Gulfcoastgal Knits

This is from Britain from a group of tools from  the 1800’s

It was sold with  wooden needles, bone crochet hooks & 2 pointy small tools-stilettos 

Have no idea what this could be..  The etchings are darkened with a reddish

color &  2 vaguely resemble hearts or a squid    

It would be the perfect size to hold a variety of different colored threads

but  that is only speculation on this mystery vintage tool- probably made for 

his sweetheart

I have never had  strong hands  In fact, I fail (!) the child grip strength tools when my hospital has health fairs..I still hold my pen in a funny way because my fingers grew tired when I was learning how to write

 Purling was such a challenge  I did not do well with it as a child of nine when taught the American Throw method Even with knit stitches, I had to poke the end of the needle each stitch to move it up making a red sore finger after any knitting so I put aside knitting 

Fast forward 40 years and I saw a friend knit continental. I  KNEW  I could do it She taught me and it was true.  I did  learn  TIme  went by and I took another lesson and the teacher said my purls were made crossed and that I did not do the stitch correctly  ( not my friend’s fault  - I just did not understand the lesson) The new teacher in her  30 minute lesson-taught me the RIGHT way (sigh) to do the purl and it was harder 

Too sad ! Then I read about Norwegian purl thinking .”OH, That is the name of the easy way I did it ..”

Nope — nice but not it

 Then I saw Annie M’s site and thought – “There it is (!!!!) and she is famous…  so I am not a DUMBOLINA ..”   ( haha)

I went back to it but this time understanding the part about the leading leg of the stitch   ahhhh  Now I know 3 ways to purl and can use all  It is SUCH a relief!!

If my weak hands can do it- anyone can!

Here is a video that will open doors for the easy/lazy purl whose other name 

is COMBINATION purl ( that is the name of the video)

Annie M unvented it and gave it legitimacy and unraveled how to make it work

and called it the Combination knitting  

   www.knittinghelp.com/videos/purl-stitch

Thanks to the knitting help site  They are FABULOUS

Look to the right  under  blog roll for  videos &  links for more info..