When I talk to students either in my classes or in knit groups, I am always curious as to how or when they learned. Is this the first time or are they returning to the craft. I find that people have learned in different circumstances. As I stated, I learned knitting from my aunt and crochet from the local library. So I had two separate ways that the needle art world was open to me. There are classes at a local yarn shop (LYS) or a local craft store such as; Michael's, ACMoore, and JoAnn Fabrics. What this has shown, in most cases, is having a group setting or one-on-one session with someone, be it a relative or friend, can help build your learning skills.
Today we are so fortunate. We are living in a huge informational world where that we are bombarded with information. Sometimes too much information on all kinds of subjects. We each have a different way we process information. Some written information is easier to some to pick up than others. At times, that can discourage us. Then there is the Internet that has a host of information. Some good and some not so well written. There is also video views that can be used to learn and grow if properly executed. We have the TV programs that can give us the feel of being right there in a classroom, such as; 'Knit and Crochet Today', until we have a question and then we can get lost. We have face-to-face instructional teaching, which requires someone to have patience, tack, and good teaching skills to pull it off or you loose the student. And there are group settings that can give you a start, such as knit and crochet groups that meet at local libraries, yarn shops, and churches.
The point is, information is out there for the taking. But as I stated, we all process information differently. Some of us need to see it, some can just read it. We need to understand how we process information so that we can choose the right source or combination.
For me, I am a visual person. I need to see it and try it myself to get it. To just read something I can get lost. But if I see it in person and try it, then it sticks in my brain. I always tell people that taking a class is a great way to get a good foundation on the basics. Once you understand the basics then there are all the other ways of picking up skills at your fingertips. But you need to learn the basics.
A class setting gives you the following: you will be able to ask questions and most times get the results right away, interact with other crafters (social activity), share ideas and skills, able to use the computer online info better after building basic skills; no one is able to cover all the information on the subject of knitting and crochet, nor do they have the time so your instructor does that for you, build confidence in doing something new since you will be around those of like skill level, and just to have fun.
As you can see there are many benefits to taking a class and many other avenues you can use to learn. Classes are not just for basic learning but can support you on completing your projects in any level. If learning in a class setting is for you, then look on the web under craft stores or yarn shops for your area and call to see if they offer classes.
My baby blanket is coming along and will be finished in time for the shower on Sunday. I will post the end result once I am finished.
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