As the girls entered the community center, they peeked into the conference room to make certain I was there. I had been told that a couple of the girls had bought needles and yarn for home use and had taught themselves some techniques on YouTube. This is just the kind of engagement I am looking for.
I have supplied needles and yarn for use during class, but if I send them home, they will never reappear for class. Additionally, I don't want these girls to think that they can only knit if someone provides the supplies. Yarn and needles cost less than most toys or video games, so I was hoping that the interest would cross over to spare time at home.
The 7 year old, S., came into the room and sat down to knit. Usually she first comes for a hug and to chat, but she was serious about getting down to business. She had thought about what I had shown her last week, and wanted to apply it. M. and A. wanted to learn to cast on stitches this week so they could start projects at home. K. remains our French knitting expert with a several foot long tail coming out of her spool.
Our club member with poor self confidence asked to work with me, and as we huddled together together she kept putting her head on my shoulder. Finally she pulled herself together and started knitting. The teacher's assistant had the whole process click as well. We have come to terms with each other, and she is happy to be among the knitting group.
We have a lot to look forward to, I think. These very young girls have learned to knit faster than I expected and so we can now plan some projects. Another mother dropped in to say hello and talked about how proud she is of her daughter for learning to knit. It's more than just the stitches-- there are concepts and there is vocabulary, as well.
The teacher's assistant is going to scout out some local stores for inexpensive supplies and report back to us. It's tiring to teach a skill where I keep having to climb around the table and explain techniques as simply and clearly as possible. It has become very gratifying.
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