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Knitting Makes Me Smile

Last Updated on March 21, 2022 by lydiaf1963

Many, many years ago my grandmother taught me how to crochet. I’m a lefty and she was a righty so she set me on a stool in front of her so I could see the mirror image of her actions. Let me just admit right now that I lived through the granny square years and made my share of ponchos. (They’re making a comeback, I’ve noticed. Google Crochet Mandalas and you’ll see granny squares!)

Knitted Rag Rug ~ Life Beyond The Kitchen

Later, my friend’s mother taught me how to knit. I used to work on whatever project she had going on. She never scolded me, but I’m pretty sure she had to rip out most of what I’d done.

Knitted Rag Rug ~ Life Beyond The Kitchen

I still like crochet, but it bothers my left hand. Thanks to the popularity of shows like Outlander, knit and crochet is becoming popular again and I’ve returned to knitting. The motion doesn’t seem to bother my hands as much as crochet.

Knitted Rag Rug ~ Life Beyond The Kitchen

If you’re a knitting novice there are lots of places online to learn how to knit. I joined a group on Facebook called Knitting4Knewbies. They are a supportive group and Kate, the leader, is very generous with her time. She’s put together a series of projects that start off simply and build your skill set with every project.

This pattern for a semicircular floor rug is available for free from Coco Knits. The construction is similar to various circular dishcloth patterns I’ve made. There are two actions going on in this piece. First each triangular section is shaped using a technique called short rows. At the same time the points are created by increasing and decreasing stitches. I love watching the progress as each section is completed. You’ll need to know how to knit, purl, yarn over, knit two together, purl two together and bind off. It’s not out of reach for a beginning knitter.

Knitted Rag Rug ~ Life Beyond The Kitchen

Coco Knits made rag strips from a large sheet. I used t-shirt yarn and 9mm circular needles to make the rug. I wish I used larger needles because it was a very tight knit at times. I picked up stitches along the bottom and added some additional rows in an attempt straighten the edge.

This sort of pattern makes me happy. It’s challenging and you have to pay attention to what you’re doing, but it works up quickly. Even a very slow knitter could do it in a weekend.

Do you like to knit and crochet? Check out my Spinning Yarns Board on Pinterest and find a project to make you smile.



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Sundays Down UnderApril J Harris of The 21st Century Housewife Hearth and Soul Blog Hop

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17 Comments

  1. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says:

    My grandmother loves to knit. She makes the most awesome homemade afghans!

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      I made a couple for my grandson. My daughter loves them although I can see every mistake I made, hahaha.

  2. That is such a pretty rug. I haven’t knitted in a while so it reminds me to take out my knitting needles.

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      It’s very relaxing for me. Hope you find it so, too!

  3. I never learned how to crochet. My mom (a leftie) taught me how when I was little. Actually she taught us all and actually my brother is the best at it!

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      A surprising number of men knit and crochet I’ve come to learn.

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      It’s such a great hobby. Glad you like it 🙂

  4. I am also a leftie with a rightie Mom–but she never did figure out how to teach me either to knit or crochet (she did both) Mirror image-what a wonderful idea.

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      I’m grateful for all the YouTube knitter and crocheters. You can find demonstrations of almost any technique.

  5. My grandma taught me to knit a long time ago. Unfortunately I didn’t keep up with it, so I am always begging my Mother in Law to crochet for me.

  6. I do wish I could knit properly (I can knit and purl, cast on and off but I’ve no idea how to follow a pattern properly) and I have never crocheted. I am so pleased you shared this post with us at Hearth and Soul – there are so many great resources listed and I love the pretty little rug you have made. Perhaps I might be able to improve my skills with a little practice! Pinning and sharing.

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      Thanks for pinning and sharing, April. There are tons of patterns to suit your skill level and the community is welcoming to new comers. It’s amazing how quickly your skills will improve with a little practice!

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      Glad you could drop by, Kate! All credit to you and the work you’ve done to teach to overcome our fears of two sticks and string 🙂

  7. My grandma taught me to crochet, too, and i moved on to knitting a couple years ago. I’ve managed a simple hat and fingerless mitts so far, and I’m thiiiis close to finishing my first poncho. One more inch to go!

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      That last inch seems to take forever, doesn’t it? I’m looking forward to seeing photos 🙂

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