Let's Try Knitting!

Yesterday, I passed around a sample project - a Mug Rug, aka a Coaster, to the students. Almost everyone who touched it lingered, a few begged to keep it, and I was surprised that so many asked to learn to knit. To be fair, many of them know that my Core Class learned to knit last year, and a lot of kids also wanted in.

Today, I passed small balls of yarn around, and it took a good ten minutes for the class to settle down. Amidst the cacophony, many students demanded to know if we were going to knit. Eventually, they settled down enough to witness the magic of the slip knot. It took another good chunk of time before most of them had mastered it.

They did catch onto the slip knot fast enough that we started to cast on (thumb method, in case you're wondering - thank you, Connor, for teaching me that!) Many of them are already quite territorial over the ball of yarn they were assigned, and plan to keep it for further work. Some might ask to trade colours tomorrow.

A second class was also introduced with very similar results, but I'm running really low on knitting needles. It's pushing it to say I have two class sets even if I use different, but similar sizes, and I certainly don't have 3 class sets. I priced needles, but at 5, 6 and 7 dollars a pair, I'm not blowing my budget on 25 additional needles.

If I'd been smarter, or at least less reckless (Ha!) I'd have spread it out, and started one class, let them work for a couple of weeks and wrap it up. Although... even if I do approach it that way, I'd still have some overlap.

I thought we could make some surplus needles, so I went out to the craft store to look at dowels. The 3/16 size is certainly compatible, but I think they'd break too easily. Middle-schoolers are very aggressive knitters. I'm looking into round, bamboo chopsticks. Hopefully someone in one of my circles has some, or maybe they can be bought bulk for a good price.

On another note, I really want an upcycling project for my Grade 8s, but it has to be fairly simple since their shortened term will end in about 2 weeks. We still have 2 cooking labs to squeeze in. They're pretty happy when they're cooking (and eating).

ps: Note to Self. This would be simpler if you just assigned every the SAME COLOUR.

Dear Self: that would be boring. Stop being so practical.