My Knitting History
I knit and have since I was 10 years old. When we were at a dance, I saw a young girl knitting and it amazed me. I found out Margaret Lewis, our 4-H leader, knew how to knit, so she taught me in 4-H.
I’ve made 100s of things from dresses to baby booties now. During the pandemic I knitted 37 dish clothes and gave them as gifts to people. The simple pattern and the rhythmic sound of the knits became meditation to me then and I needed it.
Coming to Boquete
On our scouting trip to Boquete, Panama in May, 2025, our friend, John, took us to the Thursday market. Immediately a beautiful display of handmade items for children caught my eye and I met Brandy Gregory, the founder of the Boquete Knitters & Quilters group. She handed me this brochure below where you can read the words that impacted me “Ngabe-Bugle mothers often brought their babies for newborn checkups, carefully and lovingly swaddled with newspaper. . .”
I’m in the Group!
So I knew I would join this group, so I have! I talked to Brandy about my knitting ability, so she suggested I make booties.
At the group meeting two weeks ago, she had available smaller needles to borrow. I hate that I didn’t bring my bag of needles—I have all sizes. I hope to find them on one of my return trips to the states.
Two weeks ago, Brandy had two big boxes of yarn to give to the group, so I grabbed the variegated yarn you see! I thought it would make really different baby booties. I’m not sure where the yarn came from, but most of it disappeared pretty quickly.
When I asked Brandy about patterns, she suggested going to Ravelry.com where there are hundreds of patterns for free. So, I did, and I have downloaded several patterns, but when I looked closely, they required either the double-pointed needles or small circular needles.
Last Thursday at the market, I talked to Brandy about my dilemma. She suggested looking for flat baby bootie patterns, and I found the one I’m using. The needles are small – #2, and the bootie is small, bur it’s for a newborn baby. I’ve never made booties before—so precious!
The Boquete Knitters & Quilters Group
The Boquete Knitters & Quilters meet every Friday at 1:30 – 3:00 PM. We have more than knitters there: crochet and embroidery too. The group has grown since I visited it in May—about twenty young and older crafters come together with a common love: beautiful handcrafts and helping local mothers and children.
A Sampling of Projects Completed Last Week
And here’s pictures of the people doing their handiwork:
Finally,
I have found my tribe! We visit and knit or crochet or do whatever work we love. As I look to the future, I can hardly wait to get my picture with my finished booties and who knows how many I can make this week—the sky’s the limit! And those babies’ feet will be warm and loved!
My Newest Books
Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #2 e-book
ISBN – 9798989688654
$.99 for limited time
Was It a Dream?: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #1 – e-book
ISBN – 979-8989688630
$3.99
Buy My Audio Books:
This Tumbleweed Landed
Let Me Tell You a Story
Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Memoir Audiobook
I remember learning to knit as a child. Sadly,I never learned to make anything other than a small square of rectangle. 😁
You made knitting feel so approachable and human – less about perfection, more about trying, learning, and enjoying the process. I really liked that.
Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, I believe it’s for everyone. I make mistakes, ripped it out and start again. In fact, the 3rd row on the second bootie I ripped out 3 times before I got it right. The tiny needles & a different pattern made it hard to follow but I did it.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, it’s available for all who are interested.
Mistakes are a part of it. In fact on the 2nd bootie, I ripped out row #3 three or four times before I got it right. The tiny needles and a different pattern made it hard until I got it.
The next one won’t be as hard.