Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease - Oatmeal
Needles: Size #5 dps
Pictured are my instructional socks. The pattern has been adjusted for larger needles. The first one was knitted some time ago while I was trying to teach my older daughter, Amy, how to knit. I was in no hurry to complete these socks as they are quite thick for my shoes or my boots. Besides I suffer from the dreaded “SSS”. You know, the one more commonly known as “Single Sock Syndrome”.
The pattern may look familiar to you. I think this is the 5th pair I have knitted in either worsted or fingering weight. It’s an easy pattern to remember and a free one at that.
My first formal sock knitting class ended a couple of weeks ago. To be paid money to do something I truly enjoy was “like having my cake and eating it too”. Oh, I’ve been rewarded with gift certificates, yarn , roving, etc. from friends that I have taught and I was delighted with those gifts. However, to actually see my class listed in the local town brochure was exciting.
I had only three absolutely delightful women as students. The three were at various skill levels. The goal was to complete one sock over four sessions while learning proper cast on, increases, decreases, picking up stitches, and the scary (not) Kitchener stitch.
I wish I had thought to bring my camera with me at the last class. One gal who had a slower start, frogged her sock, started again but did not knit in the round till two inches down the leg actually completed her sock five minutes before “quitting time”. The look on her face as she tried on her sock was priceless. She was absolutely beaming with pride.
And I got paid for all of this!!! (Handsomely, I might add.) It was definitely a win/win situation.
The women want me to teach another class which probably won’t start again till January. They offered to come to my home to give private lessons. Yikes, I would be stressed doing the house-cleaning bit before each class. You know the drill!!! Why fold laundry now and put it away when I can knit. It’s one of the hazards of living alone.
I am busy putting together information for another class. I can’t wait.
Happy Knitting!
The pattern may look familiar to you. I think this is the 5th pair I have knitted in either worsted or fingering weight. It’s an easy pattern to remember and a free one at that.My first formal sock knitting class ended a couple of weeks ago. To be paid money to do something I truly enjoy was “like having my cake and eating it too”. Oh, I’ve been rewarded with gift certificates, yarn , roving, etc. from friends that I have taught and I was delighted with those gifts. However, to actually see my class listed in the local town brochure was exciting.
I had only three absolutely delightful women as students. The three were at various skill levels. The goal was to complete one sock over four sessions while learning proper cast on, increases, decreases, picking up stitches, and the scary (not) Kitchener stitch.
I wish I had thought to bring my camera with me at the last class. One gal who had a slower start, frogged her sock, started again but did not knit in the round till two inches down the leg actually completed her sock five minutes before “quitting time”. The look on her face as she tried on her sock was priceless. She was absolutely beaming with pride.
And I got paid for all of this!!! (Handsomely, I might add.) It was definitely a win/win situation.
The women want me to teach another class which probably won’t start again till January. They offered to come to my home to give private lessons. Yikes, I would be stressed doing the house-cleaning bit before each class. You know the drill!!! Why fold laundry now and put it away when I can knit. It’s one of the hazards of living alone.
I am busy putting together information for another class. I can’t wait.
Happy Knitting!
I am so excited that your class went so well. The socks are awesome looking and look like they could be for either a man or a woman :), where did you find the free pattern?
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about why fold the clothes when you could knit or spin :P. Yes, it's something we couldn't get away with if we had a spouse. But we don't so, hehehe.
Blueberry waffles to go with your genuine Vermont maple syrup on a crisp fall morning. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that woman finished the sock in class after all the trouble getting started! You both must have felt so accomplished.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That is just wonderful. Your students were very lucky to be able to learn from you.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice you found a niche! You're a much better teacher than I am...remember a year ago when I tried to teach knitting and the student ran crying from the room.... ::heavy sigh:::
ReplyDeleteI need to knit socks for GS 4...maybe I'll try the waffle design for them.
What fortunate women to have you teach them! If I lived near, I'd sure sign up for the classes. I've made a few pairs of baby socks, one pair of adult socks, and 2 or 3 single socks (yes, I suffer from SSS, too). I realize I need more practice, but I'm not satisfied with my socks. I still get a bit of a gusset hole, though it's not as bad as it was. Anyway, I think it would be so cool to have a teacher beside me to walk me through it.
ReplyDeleteThat really is awesome that you're getting paid to enjoy yourself! :-)