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