Saturday, October 22, 2011

The knitting lesson

Jane Ann, from a free knit pattern from Jean Greenhowe

When I was a kid, I asked an Aunt of mine to teach me to knit.  She tried, but gave up in exasperation, telling me it was 'just too hard for you to learn.'

Well, those words stayed with me for 45 years, until a good friend of mine, Tomi Jane, became interested (this is putting it mildly)  in Helen Kish's dolls, including the delightful knits that you talented knitters create for these sweet dolls.   I too have been in awe of tiny, perfectly knit sweaters, and yet felt this skill way beyond me.

Until now.  Tomi and I decided we would learn to knit.  This was suppose to be a New Years resolution, but I got the itch (to knit), and picked up 'Teach Yourself Visually: Knitting' from the library.   Cast on, knit, purl, increase and decrease.  All I needed to know to have a go at one of Jean Greenhowe's free doll patterns; another craving of mine.  I have loved her knit dolls for ages.  Now I have made one of my very own!

I am ecstatic with my little doll, well beyond just the making of a sweet doll.  Jane Ann is a symbol of empowerment.  We can do, we can learn, and we can create at any age.
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50 comments:

  1. PyziulkaOctober 22, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    It's your first knitted toy? It's perfect! I love your crochet ones and I really admire them as I could never crochet (that stupid hooky thingy just hate me...)

    You are great toy maker!

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  2. BethOctober 22, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    Thank you so much for the good words. If I can learn to knit, I bet you can learn to crochet :-)

    Beth

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  3. Mary Ann TateOctober 22, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    I can knit a scarf if forced to but I have never knitted anything as complicated as a doll. So good for you!!!!!

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  4. Sarah DawneéOctober 22, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Thanks for sharing! I've been wanting to pick knitting back up, but I have been a little daunted. You inspired me to request a copy of the book you mentioned from my library and to begin knitting again. Thanks! =)

    Lovely little doll!!!

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  5. PlushpussycatOctober 22, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Nice post! Very inspiring! :-) Maybe someday I, too, can learn to knit and crochet. For now, it's sewing plushies and making miniatures! :-)

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  6. AnnOctober 22, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    Well done! She is perfect, I'm so glad you mastered knitting, looking forward to seeing what else you create.

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  7. DawnOctober 22, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    Yeah! Yeah, Beth! Yeah, Tomi! I can't wait to see what else you will do with your new skill. I love your designs, but crochet isn't my forte. I have to admit that if I pick up a hook again, it will be due to your influence.

    I hope to be seeing a lot of knit things from you in the future.

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  8. LinOctober 22, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    She is beautyful

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  9. Mother GooseOctober 22, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    This is wonderful. You make the cutest dolls, no made how you make them.

    Sandra

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  10. BethOctober 22, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Thank ALL of you so much for the great words!

    Mary Ann, this little doll design of Jean Greenhowe's is not much more complicated than a scarf...really!

    Sarah, its a great book; thanks for sharing this :-)

    Jennifer, your plushies are delightful, crochet and knitting is just another way to make cute :-)

    Ann, thanks!

    Dawn, what a nice thing to say :-)

    Lin and Sandra, thank you so much :-)

    Beth

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  11. YvonneOctober 22, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Hooray! Got you over on the knit side if only for awhile. I both knit and crochet and prefer knit for dolls because of the smoothe surface the knit fabric provides. However, there are things for which crochet works better. Each has it's place and can bring added demension to a project.

    If you wish to learn more the internet is loaded with tutorials and videos on different techniques.

    Your doll is very cute. I am looking forward to future knit projects.

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  12. CorinaOctober 23, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    Well done! She is so pretty! I love that hair and the kind face.

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  13. ConnieOctober 23, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Well, well, Miss Beth, you are such a talent. Knitting, naaa, I'll stick to crochet, mind you, I do know how to knit, all the curling of the sides and blocking. I'll keep the crochet. Your new creation is as lovely as you others.
    You are a remarkable doll maker.
    Thank you for sharing your world with us.

    til next time

    connie

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  14. BethOctober 23, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Yvonne, I agree that both knit and crochet have different strengths, and it is good to appreciate both :-)

    Connie, thank you always for your lovely words :-)

    Corina, thank you!

    Beth

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  15. carolyndollsOctober 23, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Wow! I'm in therapy for anxiety and one of the many things I've learned is the power of belief...Beth you believed for 45 years it was to hard for you to knit and that caused you procrastination and possible fear because you held on to that negative belief...you were in bondage and shackles for awhile. It is so rewarding to give yourself a chance and let go of beating yourself up because it's freeing, makes you feel lighter and therefore producing more.

    I'm so looking forward to seeing more.

    Carolyn

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  16. anitaOctober 23, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    She is adorable, and your stitches are so uniform! Every time I visit your blog my list of things to try gets longer:) Thank you for sharing your creativity.
    anita

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  17. Judy DietrichOctober 23, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Learning to knit or crochet requires fine motor skills that develop as we grow. I taught home economics to junior high girls. Some had been exposed to sewing and needlearts, and some were not interested in the process at all. The point of home economics in junior high is to educate about the process and give exposure to the process. When we get a little older, the techniques become a learning experience that is fun, because we want to learn it. Your aunt was trying, but she may not have had the patience to let you work with the techniques. At least she attempted to teach you, but not everyone who knows how to knit or crochet can get the process over to others. I love to do both, but could not teach my mom!!! She was also a home economics instructor. It wasn't age, it was that she loved knit clothes for dolls, but not enough to go thru the learning curve!!

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  18. AnonymousOctober 23, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Hi Beth,
    I have been following your site for some time. You are so talented and I enjoy making dolls with your patterns. I appreciate the knit doll, very much! I can knit, but the idea of dropping....well, I was never good at that. I have my own blog now and mention your name on a regular basis. Thanks (I look forward to every new post you make :)
    Charley

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  19. BethOctober 23, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Carolyn, thank you for your good words. If I've learned anything over the years, it is not to let oneself be defined by others.

    Anita, I'm glad you enjoy visiting here :-)

    Judy, with the benefit of hindsight, I'm sure my Aunt was doing the best she could. But, she could have phrased her frustration (with me) a bit better :-)

    Charley, glad you enjoy it here!

    Beth

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  20. CarolynOctober 24, 2011 at 2:16 AM

    Your doll is beautiful. I can knit and did some crochet a long time ago but I am going to take a class for crocheted animals. I would like to knit your doll but I could not find the information for it.

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  21. Helen PriemOctober 24, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Oh Beth, what a wonderful little creature she is, and the colours are WOW !

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  22. BethOctober 24, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    Thank you so much, Helen. And I LOVE your new home; how thrilled you must be :-)

    Carolyn, this is a free pattern from Jean Greenhowe. If you click on her name in the post, it should take you to the page of her free patterns. Also, her website it listed in 'Links I Love' on the left sidebar of the blog page.

    Beth

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  23. Fiona McDonaldOctober 24, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    I am not surprised at your perfectly made little doll. With crochet skills like your you can make anything. Hoping to see more knitted dolls now.

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  24. BethOctober 24, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    Hey Fiona! Your book 'Babes in the Wool' was one of the main drivers for me to learn to knit :-) I've just ordered your book of knit Fairies from Amazon; should arrive by the end of this week. And, I'm looking forward to your Goth girl knits.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your good words.

    Beth

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  25. AnonymousOctober 24, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Those are encouraging words! I can knit (a little) and crochet (a little). I'm not very good, but I'm going to keep trying!! Thanks!

    Amy B

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  26. BethOctober 24, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Amy, I think the key is to start with something simple, but enjoyable. This little knit doll was about as simple as a scarf to make, but a lot more fun (for me, anyway).

    Keep trying!

    Beth

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  27. Judy DietrichOctober 25, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    Hey Beth, I have been thinking about what you said in your post--and your aunt really did an injustice to you with her words. I was just trying to explain why she was having trouble teaching you. It is amazing how one person can change your views on what you can achieve. I am so happy you have learn to knit. It is so relaxing. Your doll is darling, and I love the brown braids!! Jean Greenhowe's books are fantastic, with lots of little details. There is a whole realm of little families that she has made patterns for. I got one booklet from England on ebay, that has a little lady working in a yarn shop. You can actually make all the parts of the yarn shop and the little lady. There is also a family of clowns--very cool details on all of their costumes!! Have a great week. Judy

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  28. BethOctober 25, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Hi Judy,

    I have fallen deeply in love with Jean Greenhowe's designs :-) And as you said previously, not everyone is cut out to teach. Heaven knows why I asked this particular aunt to teach me, as she was never known for patience. Probably because she was knitting!

    Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments, and have a great day as well.

    Beth

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  29. KaiOctober 25, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Beth, I just admire you so much & think you are the MOST giving person. In fact, this week I featured YOU on my My Goodness Monday blog post. I hope you don't mind, but I want EVERYONE to come & visit your blog! HUGS! http://celebratingchristmasyearround.blogspot.com/

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  30. BethOctober 25, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Kai, thank you so much for featuring me on your blog :-) What a pleasant surprise!

    Beth

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  31. CarolynOctober 26, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    I tried to find this doll pattern at free patterns on the Jean Greenhowe website but it was not there. The website must have been updated and the pattern removed. I am a senior who does not get out much. I started looking into making crocheted animals, as they are small projects and would give me something to do. In the process of looking for patterns, I found the picture of your beautiful knitted doll. I would like to knit some to donate to the children’s hospital. I know there are little girls there who would love to have one. Since I have been unable to find the pattern instructions, I wonder if you would email them to me. I would appreciate it and there are little girls in the hospital who would appreciate it. My email address is calandry@usa.net. Thank you.

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  32. AnonymousOctober 26, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Beth, i love your doll, she is so sweet.Jean's patterns are so great and very easy to follow. i have a few of her patterns and belong to a group on Raverly for her fans. It's great to be able to crochet and knit...i find some days i feel like knitting and some days i feel like crocheting so i always seem to have a project for both on the go lol. I can't wait to see more sweet dolls from you. :) ~Anne~

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  33. BethOctober 26, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Thank you, Anne, for your sweet words. I'm so glad I finally got over my 'knitters block,' and learned to knit :-)

    Carolyn, the pattern is still there on Jean's site. If you go to Free Patterns and scroll down to the bottom of this page, it is there. Here is a direct link to the pattern:

    http://www.jeangreenhowe.com/Images/Rainbow_Babies.pdf

    Beth

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  34. IsaOctober 27, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    que bonita!!!!!!!!!!

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  35. BethOctober 27, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Gracias, Isa :-)

    Beth

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  36. StephOctober 31, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    She's precious! You encourage me so!

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  37. BethOctober 31, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Thanks Steph :-)

    Beth

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  38. MichelleNovember 1, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Beautifully done! I can't believe she's your first knit doll. Your story is very inspiring, too. We should never give up on learning, or on teaching the people who are learning from us.

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  39. BethNovember 1, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    Thank you for your kind words, Michelle :-)

    Beth

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  40. bybidoNovember 7, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Wow, Beth! She is adorable! And you just learned? I'm in awe :).

    Have you checked out all the patterns on Ravelry? I'm sure you have with all the beautiful crocheting you do. Now with knitting, so many patterns are waiting for you :)

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  41. BethNovember 8, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Thanks you, Jill; I really don't think this little doll was any harder to knit than a scarf would be :-)

    I'm not very adept at maneuvering around Ravelry, but I need to give it another try. Have a great day!

    Beth

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  42. The Pink HamsterNovember 10, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    I MUST make a doll!!!! I taught myself to knit and crochet too! These dolls would be perfect for my little girls christmas!

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  43. The Pink HamsterNovember 10, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    Oh and may I add, Your pictures and tutorials are so clear and lovely! The victorian boots are almost unbearably sweet! Thanks so much for posting all this delightful helpful stuff. I just found this blog and am excited at all I will learn.

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  44. BethNovember 10, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Hi Hamster! I'm glad you found your way here. If you love dolls, and love making them, this is a fun place to be :-)

    Beth

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  45. jacqsieraeNovember 30, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    You are without a doubt, one of the most amazing artist...ever. Keep up the fantastic work!

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  46. BethNovember 30, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Jacqusierae, thank you very much!

    Beth

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  47. Petunia PillDecember 16, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    I just happened upon your little world here. OMG...I'm fascinated! This little knit doll was your first of the knitted kind? AMAZING! I love her braid...your works all have adorable faces...I always say it's all in the face! I'm off to look around some more. I'm so excited, I barely wanted to take the time to stop here and comment. I just want to keep looking! I had to stop though...a comment was necessary! Annette

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  48. BethDecember 16, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Thank you so much for your kind words, Petunia :-)

    Beth

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  49. pollyandthedragonAugust 6, 2012 at 7:43 AM

    i've tried this pattern before, but my doll looked nowhere near as good as yours does! how did you do her hair??? it looks amazing :)

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  50. BethAugust 6, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    Thank you for the good words, Polly :-) For her hair, I embroidered her bangs directly to her head, then crocheted a wig cap. I sewed the cap to the head, then attached strands to the cap to make the braids.

    If you look on this blog on the left side for Tutorials, you'll find a wig making tutorial. This is how I make all the wigs for my dolls.

    Beth

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