Pat Lenz offers assistance to her students in the Portuguese knitting class; photo by Georgiann Schwetz.
Carol Chiarello
So there are two prevalent methods of knitting. The yarn is held differently but they accomplish the same thing. One is called English, which is the right-handed method. The other is called Continental and the yarn is held in the left hand. Most of us learn one way and stick with it.
Now comes Portuguese knitting. It is commonly used in South America and may be referred to as Turkish knitting or “around the neck” knitting. Why learn a new method? This new way is good for people with carpal tunnel, arthritis and joint pain because little movement is needed to form stitches. Yarn is tensioned around your neck or through a knitting pin.
Thank you to Pat Lenz for mastering this new technique and offering to teach a class to interested Knit Wits. Several tried it and some have continued to attempt mastery. Pat is a great teacher and an excellent knitter; we are lucky to have her here.
The Knit Wits will be keeping cool all summer long in SaddleBrooke HOA 1 Arts and Crafts Center, Room No. 4. We meet each Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Programs continue all summer long. We have a group lunch coming also. New members welcome anytime! Ranch knitters (or crocheters) may want to consider meeting with us. We already have a few of you and would warmly welcome more!