When Bernat asked me to be a blogger for them, I was so excited! I’ve always loved using Bernat yarns in my knitting projects. They are easy to find at my local craft stores, and fit perfectly in my budget.
A lot of my knitting has been for charity, and Bernat yarns are just right for that. I’ve used Bernat Softee Baby for making preemie blankets, Bernat Satin for regular baby blankets, and Bernat Super Value for large blankets and afghans. They have all turned out beautifully. I’ve also used several other Bernat yarns, and have been pleased with them as well. I even have some vintage Bernat yarns in my stash, and they are still in great shape. So, I guess you’d say I’m a Bernat fan! 
Maybe I should tell you a little about myself, so you’ll know who this crazy girl in the Bernat blog really is. I’m a simple person – just your average yarn crafter. I started crafting when I was a young girl, learning to sew, and doing needlepoint and embroidery. When I became a teenager, my older sister started knitting, and I was amazed! I really wanted to learn how to knit, but I didn’t have the patience back then.
As I got older, I was still fascinated with knitting, and collected a few knitting magazines “just in case” I would learn how to do it. My life was busy with raising children and dealing with life, so I wasn’t able to pursue my crafts as much. Then, when my kids got older, and I had a little more time available, I decided to buckle down and figure out knitting once and for all. By this time, the internet was available, so I started searching for websites on how to knit. Success!
I grabbed a pair of knitting needles, some bright red worsted weight yarn, and planted myself in front of the computer. After a few hours, I learned how to cast on and do the knit stitch. It was slow and tedious, but it was making sense! I was so proud of my first stitches, and kept telling my husband, “Look! Look what I made!” Poor guy has been patiently watching me learn ever since. Gotta love him.
Here’s a photo of the scarf I made with that bright red yarn, back in 2003:
It’s been six years since that first day of learning to knit, and now my life is CONSUMED with knitting. I’ve turned one of our bedrooms into a craft room, and it’s filled to the brim with yarn and knitting projects. I never seem to have enough yarn though, and just love browsing the craft stores for yarn deals. I’ve also spent hours on the internet, looking at yarn and knitting patterns, talking about knitting with my friends, and just loving every minute of it. I’m so glad I learned how to knit!
- Shandeh
Let me guess, is your family up to the brim with knitted scarves, mittens, afghans, and sweaters? Do you jump for joy when you receive a wedding or baby shower invitation because you have another excuse? Do you drool and run to the yarn aisle during sales because you know you’ll need it someday, somehow, somewhere? Have you ever wondered if anyone has figured out how to crochet or knit a working chair? Can you knit and crochet, talk and watch TV at the same time? Do you have a special bag packed and ready for spur-of-the-moment things like waiting in line at the bank, Dr. appts, picking up suzy at school, baketball practice? Yep, me too.
OMG! You’ve been FOLLOWING me!! HA HA HA
Yes, I am exactly like you described. What is it about yarn and crafting that is so addicting?! Why can’t I just walk by when I see a gorgeous yarn…instead of stopping to caress and admire every single color.
I have a feeling that I have found a kindred spirit in you, since you understand me so well. You’re just like me, aren’t you? I’m looking forward to reading more of your comments in our fiber crafting experiences.
Hi Shandeh,
I was so surprised to see you here blogging, but not really! That’s great that Bernat has you as a blogger – you’re the perfect choice. I look forward to your future posts and need to get caught-up on things over on KnittingHelp.com. Congrats and happy blogging!
Hiya Susan! *hug*
So nice to see you in the Bernat Blog.
I’m VERY excited to be blogging for Bernat! Now, my stash of yarn is going to grow even MORE!! My poor hubby….I think we need to add another floor to our home so I can have a yarn warehouse. HA!!
Hi Shandeh!
Wonderful to see you blogging here, especially since you are a Bernat yarn user. I am too so I will be following along on your journey!
Hello Lee!
Thank you so much for the kind welcome.
I have SO much Bernat yarn in my stash…and have created several nice things with some of it. One of my Bernat yarns is from way back…I have no idea when. It’s a Bernat Nylon Sock Pak, with a pattern for making argyle men’s socks. I don’t know if I’ll ever use it, but it’s cool to have in my craft room.
I’m looking forward to talking to you more here on the blog!
Hi Shandeh,
It was fun reading your story. When I saw that you used the internet to help you learn to knit and then saw that the scarf you made was back in 2003 I just has to ask, Did you learn to knit on my website, AOK Corral? I published a project, “How to knit a scarf for beginners” back in October 2003 http://www.aokcorral.com/projects/how2oct2003.htm It has been on the top spot at Google for some time.
) Let me know OK.
I just think it would be cool if my instructions helped the new Bernat blogger learn to knit back in that day. LOL
This blog should be fun. I am looking forward to trying out this mystery afghan. Thanks, Angela
Hi Angela!
Sorry, I used a different site to learn to knit. But, I’m looking forward to getting to know you in the blog!
– Shandeh
This sounds like fun. I will be joining in the Mystery Afghan Knit a long.
I think I’ll be doing the Mystery Afghan as well. Can’t have too many afghans at my house!
It is great to be in touch with other knit/crochet-ers! I am looking forward to hearing about all your projects, Shandeh!
~Louise
Hi Louise!
Thanks for the encouragement.
– Sandy
I too have learned to knit from the internet. My 8 year old has been begging me to teach her so for Christmas I’m getting her her first set of knitting needles and yarn. And for me I’m hoping to get patience.
Hi Julie!
Isn’t it fun to pass on your knitting skills to your daughter? How cool!! She might like the patterns in the Bernat “Camo Kids” book: http://www.bernat.com/patternbook.php?PBS=530170
The patterns are for kids, and the skill level is beginner to easy.
Good luck with your adventure together!
I just love to knit and crochet. Have done a few sampler afghans in the past. I like the look of them in the various colors and patterns. Looking forward to seeing what this sampler will look like when finished.
I’m excited about that mystery afghan too!