I learned to knit when I was very young, but didn't really do much knitting until the past few years. The Internet is an amazing resource for self-teaching and I essentially felt the need to start from scratch when I finally did decide to pursue it. Long tail cast on must be like riding a bike because I remembered that (and a few other things) with no problem.
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| My Candy |
Like most novice knitters my first projects were simple and, inevitably, square. I had more scarves, cowls and blankets than any reasonable human being would ever require in a lifetime. Eventually, I progressed to very simple hats, which are really just tubes, which are really just squares joined in the center. I needed to get out of the rut, but shaping and fancy stitch techniques were intimidating.
Finding '
Candy Bear' on a website called
Mary Jane's Tearoom several years ago is what finally motivated me to move beyond squares. I actually emailed Susan Hickson, the very talented proprietress and designer behind Mary Jane's Tearoom, and told her that I loved the pattern, but was concerned about my skill level. She encouraged me to give it a try and I am so glad I did! My Candy is not as perfect as the original, but I still am so happy with the results (big feet and all) and so glad I gave it a try.The patterns on this site are extremely well written and in my mind, that is even more important than experience. If you know the basics and the pattern guides you appropriately, any project should be doable.
Original Candy Bear:
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| Mary Jane's Tearoom Candy |
It's been some time since I finished Candy. Since then, I've purchased Susan's 'Cornish Mice' and 'Romeo Bear,' as well. I have all the necessary yarn and supplies--just need to find the time!
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| Mary Jane's Tearoom Cornish Mice |
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| Mary Jane's Tearoom Romeo Bear |
Mary Jane's Tearoom really is a beautiful little online shop. Stop by if you have a minute.
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