Grade 1 Knitting

Right Memory

"Strive to Learn as Much As Possible From Life"

 I have only been knitting and crocheting for about six years. I really enjoy knitting and crocheting because there is always a new skill, stitch, or technique to learn. I have enjoyed over the years meeting people and "chit-chatting" over knitting and and crochet projects. It is a true "Social Media." 

During Module 1 of the Waldorf Institute Practical Arts Teacher Training Ms. Mona Lewis introduced us to Grade 1 knitting and the related projects.  Whether a student learns to use the American or European version of knitting, there are two schools of thoughts regarding the techniques, knitting helps the mastering of fine motor skills. It is often refereed to as "crossing the mid-line." This is an important developmental skill for students as it connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Having the connection between the right and left sides of the brain not only is required for physical coordination but also with cognitive thought processes like math and reading. 

After making our own knitting needles with wood dowels, beads and bees wax; Ms. Lewis had our Module class complete knitted bags in basic stocking knit. The strap was "twizzled."  The wooden buttons came from the wood shop and were made by us. This is a perfect project as an introduction to knitting. The end result is a purposeful bag that is also beautiful. 

Grade 1 Project

After we completed the bags or purses we were then given simple instructions on how to make sheep, bears, or lions. Now, the instructions were for the adults and future teachers. However, for Grade 1 knitting should be experienced. 

I had time to make a bear. 

My first grade bear was adopted and has been cared for by my daughter. 

Before stuffing the bear or animals we were given the opportunity to dye the fabric in natural dyes. This was our first introduction to natural dyes. In this Module we used Osage Yellow and Eucalyptus. Ms. Lewis explained that various metals could change the colors. The "heart" of this bear was made by using iron. 

Eucalyptus dye bath.

Bless Bless