I taught myself to knit in grade school, about 5th or 6th grade. I remember I couldn't figure out how to cast off (or was it cast on?). I ended up getting some help from a friend's mother. She was very nice to me. Otherwise, it was from the encyclopedia and a book of knitting and crocheting stitches that I still have - ratty and moldy smelling but I can't bear to part with it.

I took a break from knitting in junior high, but then knitted some mittens for friends in high school. I remember at least 2 pair, one for a friend from the newspaper staff, and the newspaper advisor. Then, no knitting until about 1999.

What happened was I was in a beading slump, but found myself attracted to the beaded knitted amulet bags. I just couldn't get them out of my mind, and because I knew how to knit, decided to give them a try. They are very addicting and that was all that I was doing in beadwork for a while. Since then I have moved away from beaded knitting (still have some bags to finish) and back to "regular" beading and "regular" knitting.

I quickly got into a sock knitting frenzy. Those size 2 and 3 needles seemed huge after the 0000 and 00000 ones I was using for the amulet bags! Now (late 2003) I am into simple rectangular shawls and scarves, but I have plans to knit my first sweater soon. A lot of my knitting so far has been for charity organizations. It is just a good thing to do, and fun and rewarding too!

In my spare time (aside from knitting and beading) I read a lot. Both for continuing education in my various businesses (healing, psychology, spirituality) and for pleasure. I spend a lot of time looking through knitting magazines, planning and dreaming of future projects. I also love to read science fiction & fantasy. I love to see movies, although if it is at DVD at home, it is more of a hear and glance kind of thing, as I always seem to have a project going. You know... idle hands :-)

I teach Reiki healing, do ministry (healing & spiritual counseling) and intuitive work using Tarot cards. I also do some simple web design for myself, students, and friends. I live with my catgirl Guinevere, sister Chaachi and her catboy Arthur in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. It is cold here most of the time so knitting warm items is a good thing. I also love it that when I am knitting larger items I am keeping myself warm with the project while I knit it!

If you are interested in beadwork, please visit my Healing Beadwork website. Are you curious about Tarot, Spirituality or FREE Distance Reiki Healing? Then please visit my other website, SusanAguirre.com.

Peace!
Susan H. Aguirre