On being a Movie Star--or at least a Hand Model

One of the things that has always frustrated me about teaching knitting is that there has been no great way to reinforce or remind people about how to do what had been taught in the class in between lessons. For instance, when you begin to knit, it's hard to remember the cast on if you don't practice it over and over. And after you cast on to make your first scarf, you obviously don't practice the cast on for a while.

When was the last time you did a provisional cast on? Maybe last week, but maybe not for months before then. It's just hard to remember between times.

So for years I've been talking about making a series of videos that I could keep on my website, where I could send people. But it always seemed to be too overwhelming.

Finally, a few weeks ago, I decided on impulse to make one and see how it went. That day, I was able to make three. Well. This was easier than expected. I have apparently given these little speeches many times.

So every once in a while, I would go to work early and make a few more.

I am suddenly up to 23 videos. If you go to my Really Clear website, you can access them all from one place.

For the moment at least, I have them divided into four main categories:

(1) At the Beginning: Things such as casting on, knitting and purling (both English and Continental styles), binding off, weaving in ends.

(2) Techniques. You know the drill--increases, decreases, knitting and purling through the back loop, stretchy bind off, 3-needle bindoff, wrap and turn on short rows.

(3) How to Save Yourself. These videos show you how to fix various types of mistakes.

(4) Niceties. These videos show you ways to refine your knitting or make it more beautiful.  

I am particularly proud that they are all close-captioned, thanks to the wonderful MovieCaptioner software.

I have many more videos planned, but if there's a specific technique you would like to see, sing out in the comments or let me know!