Skills

[violetblue]

I'm not really sure which section this should be in, but how many of you younger AB-ers (say, 30 and under) can sew and knit? Have these skills totally died out?

[map71070]

Have to say I'm over 30 and cannot do anything domesticated like that - absolutely useless. Hopeless at sewing.If it can't be done with wonderwebbing it dont get done lol

[libby1980]

I am 25 and sometimes sew clothes for my nieces from scratch. I really like it, the trouble is it actually costs me more to make something from scratch than to go and buy it! I do it out of love rather than because it is cheaper, whereas in previous years I think making your own was cheaper?

[teag1rl]

At the grand old age of 26 I can sew if I had to, but rather use the machine. And if superglue or wonderweb will do it, it doesn't get sewed as above! Learnt to knit when I was about 10 but wouldn't have a clue how to start now. Any skills I do have I learnt from mum/grandmas. School was next to useless.

[chazza]

I'm under 30 and can do both. I knit a patterned jumper a couple of years back and can sew enough to mend clothes/hems etc.

I couldn't knit or sew without a pattern though

[clarebear86]

I am 20 and wouldn't have a clue where to start sewing or knitting, if anything has ever needed sewing it has always been sent straight round to grandmas, also was never taught anything along those lines in school just how to make a sandwich in food technology - how useful!!

[annavc]

I'm 30 and have recently taken up sewing, teaching myself. I got a machine for Christmas last year. Haven't made any clothes yet, starting with relatively simple things like cushion covers, curtains and most recently a laundry bag. I really enjoy it though and hopefully I might progress to clothes one day!

[nat_84]

im 21 and cant - but ive always wanted to learn. Wantd to knit a red and white scarf.....

[pinkspangle]

Well i'm 23 and can do both very well!! I am completely addicted to knitting at the moment, i have made bags, scarves and cushion covers and sold them all!! I love it! I'm not so good at following a pattern and wouldn't yet tackle a jumper, but with some practice, i'm sure i will eventually! I take my knitting everywhere, honestly, i wanted to take it on holiday this year but was TOLD not to!! Apparantly its not cool to be sat by the pool with my needles clanking!x

[Kim A]

I'm well over 30 AND left-handed and was put off all things craft-like and practical except cookery by the mustachioed old harridan at school who taught needlework. I unpicked a school sport skirt and sewed it up again during double needlework every week for a whole term. It took me a whole term to cut out and tack together a three piece halterneck dress. It was never sewn up. I can't knit. It comes out backwards because I'm left handed. My nan tried to teach me to crochet and ended up in tears (sorry, Nana!) I can however, cook you anything and Mr A loves me for the other things which I do VERY WELL indeed.

[zipadeedodah]

My friend (I'm 20, she's 22) tried to teach me to knit a couple of years ago when we both worked together in a quiet shop (hence lots of time sitting doing nothing!). I wasn't really any good, but she's really into it. She knits and sews all sorts, and is really good at it!

[missyR]

im under 20 (15) and my gran taught me to knit from the age of about eight and i do it at school like sewing and stuff so thats quite good i suppose!
xx

[freak_unique]

i can sew and knit and im 21 - my nan taught me when i was about 10 :)

[shaneystar2]

I am extremely over 30 !! Knitting has been a lifelong hobby of mine.My Nan taught me knit when I was about eight years old.I love it.It's a relaxing rewarding hobby.i knitted for both my children and although I don't attempt too many fancy patterns these days due to arthritic hands I still knit small items ,socks ,scarves,hats etc.I am knitting bed socks for my bedridden neighbour at the moment and a bolero for my niece.I collect all sorts of patterns,books and knitting paraphenalia.
Sewing? No and again no! If I have to sew a button on it falls off ten minutes later.
My Mum was a brilliant needlewoman but we had an old harridan at school who used to belt me over the knuckles with a metal ruler because my needlework was so poor.It took me the best part of three terms to make an apron which still looked like a rag when I had finished it.I hate loathe and detest sewing.

[mimififi]

I am exactly 30 but have always sewn and knitted. I have a machine and overlocker now which is a real luxury. I sew clothes for my 5 children and myself as it is impossible to find things that fit well (I have a 26" waist and a 34" inside leg: you try getting trousers!) my daughter is a similar proportion though smaller and she loves to wear beautiful dresses etc which are impossible to get in her size as she is also very tall.

I knit all sorts. At the moment, I'm knitting things for christmas and sleeveless jumpers for my son who gets cold without a sweater but too hot in a full sweater. I have knitted dollies, bags, scarves etc. I can also crochet but am not that good at following a pattern yet. i can do rows and squares and rounds.

I have just started cross stitching this year too and love that. it is so quick to do. I like to do cards and small embellishments on collars/blouses using waste fabric etc on the baby girls' clothes which they love. i also sew them matching hankies for every outfit and handbags. There is so much choice when making yourself and although it is more expensive to make your own clothes the quality and style is far superior. Also, you can buy shoes first and then make clothes to match much more easily.

frankly also, where would you be soft furnishings wise if you could sew?

I live for my craft work and find real relaxation in making things for others. My daughter is following in my stead and has alredy made herself a few outfits using her electric sewing machine her grandma bought her for her birthday. She is 12.

I think these skills are coming back though. My project next year is to learn how to do proper patchwork and quilting.

Kim A: I'll teach you; i'm left handed too.

[alijangra]

Im 27, I can sew and knit. I make all my own curtains, duvet covers etc and have recently started dressmaking again. I learned it all in school.