How To Build Your Skill Level - Part II

When you start to learn how to knit or crochet, what are you thinking about? What have you seen that you would like to learn how to do or make? If you already knit or crochet, how much would you like to learn or do? Have you ever wondered what makes a beginner vs. intermediate vs. advance in both needlearts?

The interesting point is, you can be a master in certain techniques but never try other techniques. That doesn't make you a beginner just because you haven't learned other areas of the needleart. It is so much to learn that you can't do everything. I let my students know that when they ask me a question and I don't know the answer, I don't know everything, but I can get the answer for them. And if a person tried to know everything that would take away half the fun of learning.

I wanted to continue to build my knowledge, so I was always looking for tools to help me. As I was searching the web I found a great chart that I used to track my skills in knitting. It came from the Washington State University. I am sharing the link to the chart - Needlework Skills Checklist - Knitting. I think it is a wonderful foundation piece. It can help a person track where they are and make new goals for learning. It increases your fun as you research what you don't know, as you check off what you do know. This chart helps anyone that would like to explore outside of their box or comfort zone. It also gives the basic to the advance skills to help you build on your knowledge.

You can use this chart as a guideline to help you create your own list. It's fun to set goals as to what you will learn next as you progress. Use your list to conquer your fears or discomfort by challenging yourself in learning something new. As you can see from the chart there is a lot to learn. This keeps that spark of excitement alive for the crafts. I also was able to make a chart for crochet. Since I am a teacher I would like to make sure that my skills continue to grow, this way I can help my students learn more and grow.

Take the time to make your wish list of learning and have fun with it.