I have officially started a unofficial pre-req for the Master Knitter Certification! One of the other courses offered through The Knitting Guild Association is called Basics, Basics, Basics. I've read in a few places that it's a good starting point before diving into the full Master Knitter course. So here we are. 

I have a stash of Brava and the course documents recommend a worsted weight wool in a light color, so this is perfect. The very first thing is to knit a swatch with three different sized needles to decide which you like best. There's no right answer as long as you can explain why you chose the needle size you did. 

I ordered these tags to label my swatched: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CN376Q3N?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I'm sure there will be more things to buy, but so far, those tags are it! 

I'll be back soon with photos of all 6 swatches required for Basics, Basics, Basics, lesson 1 =)

​Justine

Have you heard the term "frogging" in relation to knitting? I'm not sure if it's a crochet term as well, but it should be! It basically means ripping out your work. I don't usually mind frogging. I tell myself I'm getting my money's worth out of the yarn by using it twice, ha! But last night I was SO UPSET that I had to frog my sweater. 

I'm working on a super secret sweater test knit (which is why there won't be photos here). I finished the body and jumped right into the first sleeve. I finally finished the sleeve last night, and went to switch needles to do the ribbing only to discover I was already using the smaller needles! That's right. I knit the whole sleeve with the wrong needles. UGH! 

"Don't panic!" I told myself. Maybe it'll still fit. I tried on the sweater and kept hoping it would be fine... Not only was the sleeve too tight, the cast off method I used for the body was not stretchy enough. It was so tight! 

The frogging and re-knitting in my future is not something I'm looking forward to right now. I've already missed the test knit deadline (and I feel so guilty!) so I'm going to put this sweater away while I get over my emotions about it. 

That imposter syndrome is strong though. Who do I think I am, wanting to become a master knitter when I can't even use the right sized needles! I know this will be a story worth laughing over later, but I'm not there just yet. 

I have been knitting since 2010. I taught myself in college with some YouTube videos and a group of girls making knit squares to donate to Africa for blankets. I made those squares like it was my job until I was brave enough to make a scarf for my boyfriend. That scarf... He's my husband now and he still has the scarf. It's about 10 feet long and a foot wide and he loves it. I think it's ridiculous. 

Last week, so mid September 2023, after 13 years of knitting, I realized I've been knitting wrong. I've been working on a secret test knit for a designer who has a sweater pattern coming out in a magazine in Spring 2024. The raglan stitches were looking wonky so I frogged it back to the beginning and tried again. Still wonky! So I watched a bunch of YouTube videos and I was doing everything right. My yarn overs were fine and I was knitting through the back of the stitch correctly... but wait. I realized these video creators all threw their yarn differently than I did. Does that even matter? So I watched a few more and realized, yep, it matters.

Every stitch I have knit for the past 13 years has been a twisted stitch. And ya'll that is a lot of stitches. I've made sweaters and blankets and scarves and socks. I've followed intricate patterns. And never once has it made a visible difference until now. 

I've been knitting wrong.

What is even life?!

A friend asked if I purl wrong as well and after watching MANY YouTube videos I can confirm that my purling technique is fine. As the title of the blog says, I knit wrong, purl right. 

So while we're on this journey to become a certified Master Knitter, I better relearn how to knit. 

Did you know you can become a certified Master Knitter? It's probably the coolest thing I've learned this year. It takes at least 4.5 years and tests you on numerous different skills as well as the history of knitting. The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) is the non-profit behind the certificate and numerous other educational opportunities for knitters. 

I decided since I'm knitting like it's my job anyway, I might as well perfect my craft! I'm easing into the Master Knitter program and starting with TKGA's Basics, Basics, Basics course. I got the materials last night and I'm so excited to dive in! Plus I have access to a Master Knitter to help me if I get stuck with the course! 

There's a Knitting Guild near my house that's basically a chapter of TKGA that I'm looking forward to joining. 

Stay tuned for more as I embark on this adventure!