teaching.

...my first section of beginner classes* ended last night. it was a relatively small class - just three ladies (although we did pick up a student from sunday's class - she's working on extra credit! - and the eleven month old son of one student audited last night's class). but really, the perfect size to start. I was able to spend time with everyone individually. and we got to know each other pretty well. and even though two of the students were mother and daughter (so knowing each other "pretty well" to start), I think you learn new things about yourself - and others - when you learn something new.

me included. I had planned all along to teach classes - the february lady sweater, liesl (and after that socks, another sweater, and hopefully even a skirt) - but these classes aren't for beginners. I wasn't sure I wanted to teach anyone to knit - from scratch. I've done it before, but only with friends. I was, honestly, a little afraid of beginners. like what if they just. don't. get. it. or hate it. or (worse!) hate me.

but - as with so many of the best things in our lives - it just happened. the original monday class was overbooked and theresa asked me if I'd be willing to take the overflow. I agreed. then brushed up on the basics and that, as they say, was it. after that first night I was completely hooked.

turns out I LOVE the beginners. I'm sure some of this is because this first group of students, they "got it". All three graduated to real projects by the third week. A baby sweater, a cowl and an ascot (pattern shown here). wow!

I've been trying to figure out just what it is that changed my mind. and I think maybe, it's simply the opportunity to share my passion for this craft. creating new knitters. one at a time.

one of those new knitters gave me this thank you card last night. yep, it's pretty awesome.

*cast-on cottage runs beginner classes a month at a time, four classes each month. my "section" is monday evenings, from 6-8pm.