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Fair Isle Knitting – Not as Intimidating as it Looks

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I have avoided Fair Isle Knitting all these years because it looked difficult. Multiple colors of yarns are used and charts need to be read, all making it seem very complicated. But as they say, looks can be deceiving.

If I could learn to skateboard, I figured I could learn to Fair Isle Knit. Turns out it only took me one sitting to learn Fair Isle Knitting. Much easier than skateboarding. I already had the basic skills I needed to do this type of knitting, the only thing stopping me was fear of the unknown.

To Fair Isle Knit, one needs to know how to knit, how to pearl, and how to read a chart. The rest is so simple that I feel silly for avoiding this technique for so long. Also, there are two types of knitting styles, English and Continental. While this technique can be used with just one of these styles of knitting, it is more efficient to use both styles at the same time. Doing so takes less time as the yarns do not cross and tangle.

I found easy directions for learning to Fair Isle Knit at: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/fair-isle-stranded-knitting-2116385

Basically, a color is added to the knitting and then after using it, it is dropped and the other color is picked up and used. When picking up a different color the yarn goes under the last strand that has been dropped and knitted as normal. All this is done without cutting the yarn, the yarn is picked up when needed. Longer strands will form on the backs of the knitted piece (the pearl side) but the front of the piece (the knit side) will show the pattern.

To read a chart: The charts are made of squares. Each square represents a stitch. The charts are read from right to left on the knitted side and from left to right on the pearl side. The squares will be in different colors depending on the color of yarn to be used. So if there are two dark squares (let’s say dark=blue), one light square (let’s say light=pink), and three dark squares, one would knit two stitches in blue, then switch to pink and knit one pink, and then switch back to blue and knit three blue. All this is done without cutting the yarn, the yarn is picked up when needed.

Do not be afraid to try Fair Isle Knitting. It looks beautiful and is much easier than it looks.

As always, Happy Knitting!

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Still Skateboarding at My Age!

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It was brought to my attention that I needed to do a follow-up post on my original post: https://wordpress.com/post/anotherdaywithjulie.home.blog/3456 ‘Learning to Skateboard at My Age? Why Not!’. I see that my original post was May 27, 2020, almost a year ago. Well lo and behold, yes, I am still at it.

So, from my starting point, almost a year ago, I have come a long way. Starting with driveway guidance by holding my son’s arm to being able to stand on the board myself seemed a big accomplishment back then. I thought myself a real wiz when I could go down the driveway and make a turn to come back. I even learned kick turns. Then I was on the actual road, heading down to the culdesac and back. My son and I even took an outing down a few streets where I learned how to slow down on hills and stop the board without letting it fly into the bushes.

My biggest feat of all so far and my goal really, was accomplished a couple of days ago on Mother’s Day. My son drove us down to the beach and we rode our boards around the bay. Beautiful day for it – nice breeze, gorgeous blue skies, sailboats on the bay, lots to take in. But safety first, not only did I embrace my wrist pads and helmet, I also donned a face mask. I may be brave enough to skateboard at my age, but I’m not brave enough to go maskless.

Now, a couple of days later, the old bones are saying perhaps I went a little too far. I thought I was in good shape, after all I do yoga every morning, but skateboarding does use a lot of muscles, especially if you’re not going downhill. So, my new goal will be to get on the board a little more often and a little further each time. Got to build up my endurance if I hope to be in the Olympics some day.

Skateboarding at my age, proving you’re never to old to try something new. As always, Enjoy the Ride!

I Have Earned My Wheels

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As I mentioned in my earlier post ‘Learning to Skateboard at My Age? Why Not!’, I have taken-up skateboarding. It has become an almost nightly thing with me now. My husband was sweet enough to gift me my own board. I no longer have to borrow my son’s board. I have my own wheels.

The skateboard was not bought as a complete, but in pieces that we chose and then assembled. I not only got a lesson in how to ride, but how to put together a skateboard as well. Needed are a deck, grip tape, trucks, risers, wheels, bearings, and screws. Oh, and two handy guys that know how to put this all together. Of course, one can just get it assembled at the skate shop. But then the guys do not get to have any fun.

I really like my new board. It is a super smooth ride. Thanks guys!

My board. Sweet!
My adorable bear cut-out grip tape! This grip tape comes in goofy or regular. I’m a goofy.

Learning to Skateboard at My Age? Why Not!

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I read recently where the Queen of England is in her 90’s and still rides horses. Well that is impressive! As I quarantined in my yard, I watched a young man ride by on a skateboard with a straw brimmed lifeguard hat on. He looked relaxed and like he was having a good time. Something in me said, “You should give this a try!”

I should give a little background on my skateboarding history. I tried to skateboard once when I was a kid. I stepped onto my cousin’s skateboard and fell smack on my behind onto the cement garage floor. I never tried skateboarding again or wanted to until the other day when the guy in the lifeguard hat made it look so enjoyable. Being in quarantine also seems the perfect time to try something new.

I knew exactly who to go to for my first lesson. Believe me, I was not going to try this on my own! My son got his first skateboard at four years old. He is very patient and was more than happy to take on the task of teaching his mom how to skateboard.

I showed up at my first lesson wearing my Vans skate shoes and skate helmet instead of a lifeguard hat, eager to learn. We started off by discussing the parts of the board and what foot I naturally prefer for the board. I said my right foot. Apparently, that is called ‘goofy’ in skateboarding lingo. So I am a goofy skateboarder, which makes perfect sense to me. I am not naturally good at balance, so instead of falling on my behind again, I chose to support myself by holding onto my son’s shoulder. That worked and made me more confident.

By the third lesson, I was feeling better about things and just needed to hold my son’s hand. The next lesson came and I just needed him to spot me in case I fell backwards. Now, I am proud to say, I can skate on my own! I am working on my turns by leaning with my feet and my kick turns as well.

As with anything, to get better, practice is the key. I have been getting out there a little every day. Skateboarding really is a lot of work and uses a lot of muscles so I’m taking it slow, a little each day. I do not have the desire to jump, flip, or do anything crazy. I just find it fun to ride and work on my turns. My goal is to take the board to the boardwalk by the beach some day in the future when quarantines are a thing of the past.

I still have a lot to learn, however, I have improved so much in the short amount of time I have been taking my lessons. I am glad I decided to try something new even though it was a bit scary at first. I am thankful for such a good teacher as well. Happy Skateboarding!