Sharon
Sharon's Knitting Saga
(2010 - present)
My knitting story starts with a gift certificate to Heidi's Yarn Haven from my husband, Patrick. The certificate was for a knitting class, with Heidi, to make socks. Certificate in hand and excited about the prospect, I entered Heidi's shop and said, "I would like to sign up for a sock class." Heidi smiled and asked if I knew how to knit. After admitting that I had no experience with knitting, she kindly suggested that I attend her Tuesday night knitting sessions in order to learn. The sock class would come later. It was a year or so of Tuesday night knitting classes and hours sitting at The Yarn Haven with Heidi helping me trouble shoot my mistakes that I fianlly asked her, "Do you think I'm ready for a sock class?" Another smile and she said, "Yes."
Retirement from a teaching career with Ukiah Unified provided precious, flexible time for me to develop my knitting skills. Over the years I have watched my family be in awe of my knitting projects (dishcloths, socks, hats, scarves, sweaters, shawls, a lined Chanel inspired jacket, fairy dolls and other stuffed animals, and beautifull blankets). The projects are limitless. Most of the time knitting is a calming activity. There are those frustrating moments, but as time goes on my ability to figure out how to correct my mistakes is quite rewarding. There is always a new project to inspire.
My first project was a sweater vest for my grandson, Linus. He put it on, wrapped his hands around his chest and said, "It makes me so warm." Another early project was a red cardigan sweater for my granddaughter, Lorien. She enjoyed the sweater for years. At an early age, I took Linus and Lorien to Heidi's yarn shop and she taught them both to knit. There have been many occasions where Linus, Lorien and I have sat and knitted together. Great joy!
Knitting is a gift to myself and others. Most of my knitted items become gifts. Several family members have remarked that a gifted vest or shawl when worn is like a hug from me.
I am so appreciative of the oppurtinuty to work with Heidi, Jenny and Clara at the Yarn Haven. They are talented artisans. A true asset for our lovely comminuty. If anyone asks how I am doing after retirement, my response is that "Among other joys...working at Heidi's is a DREAM RETIREMENT JOB." Makes me happy to be there.