Teaching the BSJ

Seems I can always find a new knit adventure to keep me on my toes. Sometimes it’s a new technique or yarn, a complex pattern or new tool. I decided it was time to try one that really scared me: teaching a class.I work in a LYS (local yarn shop). I get asked knit questions all day. I’m good at picking up the dropped stitch or helping decipher a tricky pattern. I can show you how to cast on or remind you how to bind off. But I’ve never done more then one-on-one trouble shoot. Yet it was time to step up and join the ranks of teacher. My boss had been asking me to come up with a class I could teach. She thought I was ready.Knitters encourage each other to step out of their comfort zone and try new things all the time. They do this often because they are willing to join you out there on a limb. Let’s tackle this together. So I ventured out there with a new class: The Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman. This is an icon of baby knitting. I had made four and thought it was time to share the fun. We put a class of five weekly sessions on the schedule.Okay so I bit off more than I could chew. It’s a frustrating pattern with lots of counting. The first time you make this origami bit of cloth you are sure it’s nuts and why would anyone do this? And here I was teaching it? Hmmm.The five gals in my class were excited to try. I was their nervous leader. But I found I was patient to help them. I was happy to count stitches and counsel through mistakes. I didn’t want to disappoint them. I wanted to make sure they had fun and discovered the mysteries of this confounding pattern.It’s a long journey to the finished product. We are mid way but slowly making it there together. When they get to a spot that frustrates I am there with hints and helps. I show them how I got through. And you know what? They are coming up with great ideas of how to navigate the course on their own. I have learned a trick or two from them.I started the class wondering if I’d be able to teach. Would I be patient enough to trouble shoot problems from five people at once? And you know what? Being in it together makes all the difference. They know I am willing to work to help them understand and have success. I may be leading the charge but we are working together to conquer this baby jacket.Guess the surprise is on me!