There is something beautiful about learning how to live life over some kind of needle and fiber. Be it sewing, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, weaving, or spinning, the Art of Womanhood seems to be more vivid and appealing and easy to learn when its taught during the education of one of those arts.
The women I consider the most prominent mentors in my life have all taught me how to use some kind fiber. Mom taught me cross stitch, grandma taught me sewing, my mother-in-law helped me transfer from cross-stitch to embroidery, and various women along the way have either built upon those skills or taught me new ones.
A couple of the kids I teach on Sundays and Wednesdays have asked either for me to teach them how to knit or to knit them something. Its funny to me because these are the kids that have gadgets and gizmos aplenty. They have ipads, ipods, iphones, know the latest songs from the latest stars, and have 'being cool' down to a fine art. But they are intrigued and fascinated by the handmade. And they recognize the specialness of having something made especially for YOU. And being special isn't something these kids are used to. Older folks coming alongside and mentoring them isn't something they get very often - if ever.
So with much fear and trepidation the church secretary and I are starting the beginnings of a knit/crochet/fiber lovers meeting at the church. I've been adamant that kids and youth who want to come get to come as long as they behave themselves. The ladies in the church need to see they are capable of discipleship,and the kids need to see that the older people aren't all ogres. A couple of people have asked me to help them improve (or acquire!) their knitting skills, so they'll be welcome too. However I will say that I really think that teaching how to knit ought to be left to the experts. Yes I can follow a pattern correctly now, but I hardly feel that makes me an expert!
And in the meantime, I 'm knitting up a batch of turtles for the kids going to camp. I'm using the acrylic that various ladies in the church have given me, and using the little scraps of yarn that usually litter the carpet for the stuffing, so its no extra expense.
As a final thought, I encourage you to look for ways you can reach to people in odd unconventional ways. You have no idea how touching it is to have someone cheerfully and naturally teach you a skill that will edify you and others for the rest of your life. Or maybe you do know how touching it is, in which case I heartily encourage you to pass it on to others. Be that blessing for someone else.