by Kally Aronis

Armed with Boye’s “Teach Yourself to Knit” booklet, size US 8 needles, and some brown yarn, I sat myself down on a bench at Columbus Circle with high hopes of learning a new craft. Two hours later, I came to three crucial conclusions. One, there was no way a second knitting needle could fit in a stitch behind the first needle. Two, either I was not as crafty as I thought I was, or else knitting existed merely to make one feel less talented. And three, I didn’t really need a new hobby anyway. Crochet was way cooler.

Fast-forward three years to January 2011. At my Grandmother’s condo, the cardigan I’m crocheting is just not holding my attention. My aunt sees me staring into outer space and holds out two very thin knitting needles. “I found them in Grandma’s closet,” she says. I stare at them: size 2. Maybe I could use them to hold my hair up in a bun. Then again…I do have some spare yarn that I don’t have any projects set up for. Realizing that that booklet hadn’t exactly helped before, I decide to a little experimenting on my own. And that is how I taught myself to knit.

After having the brilliant idea to dye my own yarn (which resulted in staining my kitchen sink), I decided to go to the experts. Classes seemed more appealing than watching YouTube videos of itty-bitty hands giving instructions, and soon I found myself at Lion Brand Yarn Studio in Knitting Color Work class. And then in Entrelac class. Next week, I’ll be in the Slipped Stitch Knitting class. And probably in another class the week after!

Classes at LBYS are like chocolate: I just have to have another one! Regardless of each student’s pace, I’ve never felt behind or bored. The instructors’ patience is boundless; I never feel like any question I may have is looked down upon. Here, when I share my hobby with others, I take comfort in knowing that a whole network of people is as passionate as I am.

Not only did I learn Fair Isle, Intarsia, Entrelac, and an easier way to dye yarn, but I also caught up with some things my little booklet didn’t teach me. Since then, I have created a whole array of colorful apparel. (By the way, I never did finish crocheting that cardigan.)

To view the new schedule of classes for October and November, click here.