KNIT something for a woman and...

she'll be warm for a while. TEACH a woman to knit and she'll be warm for a lifetime.

Last year, I had the distinct pleasure of teaching a few co-workers to knit. The first showed an interest and after talking about how much I have enjoyed making things for family and friends, she started with her first cotton dishcloth. She began knitting at breaks and lunch time. As many of us, she began looking for free patterns and began building a fledgling stash.

The second friend, at this workplace, was rather adamant to not learn to knit. No problem. I understand the life of a full-time working mom who already has at least one other hobby (scrapbooking). No pressure. I come from the mindset that if you want to learn, you will show an interest and take an initiative. Knitting should not be forced. Afterall, it is a quieting, calming, soothing sort of thing.

Time passes and this second friend decides that she does, in fact, want to learn to knit. She likes the idea of portability that scrapbooking does not offer. Hence, another has been assimilated. The following picture is the felted mittens (Christmas stockings) for herself, hubby and two boys.

Great job, Grasshopper! You should be terribly proud, I certainly am!