A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of teaching 10-year-old Hannah to knit. She's the middle daughter of my friends Lori and Alan, and about a month ago, she asked if she could learn and if I would teach her. Hannah is one of the brightest girls I've met in years; I had no doubt that she could pick up knitting quickly. I just hoped it would hold her attention.
I was so impressed by her desire and fearless ability. She caught on and learned much more quickly than just about any student that I've ever taught. She tried everything and wasn't afraid to rip out entire sections when she caught her own mistakes. We spent many hours together knitting over the course of the weekend. Lori said that Hannah has worked through the skein that I bought her and moved on to another skein that Lori found at the local thrift store.
In another week or so, I'll head up to Estes to give Hannah another lesson (and do a bit of late fall hiking in the mountains). By then, Hannah will be ready for cables and charted patterns. By Christmas, I'd wager that she'll have hats and scarves knit up for her entire family.
It's so important to pass on these skills to the next generation. Knitting has been a fad the past few years. But for many of us, these skills are more of an ethic and a way of life: attention to detail and pride in your work. Being able to provide for your needs, and the needs of those around you, and wrapping your loved ones in the works of your own hands.
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