Experiencing unabashed joy

One of the most fun things about being around small children is seeing the unabashed joy they find in the simplest of things.  Everything is new, and mastering each skill delights them.  You can see it on their little faces as they try and try, finally learning to crawl and then walk, or figuring out how to put a puzzle together or build a tower that doesn't fall.  Children experience the world with a unique sense of wonder and thrill of accomplishment.  As adults, we hardly ever get that same rush of excitement - the challenge of most new physical skills is far behind us. 

But you can create that rush.  As you know, we've been having some beginning crochet sessions for our Uplifting Designs entry.  I have never known how to crochet beyond the bare minimum.  But for this little project, Antonella designed a little flower that includes all the basic crochet techniques: chain, slip stitch, single, double, half-double (who knew), and triple crochet stitches.  I learned how to crochet in the round and more.  In making these little flowers, I can truly say that I learned to crochet.  Not just blindly following someone standing over me saying, "Okay, now wrap the yarn around the hook, and pull it blah blah blah."  I actually knew what to do.  I could read the pattern, look at my work, and know where I was and what to do next.  And you know, it was pretty thrilling.  I felt this goofy smile on my face and that childlike thrill just took over.  "I get it! I see it!" The words just tumbled out, and I didn't care.  I was excited about proud - not just proud of my creation, but proud of myself for learning this thing.  It doesn't sound like much, but it's actually huge.  That kind of learning - - combining visual cues, intellectual understanding, and physical skills, is powerful.  Whether it's a child learning how puzzle pieces fit together, or you and me learning to crochet a flower or knit a sock, the experience is a thrilling rush!

There are lots of opportunities for you to experience the rush - I think sock knitting is a perfect example of where you'll find it.  Following along the pattern and doing what it says (with or without someone standing over you) is one thing, but truly having that Aha! moment is quite another.  The rush comes with independent mastery - when you see why things are done the way they are and you know when to do what you have to do, and you know how to do it.  That's what we're going for.  Jenny has a wonderful beginning sock class starting this week, toe-up, worsted weight.  Toe up is great for lots of reasons, but from the learning perspective, it's an excellent way to kind of unpack sock construction, look at it from another angle, literally, and really get a feel for what's happening.  Whether you're a beginning sock knitter, or a cuff-down devotee, I encourage you to register for this class and experience the excitement and joy of learning something new.

Join us for a class that thrills you - I look forward to seeing you in the shop and around the table.  You are always welcome here.  ~ Ellen

Back to 20 September 2016 Newsletter