Last week, with some of my Christmas money, I purchased my first knitting needles and a book to learn to knit in one day. I did....but that is about as far as I have gotten. I know that I am making my loops too tight, and I just can't seem to do it any differently. I started over several times, but just keep having it too tight. Which I can see, really slows down the process.
I want to learn how to knit b/c it is a challenge to me. My grandmother and mom can both crochet, but cannot knit. So it does challenge me to see if I can be the first in my family to learn to knit. My mother tried to teach me to crochet a few times, but she and I are both ambedextrious, only we are exact opposite with what we do with each hand, so we cannot get our brains or hands in sync with each other. When I was working at the nursing home, I was fascinated watching the ladies crochet, and at the time I was interested in cross stitching. I had several ladies tell me that they used to cross stitch, but weren't able to see or use their hands to do that, so they picked up crocheting. I have to always have something to do when I am sitting down, so I decided I had better teach myself how to crochet. So, I got a book and after a few tries figured it out. I have made a couple of afghans and many doilies over the years and have really enjoyed it.
So, now I have moved on to knitting. I see that it is a real challenge to coordinate both my hands to do different things at the same time. I was literally sore the next morning in my arms, neck, and shoulders after being so tense in learning to knit.....and I am sure that is why my stitches were so tight. I would love some advice/suggestions on how to keep it looser.