I began knitting at the age of 10, taught to knit by my mother and grandmother. The first thing I remember knitting was a Barbie doll pink stole Christmas present for my younger sister. I used some plastic knitting needles which were broken and had tape on the end to keep my stitches from falling off! I think it was garter stitch and had some blue stripes on the ends, but I am sure it was full of dropped stitches. My main remembrance of this activity was how much I enjoyed it. The rhythm of the stitches and movement of my hands to that rhythm set a pattern that would follow me for a lifetime. Knitting during high school, nursing school and early adulthood when I could afford yarn, it provided me with entertainment, joy and memorable times. I remember wearing a hand knitted dress to meet my adopted daughter’s birth mother and discuss the details of the pending adoption. However as a busy new mother, I don’t remember knitting many items for her. I am proud that my mother did have time to make those precious items for her and that we still have those cute baby sweaters tucked away.

At times, knitting was a big part of my life and at times it was dormant. I returned to knitting with the birth of my granddaughter and my desire to create handmade items for her. Once again I was thrilled with the rhythm of the stitches. I have been knitting almost continuously since I returned to knitting this last time. I even became a Master Knitter as designated by the Knitting Guild Association www.tkga.org.

Now, my daytime job is as a consultant, usually flying weekly to a client sight in the U.S. Once, in the Los Angeles airport, there was breach in security so I had to stand in line outside the terminal for 2 hours while TSA searched the terminal. I pulled out my sock needles and yarn, cast on and started knitting a sock! I was concerned that the needles might be confiscated by TSA upon screening, but they never questioned them and I had a finished sock by the time the plane landed in my hometown! Knowing that needles aren’t even on the list of not allowed onboard, I always carry knitting with me. It provides hours of pleasure on the plane and in the hotel room.

From reading the patterns as written by the designers, I’ve evolved to designing items that are an outlet for my creativity. I have published patterns and articles in knitting magazines. Designing for my pleasure, I am pleased when others find my designs and the rhythm of the stitches calling them to knit. So, please enjoy the patterns, provide me with feedback and pictures of your finished garments. You can reach me at nancy@nansknitting.com