So today they got off the bus and Sophie came in the door saying, "MOM! We're going to knit today!" She was bursting with enthusiasm, and dead-set on knitting. Unfortunately, it's been a couple of YEARS since my kids last knit anything. Sure, they know how. I taught them when they turned 5. They've gone through periods of knitting, periods of not knitting, and even periods of finger knitting (who needs needles anyway?)
During one of those periods of "not-knitting" I got rid of their stash. There wasn't much left - only a few yards of Mega in a couple of different colors. They had already made several doll blankets and scarves with it and they were in an uninterested phase, so goodbye it went. Of course today, they were intent on knitting because Julia had brought her stuff.
I only had sportweight and fingering weight yarns at home, and those are certainly not gratifying for 9 year olds. So we piled in the car and headed back to the yarn shop for some super bulky yarn. They were so excited in the car - talking about what color they were going to get, what they were going to make... isn't that how WE feel when we go yarn shopping?
I pulled into the driveway of the shop, and they were out of the car and in the front door before I had even turned the car off. Helen and Sophie both chose Encore Mega, this time in a solid color.
I cast on for H&S when we got home and the three of them headed outside to knit on the swing set in the sunshine. Nothing like a little outside knitting! Too bad it was only 48 degrees out. That whole thing about keeping your yarn pristine? Doesn't matter to a 9 year old. Heck, throw it on the damp grass in the leaves, it doesn't matter!
Helen was more concerned about her yarn - it stayed nice and clean in her vinyl bag. That's my old Berroco Furz poncho on her head. 
When it got really cold they came inside to play in the basement. I was making cookies and I heard them playing on the keyboard down in the basement. Then, as I was dealing with one cookie sheet after another, things got quiet down there. I had seen Julia race upstairs to get her knitting bag several minutes earlier. I figured they were knitting again, so I grabbed my camera and tiptoed down the stairs. As I rounded the corner, this is what I saw.
Who needs a formal stitch-n-bitch? Just grab a few close friends, head over to your local laundromat and knit! As you can see, it can be very informal. Apparently, chairs are optional. Laundry baskets and cat condos work really well. Take off your shoes! Put your feet up. And enjoy knitting with your pals.
I'm so glad Julia kept up with her knitting, and that she inspired my girls to pick it up again. It's 8:30 at night, and they're STILL knitting! Thanks Julia!
Speaking of kids and knitting, Kaleidoscope Yarns is sponsoring a 3rd & 4th grade knitting class at Williston Central School through the Williston Rec Department. Suzie von Reyn, who teaches knitting classes for us here at the shop, and who used to work here full time several years ago, has been informally teaching kids to knit for years. She's doing a 6 week knitting workshop on Wednesdays for 3rd & 4th graders at ABS and WCS - it starts in a few weeks. Just $25 and they'll learn to knit, get yarn, needles, a cool vinyl bag, etc. It's going to be a lot of fun.
We're so excited to be involved in this. Helen and Sophie and I will be there the last few weeks... once their art class is finished we'll be free again on Wednesdays after school. Can't wait!
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