Monday, January 17, 2011

Family Blogging Month Winner ~ Adia Teaches Knitting


During  Family Blogging Month, back in November, Adia was one of the top three winners. She and her family left over 60 comments on the class blog! Great family participation!



One of the prizes she was awarded was a free post on Mrs. Yollis' Classroom Blog.  






I decided to post about knitting because it is a very important part in my life, and I believe everyone should learn how to knit because it is a good strategy to calm yourself down. It teaches you a lot of patience and is really fun once you acquire the necessary skills. 

My knitting basket where I keep my colorful yarn and needles. 
First, there are many different stitches in knitting. A few of them are:
  • Regular Stitch
  • Knit Stitch
  • Pearl Stitch
I will teach the regular stitch today. The tools you need are: Needles and yarn. Needles and yarn can be located in local arts and crafts stores or fabric stores. Second, I will teach you how to cast on.

Take the bottom of the yarn. When you do that, place your pointer finger through the yarn, and your thumb looped inside out.



Take the needles and bring them between the holes.
Pull the string tightly and repeat that 20- 40 times.  Just for fun if you want,  you can do it as long as you want, but not more than 200 times.



Now I will teach you how to do an actual stitch.
Make a loop with your fingers.
After you follow that instruction, try to get your needle into the loop that you just did.

Wrap the yarn around one of the needles. Pull the needle through and there you go, your first stitch! Keep doing that until you finish the row.

Here is a picture of my finished projects: my potholder, purse, and scarf. 









Have you ever knit something?
Have you ever been given a knitted item by someone special?
If yes, what was it?
Knitting teaches me patience and it calms me down. What hobby teaches you patience and calms you down?

30 comments:

  1. Dear Adia,

    I am so proud of you!

    Your post has some terrific elements to it! First of all, I like your use of digital photos. Each photo helps complement the text and make it easy to follow what you are teaching. Second, you demonstrate a wonderful vocabulary. Words like: strategy, patience, located really take your post to a higher level! Finally, I love the topic! As a knitter myself, I share your enthusiasm for the hobby.

    Who taught you to knit? What was the most difficult project you've completed?

    Your proud teacher,
    Mrs. Y♥llis

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear Adia,

    I really enjoyed your post about knitting. I am also a knitter and almost always have a problem with a tight first row. I think your technique of using both needles to cast on may just remedy my problem.

    Thanks for the tip!

    Your friend,

    Ms. Weiss
    A.E. Wright Middle School

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Adia,
    What an excellent post.
    It is always great to encourage people to try new things, and you have given clear instructions to get people started on knitting.

    I started knitting when I was about 7. My mother taught me. The first item I knitted was a little jersey for a teddy bear, and the second item was a jersey for me! Over the years I have knitted many items.
    My grandmother was still knitting when she was in her late 80s, and would knit a child's jersey in just a couple of days.

    You also asked what teaches me patience. Teaching children has taught me patience!

    Did you wear any of your knitting this winter?

    from Mrs McKenzie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear Adia,

    What a wonderful post! That is such an amazing skill to have. I've never actually knit before but after your great instructions, I feel like I'd be able to now!

    Thank you for sharing with us. It's always great to learn something new!

    Your friend,
    Mr. Avery
    Plympton, Massachusetts
    Mr. Avery's Class Blog

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Adia,
    Thank you for this wonderful post.I love to knit as I have been a very keen knitter since the age of 8.

    Your post explained the skill of knitting just perfectly.

    I have knitted a number of items such as jumpers,dolls and a number of handbags.

    I don't seem to do a lot of knitting these days but will have to make it a point of taking it up again.

    My mum taught me how to knit and I can still remember it today. It is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

    Yes I do agree knitting does teach you patiences and as well as sense of satisfaction when you have completed your finished knitted item.

    Great Adia.
    From AA.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Mrs. Y♥llis,

    Thank you for your compliments. You are always supporting everyone!

    I think it is phenomenal that you are a knitter yourself.

    What was your most difficult project you've ever completed?

    How long did it take you to make it?

    Who taught you how to knit and how old were you when you learned this hobby?

    To answer your questions: I take after school enrichment classes and one of the classes that is available is knitting. My knitting teacher, Mrs. Alla, has taught me how to do this wonderful hobby.

    The most difficult project I have completed is my purse because first, I had to do the knitting and it was a little hard to change the colors of the yarn. Next, I had to take the yarn off with the pearl stitch and create the other side. After that, I had to knit the strap with a maximization of four stitches.

    Finally, I had to sew everything together and get a button for the middle. This took me approximately one month and three weeks. It was very difficult!

    Thank you for your invaluable assistance throughout this project.

    Your student,
    Ad♦a

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear Adia,
    Hi! I'm Hannah from St. Mary's in Minnesota. I really enoyed your post. I have never sucessfully knitted, I've tried, but my projects never turn out. Maybe with your tips, I'll be able to!
    Tell your class hi,
    Hannah

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Adia,
    I love your post.

    My mum showed my how to knit but it did not work.

    I like the purse, potholder and the scarf you have knitted.

    No I have never knitted something but I would love to knit something.

    Someone special did knit me a baby's jacket and a hat.

    From your pal in Australia,
    Bianca.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Adia,
    Waht a wonderful post! You are a terrific writer. Congratulations on being the winner of the family Blogging Month~60 comments from you and your family is a excellent accomplishment.

    I tried to knit when I was younger, but it didn't turn out so well. I always made my stiches too tight and my project never turned out right. I think I will try again this year though. This time I will use your instuctions and I bet I will have better luck.

    The thing that I practice that clams me down is yoga. I love the way the breathing makes me feel and that for one hour I get to free my mind and think of nothing other than my poses. Have you ever tried yoga?

    Congratulations once again!
    From,
    Mrs. Webb-Scheers

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Adia,

    What a fantastic post! You did a fabulous job of explaining the steps and also the benefits of knitting. I have never tried knitting but my sister knits a lot. She has given me some great winter hats over the years.

    We have an after school knitting club at school, and some of my students from last year are really enjoying it.

    One hobby that teaches me patience and calms me down is painting watercolors. If you want a clean line you have to be patient and let the colors dry or they will all blend into each other.

    Body-surfing also teaches me patience because you have to wait for the right wave. It relaxes me because swimming is very soothing.

    Keep up the great blogging!

    From your friend,
    Mr. Salsich

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Adia,

    You have a wonderful gift for design. Your crafting projects and displaying skills are excellent.
    My Gram Kennedy knit sweaters and blankets for the Pueblo Indian babies.I watched and learned knitting from this very patient woman.
    Directions need to be followed.
    Measurements and stitch counts are crucial.Patience must be your middle name.
    I hope you continue to show us your projects.
    Do you give your items as gifts?

    More than impressed,
    Grandma G

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Adia,

    Wow, you are amazing! Those crafts are great. They look like a professional made those things. I have not knitted in a long, long time. I also forgot how to do all those things. Now I do! When I get home I think I will start knitting.

    What is your favorite project that you have done?

    Are you working on something right now?

    Warmly,

    Grace

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Ms. Weiss,

    Thank you for your thoughtful comment! You are an amazing commenter.

    I used to have problems also with a tight first row. My knitting teacher came up with a solution, to use both needles, not just one of them.

    Thank you for taking the time to write me a comment!

    Sincerely,
    Adia

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dear Adia,

    You are a wonderful knitter. I think your post would help me a lot if I didn't know how to knit.

    I do know how to knit and some of the projects I have made are a scarf, purse, and I am currently making a vest.

    I have gotten a knitted item from my grandmother. She gave me a scarf.

    Like you, knitting does teach me patience and calms me down.

    Your friend,
    Hannah

    ReplyDelete
  15. Dear Adia,

    Thank you for your post. I have never tried to knit, but my sister crafts and she can knit beautiful scarves. I think reading the activity that most calms me down.

    From,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Adia,

    Wow that purse that you knit is very pretty! My grandmother is always trying to teach me to knit but I just can't get it. I will try to follow your instructions.

    Running and reading calms me down.

    From,
    ♥Miriam♥

    ReplyDelete
  17. Adia,

    Your post was quite informative Adia. Your step-by-step photos would make it much easier for someone that didn't know how to knit.

    I learned how to knit when I was your age, but I haven't knitted anything for a long time. I learned when I use to go to the Girls Club in Santa Barbara, as a child.

    I enjoyed your post.

    Mrs. Culbert

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dear Adia,

    I'm very very proud of you. You did a great job with your wording, your step by step explanations and your decision on what exactly I was to take a picture of.

    One funny memory comes to my mind about that specific day when I was taking the pictures. Every time I took one, somehow your big toe kept on procuring. It was so hilarious because I continuously instructed you to tuck in your toes and somehow or another that BIG toe showed up again and again in the images. It was hilarious. Even now, while I'm writing this, I have a big grin on my face.

    You know what I most love about your enjoyment of knitting? In an age of such technological advancements, fast paced lives, internet, texting, emailing, etc., you have somehow found your passion for this beautiful hobby.

    As you correctly stated, it does in fact teach patience. The way we live nowadays, everything is at our disposal, right here and NOW. With knitting, you have to sit down, quiet yourself down, take your time, think, concentrate, and work towards completing your project. It is my hope that you will always continue this passion of yours.

    As I can see, you have encouraged and motivated quite a few of your blogging buddies to either get back to knitting or start to learn this craft.

    Perhaps one day, as you improve, you might even choose to make beautiful pieces and give them as gifts or to charity. Grandma G's grandma chose to knit sweaters and blankets for the Pueblo Indian babies. How incredibly beautiful and inspiring is that?

    I also would like to thank your teacher, Mrs. Yollis, for her assistance and valuable advice throughout the process of getting this post published.

    To answer your question about what calms me down and relaxes me, I would have to say, reading, writing, and walking through our beautiful neighborhood on a sunny day with friends.

    I love you more than words could ever express.

    Be blessed my beautiful daughter.
    Your soon-to-learn knitting MAMA

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Adia my cute cousin,
    I am soo proud of you! You are just good in everything you do! I have never knit before. I see that you can knit pretty good! And give clear instructions by adding photo's (holding the needles with your cute little hands :) lovely) with an explanation.
    I also noticed you use high level vocabulary. As example you used words like 'strategy' as your teacher Mrs.Yollis noticed.
    I can only say that you make me proud every time I hear from you!
    I love you :)
    Your cousin,
    Gelareh from Holland ;)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dear Mrs.Yollis and class,
    Yes,someone has knit something for me,in fact my nanny knit me a purse. Discription:black and white with a shiny white button.It is very speacil because I knit half and she knit half.

    from:Caroline in Mrs.Webb-Scheers class

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dear Adia,

    Wonderful blog! I was so much fun to read and I learned so much. I would actually love it if you could teach Gianna and I how to knit. We've been wanting to learn for a long time.

    Your purse, potholder and scarf are beautiful! Where did you learn how to knit like that?

    Hope to see you soon!

    Love,

    Annie, Gianna and Jaden

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dear Mrs. McKenzie,

    I also started knitting at the age of 7. You are so so cool you knock kdfja lkdj

    The answer to your question is: Yes, I did wear my scarf this winter and my purse. Since I gave my mom the potholder as a gift for Mother's Day last year, she was using it while in the kitchen.

    I can imagine how teaching kids can teach a lot of patience while growing a lot of dendrites.

    The Queen of Babble

    ReplyDelete
  23. Dear Adia,
    I like the scarf that you knit. It looks like it was hard to do. What do you want to knit next?
    I liked all the photos showing how to knit. Good job.
    Yours truly,
    Ben

    ReplyDelete
  24. Dear Adia,
    I am so impressed with your post! I love how you provided step by step photos and written instructions. A person could really learn how to knit from your clear directions.
    I have tried to knit many times. However, somehow when I start to make a scarf, it always comes out like a blanket. I am a terrible knitter and I decided it's not my
    hobby. My aunt is a wonderful knitter and can talk and knit at the same time! I think that is amazing!
    Instead I like to read to calm down. My dad used to say that a house could fall down around me when I was reading and I would never notice! I guess that's why I really like being a librarian now.
    Excellent post!
    Mrs. Hembree

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dear Adia Yes I have gotton somthing knitton from sombody I got socks and mittons from elliot in Mrs webb-scheers class :mrgreen:

    ReplyDelete
  26. Dear Adia,

    You are a great kniting person.You really need to focus on what your doing when you are kniting. I don`t know how to knit but I would like to learn how to knit. I have two questions for you:Who tought you how to knit? and:How old were you when you started to knit? Happy Blogging!

    From,Taylor*** in Mr.Salsich`s class

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dear Adia,

    Wow, that is impressive that you made a potholder, purse and scarf. Now you don't need to buy a purse!
    I have never knit a purse a potholder or a scarf. What I do to calm myself down is watch NatGeo Wild. Knitting looks very fun I am going to try it sometime!
    From,
    Grayson

    ReplyDelete
  28. Dear Adia,

    I love your post about teaching knitting because you put a lot of effort into your writing.

    I do not know how to knit, but my sister does. My sister Rachel knitted a scarf, and now she is working on another scarf. In fourth grade, Rachel went to knitting classes on the middle yard, and she told me she might have seen you there. I want to take lessons, but my mom said no beecause I had too many activities already on my schedule.

    I have some questions for you:

    Have you ever knitted a scarf?

    Did you go to knitting class last year?


    Warmly,
    Alexa:)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Dear Adia,

    I love your post about teaching knitting because you put a lot of effort into your writing.

    I do not know how to knit, but my sister does. My sister Rachel knitted a scarf, and now she is working on another scarf. In fourth grade, Rachel went to knitting classes on the middle yard, and she told me she might have seen you there. I want to take lessons, but my mom said no because I have too many activities already on my schedule.

    I have some questions for you:


    Did you go to knitting class last year?

    What do you like best about knitting?


    Warmly,
    Alexa:)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Dear Gelareh,

    Thank you for your comment. It is so kind of you to support me on my post. You are a very caring cousin.

    Thank you for the compliment about my high level vocabulary! Also you always make me proud also when I see you. For example, I always see you belly dancing and boy can you belly dance! Kaweh always plays pretty music and then we all get up and try to belly dance, but no, we can probably never be as amazing as you are. Wow!

    I can't wait for you to visit again!

    You cousin,
    Adia ;)

    ReplyDelete

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