Plain knitting is but little noticed since knitting machines were
invented. At present crochet work has taken its place, and fancy
tatting. It will not be necessary for us to give any especial
directions for these kinds of work, as nearly all our magazines give
new directions in every number. But both crochet and tatting require
eyesight. If a child is taught in early youth to knit well, all common
knitting can be done without eyesight. We can _think_ better if our
hands are employed on plain knitting. If our eyes have been overtasked,
and cannot bear the light, we can knit in the dark. We always keep some
common knitting, such as strips for a blanket, or stockings for the
poor, on hand; and it is astonishing the amount of work accomplished in
this way, as we can knit, if a neighbor calls, for it does not prevent
our conversing freely, also we can knit and read.
We earnestly advise our young readers to learn to knit. Many persons in
the present era are afflicted with weak eyes, and dislike to be idle;
the knowledge of knitting would be a pleasure, also of netting, as
that requires less eyesight than other branches of work. We will give
the directions for knitting a few fancy articles, also the directions
for knitting a common stocking, so that our young girls can knit
substantial stockings for the poor. During the last war, when our young
ladies were called upon to knit stockings, how few knew how! So many,
who earnestly desiring to do their part, were obliged to learn the
rudiments of knitting!