It’s been fun this week. On facebook many of my knitting friends are listing the ten knitting books that have left a lasting impression. One friend went another direction and listed people who have left a lasting impression.

It got me thinking, or more precisely, fondly remembering a bunch of folks in my personal knitting history who have left a long-lasting impression. These three were students that taught me a lot.

Persistent Curiosity:

Trudy was ninety when she wandered into the yarn shop to inquire about this new-fangled way to knit socks on a circular needle. Over the course of a day of patiently waiting for instruction while we also helped others, she learned to make two-at-a-time socks on one long circular using the magic loop method and working them toe-up starting with Judy’s magic cast on. I can remember the thrill in her voice when she said,”I haven’t learned anything new in twenty years!” I do hope she just meant that in regards to her knitting. Still, here’s to never stop learning new stuff!

Perfecting a Craft:

June 21, 2006 was Rowan O’Dougherty’s knitting birthday. (Real name, I don’t think he’ll mind.) He was looking around at the yarn, so I asked him if he knitted or crocheted. He explained that he did neither, but he sewed. And, as intriguing as it was to make something three-dimensional out of two-dimensional fabric, how much more interesting might it be to make something three-dimensional starting with just one-dimensional yarn. He wondered. I sat him down.

What an opportunity that was that he was willing to learn right then and there! He has devoured many books since then, achieved the Master Knitter level from the Craft Yarn Council, and had designs published in Cast On Magazine.

Those interested can read more about Rowan here: http://paveeknits.blogspot.com/

What handicap?

To the veteran with a left arm extending only to the elbow taking a class that used 60″ long circular needles size US 15 needle, doing magic-loop and magic cast on using two strands of bulky held together: When I noticed you in that big class I was trying to figure out what special accommodation I would need to come up with to help you. The answer was quickly apparent. None. None at all.