First we must make the needles
from a dowel, like the one that holds
my grandmother’s kitchen curtain.
Sand it very smooth.
Make a clay stopper for the end
and fire it in the oven.
You will know how to do all those things.
Now you have about size 10 needles,
A good practice size.
Of course we could digress to spinning
and plying and dying the yarn.
Instead, buy some mid weight yarn
you absolutely love. You must love it
around the world and back.
You’ll be seeing it everyday for a while.
I have to show you how to cast on.
Of course there are simplier ways
but learn right the first time.
You’ll never regret it. Make a loop,
See. Good. Slide the loop on one needle.
Now, we have to make a rabbit hole
with yarn in the other hand.
Let the needle chase the bunny.
Okay, I see this is too complicated.
Try this. Give me those fiddlesticks.
I’ll sand them down so there are no splinters.
You watch how I hold the yarn.
You must check the die lot.
See that little number there
matches this second skein.
Good. Now I cast on.
72 stitches on three needles.
We’ll discuss the concept of the heel
when we get there. For now,
just knit. See. In around, out and off.
Great job. You’ll get it in no time.
You’re seven. This is a good summer
project when your hands get fidgety
and you’re tired of adults jabbering.
I learned when I was four.
C.J. Prince
©2016
C.J. Prince Poet 