Mary Learns to Knit

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Mary Beekman is a four-year-old ghost who resides in The Beekman Mansion, and considers Brent and Josh her "imaginary friends." Follow Mary Beekman's Diary each week to learn what it's like to be a young child in early 19th century America

I was awake early this morning.  I was cautious to slip from under the covers without moving them.   It took a long time. Sister was still sleeping so I walked very softly to the window to see what the sky would be telling Father  It was raining very gently and the clouds were hanging low.  It seemed as though I could touch them from the window.  I know it is good for the ground . Mother is going to show me how to begin to knit.  It is important that I learn.  I shall be making mittens.  Someday I will be able to make stockings.  I hope I can make mittens for Josh and for Brent.  They are my dear friends.  They make me smile when I am sad. I am the only one who can see or hear them.

I think I would make mittens for Josh that are the color of oatmeal.  He has larger hands than Brent.  I would make grey mittens for Brent.  We do not have much yarn left this time of the year. Mother told me some of the words of the instructions.  I do not yet know how to make all the loops but I shall learn.  I know that to begin the work, I must lay up enough loops on my wires  in order to make the proper size.  Perhaps I shall make little brother a pair of mittens first because his hands are small.  I hope he does not lose them.  I am good at finding things in my house.

Sister has made mittens for me.  I have not lost them.  She told me it would not be too difficult because it was mostly plain knitting.  It would be necessary to have an idea of the size of the hand.  Mother told me one has to know where to narrow as the fingers rise. Perhaps I shall make a drawing of Josh's hand and Brent's hand to be certain.  Sister said it is not difficult to create a right loop but making a wrong loop is a bit more difficult.  I hope I am able to quickly learn. It will be good to practice each day after my lessons and chores.