I remember when I started to knit and crochet. Crochet came first, and I taught myself how to do the basics, then my mom taught me to knit. I get really nervous when I try something new. I am so afraid that I am going to mess up. I don’t like making mistakes. I want to do everything right the first time. As I clumsily juggled the needles and the yarn, sometimes making stitches correctly and mostly making a mess of things, I wondered if it would get easier. Stitch by stitch it did, and I found myself thinking about it all the time, wanting to make more and learn more.
I often wish I could draw. I never really advanced past that point in the fifth grade where you draw unicorns all over everything…or maybe that was just me. I can still draw that unicorn face like nobody’s business. But, that’s where my skills (or lack thereof) ceased to develop. I have never taken the plunge into a drawing or art class. It’s the fear that stops me. The fear that I will watch other students excel, while I’m drawing unicorns in the back of the class like I’m in fifth grade again. When Ysolda mentioned the Creativebug class from Lisa Congdon, I decided this was a perfect option for me. It is a video class in the privacy of my own home, and if I suck at it, I don’t have to show anyone! I started last night, and I have to say, it is SO much fun. I’m only halfway through the first class, but I’m enjoying the fact that if I draw something that sucks, I just throw it away. And, after a few tries, I’m actually able to make something I like!
I took the older kiddo with me to purchase my sketch book and pens, and he was very excited to receive his own sketch book, pencils, and gum eraser. We are going to work on creating a book for little brother, the current storyline is about robots that go to his school. I’m hoping this will be another way we can create together, which we both really enjoy.
I’m already seeing all kinds of applications for developing these skills. How fun would it be to turn something I drew into an embroidery design? Stitch by stitch and line by line…intimidating but worth it.
onestitchshort 
I am so excited to see your experience with this class. I really want to take the class in real time with all of you but I am being honest with myself and admitting I don’t have time for it this month. Hopefully, later this spring or this summer I’ll be able to take it because I’ve always wanted to be able to draw something other than that one triangular man face I drew all over everything. haha. 🙂
Can’t wait to see your skills at the end of the class – and maybe a little bit of the robot storybook. 🙂
I was always jealous of a classmate in 6th grade that could draw anything he wanted. The teachers down the hall would come to him to have him make posters for their class. Drawing never was something I felt comfortable with. But photography gave me the satisfaction of creating art that I felt was important. I could be creative within the limits of my camera. And that has always given me the fulfillment that I needed. I applaud you for stretching your limits and wanting to do more.