Knitting socks for Jonathon has reminded me of all the opportunities knitters have to knit for others. Why not extend the spirit of giving beyond the holidays? Find a cause that tugs at your heart and get knitting!

You know that I absolutely love to teach people how to knit. I put in my order for my vacation knitting supplies which included 2 balls of Wool of the Andes and 2 pair of #7, 24� circular needles. This is my usual routine before I leave on an extended trip because it seems I always run into at least one person who tells me they would love to learn to knit. Voila! I have the yarn and needles ready for a spontaneous lesson. I’ve gotten people started by swimming pools, in ski lodges and even during long airplane flights.

 

The holidays provide two excellent opportunities for sharing the joys of knitting. If you happen to joining in family celebrations, you can teach a new knitter in person. The second option is to put together a nice “learn to knit� package that will be nearly as good as having a teacher right at hand.

The funny thing about knitting is how little things can make a huge difference in the ease of knitting and in the look of a finished project. One of the most under-utilized and misunderstood techniques is the simple i-cord, or idiot cord - a tube of 3 stitches that can be used on its own or applied to a garment in a variety of ways. I’ve given you a couple of examples, but if you would like to see i-cord used to its full potential you can refer to some of the projects in Elizabeth Zimmermann’s book Knitting Around. Better yet, watch the Knitting Glossary DVD where she gives no less than 15 useful ways to use this magical tube of knitting.