How do you respond when someone states 'I wish I could do that.'?
I was showing a sweater I had made to my knitting group and while speaking on the type of yarn and construction methods used I was interrupted by another member, who crochets, with 'I wish I could knit things like that.' This happens whenever a member of the group shows a completed item that is knit. Offers have been made to teach her how to knit.
I would do nothing unless this member of your group gets serious and appears with knitting needles and yarn--pushing one of you or more of you to show her how to knit NOW. I belong to spinning and weaving groups with members into the craft for as long as 25 years. I just got started, and I've been the one to say, "I wish I could spin/weave like that." It can be overwhelming to be surrounded by people who can show off their work. But, I don't do anything other than beginning stuff I can handle because these women know that writing is my #1 passion. Everything else takes a backseat. Whene er she says something like this, take it as a compliment. Or at least until she gets serious about wanting to learn how to knit--then you can teach her. Until then, don't make her a project and push her to learn. At this point, she is simply admiring the finished work.
If they were really serious about what they wish they could do like me, then I would attempt to help them. Otherwise, I'd smile graciously and take it as a compliment.
In that particular instance, I'd say, "It's easy! Just learn the basic stitches, then practice for X years."
In most instances, I just don my best innocent look and say, "Why can't you?" Which may be followed by, "How long have you tried?" I do beaded micro-macrame and also sculpt OOAK art dolls, and people are always telling me this...or the, "I'd love to do that stuff, but I don't have the time." I think it's complete horse...cookies...and usually tell them so in only a slightly nicer way. You can find time for whatever is important to you -- this is what I do in lieu of watching TV (or while I'm watching a movie) and I don't waste my time gaming online, I don't spend countless hours with friends, and I have an intense aversion to spending time on the phone unless there is a very definite goal for the phone call.
When people say that to me I sometimes say "Really? Its pretty easy. Give it a try and if you need some help I'll be glad to give you a hand." They hardly ever make a comment like that again.
by Jane@CM 14 years ago
Now that fall is here, its time for me to dig out my knitting and crocheting. Yesterday I was at my LYS and the new yarns for the season are beautiful. Now that I'm on a strict budget, I didn't purchase any of my favorite yarns such as the Alpaca or the alpaca and silk blends. I...
by Lily Rose 14 years ago
I'm considering learning how to knit, but I'm wondering how it compares to crochet - easier or harder? quicker or slower?I've been crocheting on and off for years and I'm not great but I can follow a pattern - I've done some baby clothes, lots of scarves, many throws and blankets. When...
by Kiz Robinson 17 years ago
the hubber above you would write about?A variant of my old popular thread "TPAM"
by JamesPoppell 13 years ago
How should the United States respond if Iran attacks Israel?
by shajiaishwarya 13 years ago
How do you make the loops in knitting
by amurbach 14 years ago
How long were you a member of Hubpages before you got serious with earning money?Me, about 10 months...so technically I've only been trying for a little less than 2 months.
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