Knitting a garment takes time. Often a project bag ends up being left alone with a lonely half started project waiting to be picked back up. Often the project is left there till the pile up of school and life subsides enough to then pick up the deserted bag to again be knit.
The craft of knitting brings me so much more than just a knit item. As someone who often has a hard time not fiddling or sitting still, I need something to do with my hands. Along with this, I often have a hard time turning off what I like to call my ‘School Brain’. The thoughts of upcoming assignments, things to do and class schedules run over and over in my head. Knitting allows me to keep both my brain and hands busy while helping me relax all the same.
In the past, I have had trouble with making knitting a priority in my life. The benefits of sitting down to knit even a few rows are so beneficial for me but only when I actually allow myself the time to do so.
The Plan
My plan for this project based free inquiry is to use the task of knitting my first cardigan to find ways to incorporate knitting into my everyday routine and life. I have felt the mental health benefits of knitting, now I want to find a way to embed time for it in my life. In a way this inquiry is both an inquiry on learning to knit a cardigan while also an inquiry on how to integrate knitting into a busy school semester. As I conduct the steps of beginning a new project, I will also be researching and learning new ways to make time for myself amidst the busy schedule of a semester in education.
The Project
To get started on my project based inquiry, I decided it was time to choose a pattern. In the past, I have used a knitting and crocheting pattern resource website called Ravelry. I chose to take a look here again and search through to find a pattern that was the perfect fit. After much browsing around, looking through pattern after pattern I found a pattern called Rönn by The Weststrand Sisters. This pattern seemed like the perfect cardigan pattern for me to undertake for this inquiry project.
A few reason I chose this specific pattern are:
-
- The pattern is really pretty! Not only is the sweater a look I really like, I feel it would integrate into my wardrobe well!
- This pattern is made with a worsted weight yarn, which means that the yarn is thicker and the sweater will be able to be knit quicker.
- The stitches seem to be more simple which will hopefully aid in making the project manageable and less overwhelming to continue throughout the semester.
- There is a new stitch to try called a bobble as well as an i-cord which will hopefully keep me interested and engaged in the project long term. Both these elements are things I have heard of but have not tried doing before.
The Inquiry
To make my learning visible, I have formulated questions that I have been asking myself as I develop a plan of how to conduct this inquiry based project.
-
- How can I balance a busy school life while making time for knitting?
- How does knitting benefit mental health?
- What are the essential notions and tools that every knitter should have in their knitting bag?
- How can I make knitting a large project (like knitting a garment/cardigan) manageable?
- What are the different ways to knit a cardigan?
Coming soon
For the next portion of my project based free inquiry I will be gathering the needed supplies to get started on my cardigan.
This will include gathering:
-
- the correct needle sizes
- the perfect yarn
- a project bag
- notions and tools
Over the course of the next week I will be collecting these materials, starting the process of the cardigan pattern and researching my inquiry questions. I am looking forward to the exploration involved in finding out why knitting is so beneficial for mental health and how to incorporate it into a busy school schedule. Like any knitting project, the process is slow going but that the process of inquiry will allow me to grow my knowledge one stitch at a time.
Photo by rocknwool on Unsplash
Feature photo by Philip Estrada on Unsplash
I love that the pattern you chose has new and already known stitches in it! Reminds me of working within your ZPD haha. Do you usually knit while doing other things (like watching TV, listening to podcasts, etc), or do you like to focus on just knitting?
Thank you for your comment Tyla! I usually like to multi-task while knitting. I often knit while watching TV when I have the time as I find I am able to take my mind off all the to-do’s for the next day. One of my favourite things to do is to have a cup of tea with family while knitting and chatting.
Kate, I think the questions you formulated for your inquiry raises an important point about this project! Not only will it help make your learning visible (via up-keeping this blog), but also the bigger picture of knitting helping with your overall wellbeing!
I am also a big fan of the digital art that’s on your blog – did you create those yourself? What tools did you use?
Thanks for your comment Juli! I was lucky enough to have my sister design the amazing logo material for Recess Knitting. If you would like to see more of her work, please check out my attribution page for a link to her website!