Henry's First Project - Finished!

12-year-old Henry has finished his first knitting project! From start to finish, this was all him. He chose the yarn from what I had at home, and after I helped him cast on he asked very few questions - usually at the beginning of the row.

He cast on around 14 stitches for a stockinette scarf in Malabrigo Caracol color 139-Pocion. I think by the end he had 17 stitches on the needle and he used all of two skeins. He even cast off himself and all I did was weave in the ends for him.

He then washed it in the sink using a little bit of shampoo, soaked it for about an hour, rinsed it, and then squished out the water gently in the sink. Then he laid out the scarf on a towel, rolled it up, and stepped on it to get all the water up. He then brought down the little fan in his bedroom and used it to circulate air around the scarf so it would dry faster. This morning it was almost dry.

After he gets home from basketball practice tonight, he's going to write up a card to his Kindergarten teacher from 6 years ago, one of his favorite people who he still sees nearly every week at a special club she does. He wrote out a note about how he hopes it gives her comfort like she has given him for years. He wrote a draft so he can write it up nicely in the card later tonight. All him.

I'm so proud of this dude. It took him about 20 hours to complete, all while sitting with me on our couch watching Modern Family. He really is a knitter and a fab little man. You can see the Reel of the washing process here, and if you'd like to leave him a comment there or here, I know he would just love it. I don't think he even knows what a blog is, and doesn't care about Instagram, but I'll share what you say and I'm betting it will propel him toward his next project.

Comments

[Kathy]

Such a kind, thoughtful thing to do! I’m glad Henry is in this world!

[mellenknits]

Wow - so impressed! His teacher must be a very special person to inspire this kind of project, and and Henry is a very special person for giving back in equal measure. That scarf is infused with good vibes for sure!

[Sidney]

Please tell Henry he put such a big smile on my face today! It’s stories like these that give me happiness for this present moment and hope for those to come.

[Anne]

Henry what a great present. A gift that is handmade is definitely one to be cherished. Your teacher will love it!

[Gayle]

Henry is such a caring, thoughtful young man! It warms my heart for him to learn to knit and then share that with a teacher who impacted his life in such a great way.

[Jessica]

This is such a thoughtful act of gratitude, thank you for sharing this about Henry!

[Donna]

I love his well deserved, satisfied smile. Great job, Henry & I love the sentiment you are expressing to your favorite person. You are a fine young man & your mom is justifiably proud of you.

[Dana Snyder]

That’s the sweetest thing ever! She will love it! Coming from a teacher, it means the world to us when we make a difference in someone’s life and they tell us!! A senior football player chose me of all his teachers that I made a difference in his life. Me!! His French teacher! This is making me cry of joy for Henry’s teacher!

[Adrienne Champagne]

Wow, I am so impressed ! You are raising a very thoughtful and caring young man . How lovely that he thought of his teacher to give this to. She is going to be thrilled.
Congratulations Henry ! I can’t wait to see what you make next !

[Donna T]

Just opened my sock club package & absolutely LOVE the yarn - some of my favorite colors.

[Jeanne]

What a wonderful story - warmed my heart. Kudos to you both!

[Jude smith]

It looks great. What thoughtful idea to gift it to someone who means so much to you. It will keep her warm all winter.

[MarthaO]

Great job, Henry!! I'm sure your teacher will love her new scarf. (I sure would.) Knit on, young man!

[Vickie]

Excellent work Henry! Give yourself a pat on the back. Your teacher is very lucky to have you in her class. Keep up the good work and enjoy your knitting.