Knitting: My First Stride Toward Domesticity

As a sophomore at TCU, I’ve lived on campus for three semesters. Three semesters chock-full of meal plan dining, staff-cleaned community bathrooms, and laundry services. However, one week into my fourth semester on campus, I see the light at the end of the tunnel: junior year is quickly approaching! TCU’s requirement to live in on-campus dorms for two years is almost up – I’ve paid my dues. 

Next week, three friends and I are signing a lease to live off campus. My roommates and I are so excited to be alleviated of the monotonous BLUU (the on-campus cafeteria for you non-horned frogs) food and freed from tiny, shared rooms that are supposed to triple as kitchens and bathrooms. The only downside to our future 4-bedroom duplex is the realization I had this week: I have no domestic bone in my body. Sure, I clean my room and do my laundry – but cooking, paying bills, decorating a real space and hosting events at my new abode? Now that will be new territory for me.

The purpose for this blog will be to document my attempts at domesticity. This semester, my goal is to prepare myself for life off-campus. To venture into the new frontier that is creating a new space and thriving in it! Over the next several months I want to develop life-skills that will help me out around the house: sewing, cooking, crafting, gift-wrapping, handiwork and gardening. I hope to pick up entertaining tips:  etiquette, invitation making, cocktail concocting and the art of wearing high heels.

This week’s mission? Knitting!

Knitting will be useful next year for hand-making thoughtful gifts for Christmas or birthdays. Around the house, knitting could even be used for making potholders, napkin rings or other homey items! The sky’s the limit. Confession: I already know how to knit. I learned in sixth grade because I wanted something to pass the time during exams. Since then, I dabble with the needles every year when winter rolls around.

However, this year, thanks to this blog I am stepping up my game. I’ve been making ear-warmers for my close friends the past couple of weeks. Ear-warmers are great items to knit because they don’t take long, they’re practical and you can make them look very different according to what kind of style you’re trying to complete. Long story short: ear-warmers are quick, easy, cheap & lovely. Sounds like a wonderful equation to me!

Here are some examples that I’ve made for some sweet friends:

I prefer to use size 15 needles and wool to knit with. This combination creates a thick, soft garment that keeps you warm and of course, lookin’ GOOD.

 I would say that this first stride toward domesticity has been successful.

If you're interested in learning how to knit, this online tutorial is very helpful: Here's the link! Check out "Slip knot" (that's how you start), "Casting On" (Setting up your needles) and "The Knit Stitch" (that's how you actually knit).