So, I have these broken fingers, and I am starting to realize that I will need to work on flexibility at some point. Well, I can work on it, or I can wait until the doctor tells me to start thinking about physical therapy!
This is why I decided to just try to cast on a plain, self-striping sock this week. It took me two tries, and over an hour, to get those 64 stitches on the needles (DPNs, easier than magic loop for me), then it was another hour to knit the first 4 rounds of ribbing...I did the first cast on with the broken-finger (left) hand, and it was really painful. The second time around, I cheated and used the other hand...not much of a cheat really...casting on right-handed is like writing left-handed...very awkward!!!
After the first cast-on, I stretched my hand and rearranged the stitches onto 4 needles, not too hard. Then I started knitting. At first, I used my right hand to "throw" the yarn (I am a continental knitter by nature, "picking" the yarn from my left hand. Unless I have three broken fingers on that hand.) After working across one needle, I grabbed the newly "free" needle to turn and continue...and then I saw all those loops. GASP! I had grabbed an active needle! All. Those. LOOPS!
It's a rookie mistake, one I'd made dozens of times when I was new to sock-knitting. This early in the game, it's really no big deal...you just pull it all out and cast on again, right? Right. But I'm no rookie, and my hand was so sore that this mistake made me want to cry. After a few minutes, I just pulled out attempt one, and I started over. Eventually, I had this...
Not a lot for two hours of work, but it's a start. I did some throwing, and some picking, and lots of resting. I'm crossing my fingers (the ones on my right hand) that an hour or two of this every day or two will eventually increase the mobility in these fingers, and make knitting less painful. But until my fingers are stronger, I'm limiting my time with yarn, and I'm reading again. Who has a book recommendation for Pretty?
Thanks for stopping by. While you're here, why don't you knit a row or two on that sock for me? Thanks! Oh, and Knit in Good Health!
Ummmm, yeah, I'm pretty sure you don't want me to knit a couple of rows on your sock. You just said how much it pained you (sorry) to rip out your work, you'd just have to do that with mine.
ReplyDeleteI'm repairing an heirloom baby blanket for a friend today. Not as easy as one would think!
Repairing is always a BIG job!
DeleteI admire your determination!I think I would just have given up.Eloise by Judy Finnigan I enjoyed.Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and at the moment I am reading The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the books! I'll look them up!
DeleteOk you are a crazy determined knitter! You have three broken fingers!!! Cut yourself some slack for the mistakes. It's amazing/awesome/inspiring that you knit as much as you did. Baby steps, right?
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteClaiming your knitting again--yes. And honey, if you need any casting on you let me know and I'll mail you some pre-cast-on, y'hear? You know I've got this new-to-me sock yarn waiting...
ReplyDeleteOk, I'll tell you what, you cast them on and ship 'em out, and I'll get 'em back to you when I can! 64 stitches sound good to you? :)
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