Hobby dates back to 11th Century Egypt

Knit one, purl two. It’s a phrase that stayed in my brain for decades, although I had no idea what it actually meant, or how one might go about accomplishing the feat.

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Several weeks ago, I decided it was high time I learned to knit. And so I have. I’m disastrously bad at it, but am truly having a ball while I try to perfect the stitches.

The earliest known examples of knitting have been found in Egypt, dating back to the 11th century. From the Middle East, knitting made its way to Spain by the 1200s. By the 14th century, knitted items had found their way all over Europe.

Cable knit sweaters have always caught my eye, but until I tried my hand at knitting a simple, no frills scarf, I never truly appreciated the amazing work that goes into creating such magnificent garments. Even though the ones I own are made by a machine, I’m still astonished. How could someone create this?

The cable stitch was invented in Ireland in the early 1900s. In honor of today’s Irish holiday I’ll probably have on a bit o’ green. And I’ll most definitely be wearing a cable knit sweater.

Sandy Fields keeps an online journal at her website http://www.field-days.com

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