Block 1 is Done!

It may not seem like such a monumental task to many, but for those of us working on the Great American Aran Afghan, it's a milestone.  The first class was held last month and by the looks on the students faces when they left that night, I was just sure we wouldn't have many return!  The moans and groans were pretty loud as they wrestled with understanding the pattern, attempted to read the charts, fumbled with the cable needle, and generally just tried to keep their composure, when many were saying to themselves, "What in the world am I doing here?  Why did I think this would be fun?!?"

 Well, we met for the second class last night and what a difference a month makes!!  Every single student returned with a completed block or one in progress and many had a good start on the second block.  Oh how it warmed my heart that they each went home and fought the good fight and hung in there.  Our instructor, Beth Trupp, did a fabulous job.  The mood was very different this time around and people were actually visiting while knitting....and if that isn't a good sign, I don't know what is.

Here's Beth looking over Lori Karpen's work.  Also at the table are Dee Dixon, Cher Maybee, Corlyus Treffer, and Kim Carlson.

Red was a popular choice of colors.  There are others using gray and brown and several the traditional cream.

 Here's Kim's finished Block 1....nice job Kim!

 And look how far she already is on Block 2!

 Here we have Lori Schaffer, Jan Johnson,  and Brandy Earl getting ready to start Block 2.

 And here's my completed block...notice anything different about mine?  No BOBBLES!  And I didn't forget them, I omitted them on purpose.  I don't know what it is about bobbles, but they are just not my thing.  I don't mean knitting them either.  I just mean the looks of them. And this is MY afghan so I say no to bobbles.  I do however have all of then essentials every knitter needs very close by:  water bottle, because this is hard work and I get very thirsty, cell phone in case I need to call for back-up, glasses because I can't seem to knit without them anymore, my camera case (yeah, you get that one) and a picture of some beautiful flowers that I wanted to know the name of (well, we do talk about other things besides knitting). 

 And here's the whole group set up downstairs in shipping.  We meet down there instead of the store because there is a lot more room.

 I was impressed by everyone's accomplishments!  Congrats ladies and great job!

Now if I only hadn't ripped out 3 times during class because I couldn't, or should I say wouldn't, take the time to read directions, I would be farther along.

I have learned a few things about being the student and not the instructor (and these are good things):

1.  When someone is having a problem, I don't always have the answer.

2.  When someone is having a problem, I don't have to have the answer.

3.  I must pay attention to my own knitting or I will have a problem.

4.  Oh, and did I say I don't like bobbles?