My first year learning to knit and crochet has been rewarding. When Tim and I retired in 2019, I had free time when not traveling and a chance to explore new interests. Here is my journey of learning a new craft and finding fun shops in every corner while seeing the world.
I began with a $3.00 pair of knitting needles and scrap yarn I picked up at Goodwill in New Zealand and knit smaller items such as potholders, dish cloths, scarves and hats. The soft wool and merino wool here are fantastic. The wool is beautiful yarn, soft, and cheap compared to elsewhere. I believe that would be thanks to these guys who roam everywhere! I couldn’t help but think “The Sheep May Safely Graze” from Bach each time we passed them.
New Zealand Sheep
That was February of 2019 and here is my first wearable project using New Zealand yarn. I found some lovely shades of gray and blue for this scarf.
I finished the scarf in this beautiful AirBnB on Havelock Island in New Zealand but left it in our next home in Niue for our sweet host, Nancy. We found out she had to spend most of the winter in Auckland, NZ (where it was much colder) working to make ends meet and would fly “home” to Niue for a month or so each year to spend it with family.
Havelock, New Zealand
I’m finding I love knitting/crocheting when not hiking or sight seeing because it is so relaxing. I listen to a good podcast and have my hands busy with bright colored yarn. People all over the world are knitting and crocheting and it has been fun to seek them out. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to interact and learn from others. In Auckland I found a group of knitters through a local yarn store and began attending a weekly knitting soiree. I learned much there and they were so kind to help newbies like me.
Next I tried more scarves and hats and found some unwilling “victims” to send them to! Thank you Teri, Gabi and Liddy!
Gabi and Teri, willing victims!
