Knitting – I Did It and So Can You
I first started blogging around 2005. My blog and website have changed so much over the years. And so, of course, have I. When I first started writing, I’d share stories about my children, who were just wee little ones back then. And I shared that I’d just started learning how to knit. Back in 2006, I wrote a post about how I really wanted to make a living out of this knitting thing, but I was scared. I was scared to fail. I wanted to give you a glimpse of that old post because it says much about where I was, how far I’ve come, and what’s possible in knitting. And I hope you know that I was scared, but I did it anyway, and you can, too … whether you want to knit or do something else entirely. Take the leap!
Original 2006 Blog Post Excerpt
Here’s what I said in that July 16, 2006, post on my old Knit Thing blog:
I Was Just Getting Into Knitting
I have, over the past year, become obsessed with knitting. In fact, I can’t get enough! I am reading more books about knitting than I read my entire five years in college! (Yes, five years…I was an athlete, and that amount of time is needed to juggle both sport, school, and fun 🙂 ) Not only am I reading, but my mind is bombarded with ideas for sweaters, afghans, hats, scarves, baby sets – you name it, I have most likely thought about it. I have even thought about writing books. I am sure that after reading my writing style you all are thinking that book would never get published, but who knows.
Spoiler Alert: I’ve since authored lots of knitting books.
Mom Was Sure That I Could Do It
When I read inspiring things, it makes me dream about yarn and patterns and needles and…and…a sense of fulfillment. I call my mom often and tell her of my dreams of becoming somebody in the world of knitting. She is so great.
See, my mom hates knitting; she claims that she doesn’t have the patience for it. BUT she completely appreciates the art and respects those who love it. Recently I knit my first pair of socks and gave them to my mom. She was so happy and I know that she will take such good care of them.
Spoiler Alert: I Taught My Mom How To Knit, We Filmed It For YouTube, and It Was a Huge Hit
I digress…mom tells me to go for it…to take advantage of this gift that God has bestowed on me. She tells me to make a living out of something I love.
But I Was Afraid
Her advice is great, but it scares me. See, I have always had this bad habit of believing I can do something but not taking the steps to actually achieving it. Almost as if just knowing that I could achieve it is enough. Like, if I don’t actually try I can’t fail. What a sorry way to go through life! I did that my entire sporting career. I could have been great but never wanted to take the extra step to be great in fear I would fall flat on my face.
What do you say then? I wasn’t great? In my mind I think that saying I could have been great is better than saying I wasn’t great. However, by not trying to be great I WASN’T great! But, that is my warped sense of self. So, when it comes to actually taking that step to being what I want to be I am scared out of my mind.
What if I enter a contest and don’t win; what if I submit patterns and magazines say no thank you. Or what if I am not that GOOD! What if I try and fail? Then again, what if I try and succeed?
Become a Capital K Knitter
My friend once told me, “Don’t put God in a box”. Is that what I am doing? Should I try to be more than a knitter and become a KNITTER with a capital K? My heart tells me yes, my mind feels numb, and my soul is shouting…GET ON WITH IT!
And Then I Did It!
What do you think when you look back at this post? Are you surprised to see how nervous I was? The thing is, everyone gets scared about doing the things that they really want to do, that will truly change their lives. It’s because the risk is high, but so is the reward. Since that old post, I’ve published hundreds of knitting and crochet designs, taught many classes and workshops, developed my blog and social media, including the Marly’s Minions group, launched a craft podcast, started my own yarn line, collaborated with amazing people, and so much more. I didn’t know that I could do that back then. I put one step in front of the other, did the work, and realized my dream. And you can too!
What’s your big dream for your life? Share it in the comments. Or share it on social media and tag @themarlybird. Everyone here on the Marly Bird team believes in you.
Knit With Me
Categories: Knitting, Uncategorized
Beautiful scarf. Hope this video is available when I get ready to make this scarf.
Love, love love this!! I learned knitting and crocheting from my mom , but you have taught me way more… but I also realize how much this craft has evolved since then. One of my retirement goals was to challenge myself to learn more and improve my skills. You and Robin have helped that happen! Keep going I refer you to anyone who takes an interest in this????