As I lifted a perfect loaf of bread out from the oven, I couldn't help but be appalled by my potholders. On top of being worn through, I couldn't even identify what food lined the crusty edges! At times like this, I'd usually remember to pick up a few during my weekly shopping trip?.but fortunately, that habit has changed! Yearning to be more self-sufficient, I learned to knit my own potholders.



Grabbing some yarn from the hall, I sat down in front of my stone fireplace and got to work. Scared by the thought of ?knitting,? I was shocked when I discovered the ease of it. A year ago, I had bravely purchased a knitting loom and a bundle of colored yarn from my local fabric store. Not having a friend who knits, I went online and found some great beginner tips (things only a true knitter could teach you). Potholders were my first project. Locating a knitting pattern online that was easy to read and actually made sense, I went to work!

Within a few hours I had my first potholder! Ecstatic, I began to turn out potholders in no time. I became quicker at my new art, and started giving them out as gifts to everyone I knew. Christmas colored potholders are a favorite to give out with my famous oatmeal raisin cookies each December. That way, my loved ones are each getting something I put my time and love into. Not something I bought on a whim at the local super store.

Not only have I acquired a new skill, I have taught several of my friends how to knit as well! Using a free knitting pattern, it doesn't take much money to make a homemade treasure. Getting back to the basics is something I have wanted for my family. As I sat in front of the fireplace with my yarn in hand, I was grateful for being brave enough to try something new!