was very excited and praised my little hat, and I was so proud! Actually CREATING something and giving it out as a present was such a great feeling. It's sort of addictive :-)

Here is my last sample: I am learning to do Fair-Isle, with two colours (bluette and orange). It looks nice, but it's just a start... I am trying a lace-pattern with nice holes, and the Knitting for Dummies book helps so much! Also, I am loving www.knittinghelp.com. It really helps when you are starting out. I recommend it highly!

Well, here it is :) I hope you like it!