Casting On

My grandmother taught me the art of patience, guiding awkward childish fingers to draw a loop around a needle, keep going until too-tight, sweat-soaked wool became a square.

Knit was the basic stitch, purl soon followed as we explored more complicated structures, more colourful and different designs until, together, we conjured up a rainbow from cheap or unravelled yarn.

Later, at parties, the knitter in the corner was me, sipping wine and smoking roll-ups while creating fashion furiously.

I got a kick from casting on; colour, ply and texture played their part, and the pattern was important, involving much searching of the heart.

Mornings are for writing any time of the year. Early light and birds inspire images and words but, in winter, when draughts catch me unawares, a growing woollen item keeps me warm.

Although my fingers aren’t as nimble, I love the comfort of the click, counting stitches and rows; Looping and slipping yarn is therapy for me, and I like to think it keeps me on my toes.

Kim M. Russell, 30th July 2026

A blanket I knitted for my older grandson when he was born. He is now 8 years old.

I took an old poem from April 2025 and reworked it as a six-sentence story for Denise’s Six Sentence Story Prompt. The prompt word, ‘yarn’ was given last Sunday, “to use in a story, next scene, soc or portion of poetry in exactly 6 sentences.” The rules are easy to follow: Write 6 Sentences. No more. No less.

26 thoughts on “Casting On”

  2. My grandmother gave me a love for music. She handed me the keys to lifelong enjoyment through sound. My daughter like you was taught by her grandmother the art of crochet. She has started a group teaching others the art.

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  4. I love the blanket. Sadly, I was never taught to knit and neither was my wife, and so my three children don’t have the gift. One day perhaps I might throw caution to the wind and have a go.

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    1. Thank you, Julian. Knitting and crocheting are becoming popular again, and people are joining knitting classes and circles. Very creative and practical – you can use and wear items, or give them as presents.

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  8. What an amazing blanket! I once began learning to crochet, but did not keep up with it. Your poem encapsulates the therapeutic serenity that can be found in repetitive motion. Especially in “the comfort of the click, counting stitches and rows; Looping and slipping yarn”

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