cast on – over and under – cast off

by Rachel Marie Martin

For several weeks my Gracie has been begging to be taught how to knit.  Finally, last night, I sat down with her and began the process of teaching.

Through, around, over and off.

She was determined.  She’d sit there and not complain.  Though dropped stitches, added loops, and more.  She persevered.

Then, today, less then 12 hours after learning she presented me with this scarf.

And promptly asked for more yarn.

I love that creating occupied her time.  Not video games, or television — but using her hands to make, to create.  She told me – mom, I love to knit, it’s so relaxing.  It’s ironic how the simplest tasks can bring the greatest joy.

I wish I had sat down with her weeks ago.  Despite that, I am grateful for the hour that I intentionally sat next to her on our couch coaching her and encouraging her little hands.  I remember thinking about how this task is a task passed from generation to generation.  And I was thankful.  So thankful for that sweet gift of time.

And now, today, I’m off to find more yarn.

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20 comments

Patrice October 16, 2010 - 6:11 pm

Last year my second oldest taught ME to knit. I was really glad that I had given her knitting classes as one of her birthday presents!I’d rather see them doing something creative any old time.

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Shelle October 16, 2010 - 6:46 pm

How cool is that! I’m even a little jealous! 🙂

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Makay October 16, 2010 - 8:08 pm

I don’t have the patience ha.

Kudos to her.

Love,

Makay

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Kate October 16, 2010 - 9:02 pm

Wow, that’s true commitment. It took me forever to learn how to knit and I am still not very good at it.

I love the scarf 🙂 Beautiful colors!

Blessings,
Kate

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Theresa October 16, 2010 - 9:23 pm

Beautiful scarf. I don’t know how to knit or crochet, but wish I did. She is so blessed to learn at such a young age.

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Annie October 16, 2010 - 9:46 pm

that’s awesome! i learned to knit for a school play i was in six years ago, and it’s indeed relaxing!

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BARBIE October 17, 2010 - 12:00 am

That’s so wonderful. I tried to learn to knit by my grandmother but didn’t have the patience I guess.

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Caroline October 17, 2010 - 12:04 am

Wow! That is so cool!!! It makes me feel inadequate…hahaha…

I tried knitting a couple years ago and famously was given up on by my man’s grandmother who was teaching me. Or, TRYING to teach me.

She looks adorable in the scarf…of course she needs to make another! 🙂

xoxo Caorline

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Miss Madison's Mommy October 17, 2010 - 2:41 am

That is so COOL! I loved her scarf, she’s adorable 🙂 Your a lucky Mom!!

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Corine October 17, 2010 - 4:06 am

Yeah! Good for both of you!!!

Please tell your daughter I think she did a great job. Thanks. 😀
Corine

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Kelli October 17, 2010 - 4:10 am

What a gift you are giving her buy teaching her how to knit! That is just wonderful and I love the picture of her with her new scarf. Enjoy!

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Lindsay October 17, 2010 - 4:45 am

Great job, Gracie! 🙂

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Lynn October 17, 2010 - 5:30 am

Wow, she’s a fast learner! Looks fantastic!
Praying!
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
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Stacy October 17, 2010 - 11:57 am

Just precious. I’m sure she will make many a priceless piece. And as you spent that time with her on the couch, I can only imagine, that God used that time to also knit your hearts together a little deeper.

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...they call me mommy... October 17, 2010 - 12:08 pm

Tell her that her scarf looks WONDERFUL! 🙂 Learning crochet with my dd is on the list this fall/winter! 🙂 Thanks for the nudge!

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Elizabeth Rose October 17, 2010 - 12:53 pm

I love to knit, but I can’t make a scarf *that* fast! Lovely job, Gracie! You look adorable in your scarf. 🙂

Love,
Elizabeth Rose

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Lea October 17, 2010 - 1:44 pm

Yes, how wonderful that she is already enjoying such a great past time. So many kids today will never know the joy that something as simple as knitting or crocheting can bring. Good for Gracie and good for you for setting such an example in the simple things of life.

Blessings for a beautiful Lord’s Day!

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Amy DeTrempe October 17, 2010 - 2:20 pm

How wonderful. My daughters and I used to garden together. They each had their own that the planned out. I miss that time when they were younger.

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Chocolate Covered Daydreams October 17, 2010 - 10:07 pm

You’ve given her a treasure in creating. I have a feeling that this is the beginning of many more beautiful creations. I wish I had the patience to knit.

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Lynn October 18, 2010 - 5:43 am

These words are so very comforting! Praying in Seattle!
Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Prayer Bears
My email address

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