Friday, July 27, 2012

The Garter Stitch: A Love Affair


My very first experiences with knitting were as a child.  And, the first stitch I learned was the "knit" stitch.  If you only do a knit stitch, the pattern created is called a Garter Stitch.


My first projects seemed crude... slippers with heavy yarn.  On one hand, I was excited to learn something new... on the other, the crudeness did not strike joy in my heart.  This experience gave me a certain disdain for the simplicity of the Garter Stitch.  I wanted "more", less simple, more complex, less basic... it was years before I would go back to learn the more complicated.  And, even more years before I could appreciate the joys of simple...


This year, through the Color Affection, the Heartbreak, the Wingspan, and the Sothia, my love and appreciation of this simple pattern has grown to full blown adoration.


It can be rustic and vintage and textured and beautiful... Compared to the precise dance of lace knitting, it is the long, slow run... the soul renewing walk... the deep breath...


Yep, it is a new love affair for an old lesson...

This is made from a free pattern by Lion Brand, called Colorplay Hoodie, knitted in their Amazing yarn in a colorway called Joshua Tree.  Machine washable.  Dry flat.

(I'm behind on my baby knitting for friends!!  And, trying to catch up!  Those shawls just draw me like a moth to the fire. )

Here's to finding new appreciation for things once looked upon with disdain... ;)

blessings to all ~ tanna

42 comments:

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Adorable! :)

I love garter stitch! What ever little one gets this will love it, too. :)

Blessings to you and yours and happy weekend, too. :)

Terra said...

The hues are beautiful and subtle. I don't knit and find this fascinating, since it is a skill I admire.

TexWisGirl said...

that is really pretty. :)

From the Kitchen said...

Love the little jacket. It reminds me of autumn in the Blue Ridge mountains!!

Best,
Bonnie

Donna said...

You so often say the words that I feel, but haven't stopped to articulate...the long, slow run...the soul renewing walk...the deep breath...
That was exactly what I enjoyed about knitting the garter stitch.
Don't need to mention it's just about the only stitch I know....

RoeH said...

I love this! Wish I could knit.

Cindy said...

That's a darling little hooded sweater for a little one. I love the simplicity of it and the blending of the different colours is so sweet.
Hugs, Cindy

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I too am having a love affair with lessons of the old...this is wonderful.

I had one of those knitting machines when I was young...I can still remember treading it and pushing the handle across...then later I did needles..but I never progressed like you have with knitting

This is truly beautiful

LauraLillyLaura said...

This is sooooo adorable. You have to bring it to the shop so I can see it!! So cute!!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I love the colors in this beautiful little hooded jacket!
Have a wonderful weekend!

Stephanie V said...

And garter stitch is so cushy. Every few months I renew my love affair with this stitch. Like you, I thought of it as the 'learner's' stitch.

Betsy Brock said...

so beautiful and I love the buttons you chose, too!

Tricia @ saving room for dessert said...

It seems the older I get, I find that to be so true. Things that bothered me before, no longer cause a ruffle, etc. It is a beautiful hoodie. Well done! Have a nice weekend.

Mary Bergfeld said...

I love the simplicity of that stitch and the yarn is really lovely. A bit like Joseph's coat. Somewhere there is a lucky wee-one who will be dressed like royalty. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings...Mary

Kerin said...

Well Tanna..
no matter what you make, or what stitch you use, all of your projects are beautiful; this little jacket is no exception!

Darling!!

Happy weekend, my friend!

Kerin

Mary said...

What a darling sweater-jacket...so cute. It looks as though I could maybe knit that one. I've got knitting consistence, but no pattern reading. Haaahaha. what kind of knitter is that?

Anonymous said...

Amen. Seems the older we get, the more we appreciate the simple and see the beauty in the ordinary. Yes? I think we're spoiled from all the eye candy, but then how could we enjoy the basics?
Beautiful sweater.
Lovely knitter.
:)

Chatty Crone said...

Honestly I know nothing about knitting other then if it is pretty or not! And I love those and those moms will love it for there babies! Sandie

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

So beautiful! My neighbor taught me to knit when I was about 9 yrs. old, but not to purl. My mom and grandmothers did not do handwork really, so I never did anything with it. Now, I strongly desire to crochet and knit! I'm trying to teach myself to crochet watching youtube videos, but I've been surprised by my clumsiness! I thought I hand fairly good hand eye coordination, but I get so frustrated!

Dar said...

The Garter Stitch taught me to knit with consistence. I love this adorable hoodie. Lucky is the child to receive such an artful piece.
BlessYourHeart

Jen Price said...

Love those colors!

Debbie said...

That happens to be the only stitch I've ever done, and I didn't do it well when I tried. I love the little baby hoodie. It's just precious.

I wish I had a left hand and a right hand. It would be so useful in fine art projects. Using these two left ones with the ten thumbs makes it difficult.

(And I'm totally not kidding about my inability. I blame a first grade teacher who didn't allow left handed writing. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.)

nanny said...

How do you have time to do it all??? You are truly amazing! So pretty!

Wanda said...

Tanna, you're such a "LOVER"... I just love that you love everthing thing you do with such gusto. You are such an inspiration to me. I can't knit....but can have a love affair with it because of you!!! Thank you dear friend...love you.

Kelly said...

That is the sweetest little sweater and hat! I love the Fall colors used in it too. Sometimes, you just need to change things up a bit, huh? That stitch looks like it will keep someone warm too since it's so tight.

Judy S. said...

Very cute hoodie in a great color! I'm still on Sothia, and you've done all the others on my list. Wow! One thing I love about garter stitch is that it's the same on both sides, which makes a nice reversible fabric, perfect for scarves and such.

Pondside said...

What a sweet little hooded cardigan - I love a garter stitched garment too - so warm and cosy!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

The color of this knitted set is so beautiful, Tanna! It looks like an autumn sunset. I hope to learn to knit one day, and I know I'll need a lot of help to do it as I don't pick things like this up very easily without a lot of instruction before I "get it"

Amanda said...

You have come a long way in appreciating the simple as much as you do the intricate. ;-) Love you so big! xoxo

Vicki Boster said...

Tanna- your story could be my own--- like you I tired of the garter stitch--- and now I've come full circle and love it more than ever!! I have that very same pattern laid out to knit. I'm going to make it "longer" and turn it into a little coat.

Your little treasure is beautiful-- I absolutely love that yarn-- one of my favorites!!
Vicki

Deb said...

just beautiful Tanna...how are you holding up to this heat???

Christine said...

You know just how to take the simple and create a master piece, by adding the perfect touches.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I love that yarn. It worked up perfectly in that little jacket. So sweet! I'm all about simple, soothing stitches. Best wishes to you and yours, Tammy

Susan McClaskey said...

Me too, me too...I also have a love affair with the garter stitch. Because I do so much knitting changing color, texture and yarn, it's the perfect stitch to use. I'm just finishing a vest using it. There's something very calming about it.
Best,
Susan

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Oh my goodness... this is the cutest little hoodie ever! It is so sweet. And the colors, these beautiful warm colors are my favorites! :)

podso said...

LOL ! That's my stitch! That and the opposite, knit pearl. etc. Not only do I love the colors of this piece, I just love the way you expressed going back to love the old. It seems that idea can be applied to so much more in life than just knitting. I just read a FB post where someone was belittling something old and non-trendy, which is probably why this post is extra refreshing to read this morning!

steph said...

This is absolutely adorable!!! I must admit, there is much I love about garter stitch, including the ability to read and knit at the same time! I think there are so many more cute patterns available, too!! And this one tops the list!!!

Starla said...

Okay, I am hooked with this one. Love that you said it is EASY since I haven't knitted since my 6th grade teacher taught all of us (even the boys!) to knit and we would happily knit in class in the afternoons. Love the color! I've just placed my order and now need your help when my materials arrive :-)

Stitchfork said...

This hoodie is going to look adorable on!
xo Cathy

Linda Leyble said...

Hi - i wish i could knit but I tried - so I am sticking to painting.

Had to pop over to see what you are up to. That is such a lovely stitch and what gorgeous colors. I love it!

Hope you will come by and see what I've been up to.

Linda

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Oh Tanna I love this. So incredibly cozy. What a beautiful gift...

Catherine said...

Dear Tanna, What an adorable sweater.
Blessings, Catherine xo

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.