One day soon I am going to post a little list of knitting resolutions for 2009, but a little sneak preview is that I want to learn how to knit faster. (I think I already mentioned this a few days ago).
Several days ago Knit Picks sent out an email talking about speed knitting and they posted a video of the world’s fastest knitter. Holy crap! She is amazing!! I don’t aim to knit anywhere near that fast, but I’d like to pick up the pace. Here are some of her tips:
1. Knit continental style (boo!)
2. Keep all your movements to a minimum (her hands barely looked like they were moving at all)
3. Practice by setting a timer for three minutes and see how fast you can go
4. Keep your arms relaxed
She also had kind of a special hold, you can see it in the video, if you are so inclined. Here it is:
Yes, I saw that on the KnitPicks catalog, too (thanks for the video, btw).
When I taught myself how to knit, American or English or whatever they call it where you hold the yarn on the right didn’t make sense to me (and I’m very right hand dominant). There seemed to be too many movements involved in that style, so I taught myself Continental from the get-go.
I later learned that there are some very speedy American/English style knitters. Teaching yourself Continental — if it doesn’t “feel” right to you — won’t necessarily increase your speed!
Yay! You have given me hope that I don’t have to teach my hands new tricks.