TKGA Master Hand Knitting Level 1, My Experience - Yarn Journeys Episode 31

[@kleinyoga]

Congratulations!!! You are amazing!! This is so thorough and fascinating. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to the next video. I hope you had an amazing trip! ❤

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you!! 🙏 😊

[@amydebuitleir]

This video helped me make up my mind to do the Basics, Basics, Basics course. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot. I have now started the Level 1 programme.

[@YarnJourneys]

I am so glad you had a great experience with the Basics course! Best wishes with Level 1. 😉

[@courtneycoleman9286]

Thank you for this video! I started the certification about a month ago and organizing everything has been a struggle for me. Your explanations and walk through have helped me feel much more confident that I am on the right track with everything and less alone in how overwhelming it can feel.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks Courtney! I’m so glad you found the video helpful. Best wishes to you for a great experience through level 1!

[@kpiziks]

This was really helpful for me, thank you.

[@YarnJourneys]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@bdsbethypoo]

Thanks for describing this. I never heard of this. I’m a beginner knitter so kind of far from looking at a master certification, but I will check out the organization for ways to learn more and improve my knitting. 😊

[@YarnJourneys]

So glad you found the video helpful!

[@janematthews6579]

I am enjoying your Level 1 explanation and review. I finished Level 2 in August and am working on Level 3. It is rare to see anyone talking about their MHK experienc online. Thank you for sharing. J

[@YarnJourneys]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video, Jane! I hope your Level 3 goes well, and congratulations on finishing Level 2!! Hopefully I’ll be able to say the same around this time next year.

[@beverlythompson3246]

When I saw the tilt of this episode I actually exclaimed out loud “well done Melanie!!”. I have heard of this program but never been inclined to look into it because I don’t feel I’m good enough. You should be very proud of yourself and best wishes for level 2!

[@YarnJourneys]

Wow! Thanks so much for your kind words, Beverly! 😊

[@tiateri541]

So glad you popped up in my feed. I just completed the Basics, Basics, Basics course and I enjoyed most of it😊. I heard about the program some time ago on Roxanne Richardson’s channel. She recommended it for those who want to improve their knitting skills, but aren’t sure they want to complete the Mast Hand Knitting program - which is me. I too had never done lifted increases, and I think they are a better alternative than a make one increase, somehow they just lie better. I also have switched to duplicate stitch for weaving in ends. So, I picked up a few things and am happy I took the class.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much for your note! If nothing else, weaving in ends with duplicate stitch is a game changer. It does work better! I’m glad you had a good experience!

[@ravenbelote1801]

Thank you! ✨

[@YarnJourneys]

You’re welcome!

[@sharynlowenkamp7395]

I didn’t know this certification still existed. I was in the guild 30 years ago. Great job.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@Reuben-]

Thank you for this video, I had been wondering about the knitting guild. I enjoyed your presentation, thank you for producing it!

[@YarnJourneys]

You’re welcome!! ☺️

[@elainekidd5442]

Nice to meet you Melanie….. enjoyed your re-cap of TAKG programme. Many years ago I purchased the Level 1 ! I have been knitting for close to to 60 years 😮 having learned as a child growing up in Scotland. Through my knitting journey I have changed several times ways of doing things as more information is available. All that to say that I do not have the type of personality to do all of these swatches ( I did quite a few) my brain is just moving too quickly! I congratulate you on your success on completing Level 1 🙌 😃… have a marvellous time in my dear land 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 best wishes Elaine

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you so much, Elaine! I totally get your point of view on all the swatches . . . And the value of staying open minded about ways of doing things! Also, after Shetland, I’ll be spending a couple of extra weeks visiting Skye, the Glencoe area and Edinburgh. It will be about a month of travel, and I do hope to absorb all I can!

[@elainekidd5442]

@@YarnJourneys i come from just north of Edinburgh…. The only Kingdom in Scotland, Fife.

[@olive5890]

Thank you for explaining this, very useful! 😊

[@YarnJourneys]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@daleodberg6714]

Wonderful, way to go!

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you so much!

[@carrieoxendine4429]

Hi I want to thank you for sharing your experience with Level 1, I am going to buckle down and finish my Level 1. Congratulations on passing Level 1 full steam ahead to Level 2

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much, Carrie! Best of luck in finishing Level 1!

[@kathleengerwien845]

Congratulations on completing Level 1.. You gave a very even handed review of the program. I wish you the best completing Level 2.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much for your kind words, Kathleen!

[@SharonCodyCowgirlCreations]

I am a new knitter. Thanks for sharing your experience with the program. So much to learn!

[@YarnJourneys]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ruthdennisKnits]

CONGRATULATIONS ‼️

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you!!!🙏

[@robynknits]

So interesting to hear your journey with the master knitters programme. Not something I would do but good to experience it vicariously.

[@YarnJourneys]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@donnawauer1626]

Congratulations. What an accomplishment.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you so much 😀

[@majenamafe5221]

Hi Melanie, this is so exciting, I remember you said you were going to do this and now you have. I loved seeing your book of samples I’ve seen similar ones of sewing techniques, so precious to take these arts seriously. Love the hat! Enjoy Shetland happy happy knitting 😊

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you so, so much! ❤️

[@Seekknockask]

Thank you for a great video. Im inspired to try my hand at this.

[@YarnJourneys]

Go for it! And have fun. 🤩

[@bookcombe]

This is so interesting; thank you for sharing. I have been curious about this program but now I am sure it is not for me - I think I fundamentally disagree that there are right and wrong ways of doing things, with a few exceptions, so the program and I would not get on. 😅 Thanks again!

[@YarnJourneys]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video, and I totally get your point of view. I believe all knitting is good knitting! And if you love your knitting, no one should be able to take that away from you.

[@lindapilla541]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the TKGA certification. I’m going to go ahead and join the organization and maybe start following along in your footsteps. I hope you have a wonderful time at Shetland Wool Week.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks, Linda! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video.

[@AnneCaissie]

Thank you for sharing this! I’m just starting the certification program!

[@YarnJourneys]

You’re welcome! Best of luck to you on Level 1.

[@keithm8553]

Good luck with Level 2 and enjoy Shetland Wool Week - Lorraine (U.K.)

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much, Lorraine! 🙏

[@patriciapamponette9841]

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing information. I am a knitter that would like to get my certification. Thank you and have fun on your trip to Shetland wool week.❤

[@YarnJourneys]

You are so welcome!

[@juliecasson8341]

Thank you for sharing. I signed up years ago, but life got in the way. I am revisiting this and back to knitting.

[@YarnJourneys]

You’re welcome! Indeed, the program is not easy to do if there’s a lot of ‘life’ going on.

[@redaleta]

I did the same thing twice, 2004 and 2006. Just realized the cost of the MHK level 1 was only $30. It just wasn't the time for me to get it done. Going to try again this year.

[@YarnJourneys]

Awesome! 😎

[@jillianwalker7690]

Congrats!!! I'm just starting my Level 1

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you! Best of luck to you, Jillian!

[@tripp24642]

The research part of this sounds like so much fun for me as a historian and knitter. The judging of the knitting swatches is what I would be most worried about as a left handed knitter.

[@YarnJourneys]

The TKGA is pretty explicit that the ‘how you knit’ - i.e. whether you knit English, continental, combination - isn’t that important; it’s more about the result you get. If you feel drawn to the program, it may be worth investigating further.

[@janicemonkowski5329]

Fascinating review. I'll be looking more deeply into this. Thank you.

[@YarnJourneys]

You’re welcome!! Thanks for the note.

[@kaerenw]

Congratulations on level 1. I’ve been dithering about whether to do it or not, and signed up for the Basics course earlier this year. So far, I’ve completed 2 of the 3 lessons, but then sidetracked myself into doing a whole lot more actual knitting projects instead. Oh boy. Although I know that my personality is well suited to doing Level 1 and perhaps beyond, I just feel I need more knitting experience first (even though I have quite a bit of that already). I just can’t get to the answer of whether I’ll have the mojo to complete the program. Your video has helped, but I still need to think about it. Again, congrats, and enjoy the Shetland trip. That is awesome.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much! I say follow your mojo, so long as you keep knitting . I think you can learn all the things you want to without doing a certification or a course. It’s only knitting, after all!

[@woodwork9593]

Thank you very much much for this trip down memory lane as I am working on level 3 currently. Have fun with level 2!

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks for your note! And best wishes working through Level 3. I hope you are enjoying designing your sweater! That looks like so much fun. I know I have a long way to go before I get there. . .

[@valeriea.gladstone6440]

I also am using cascade 220, for the same reason! I would have never used it but now I really like it!

[@YarnJourneys]

I know! I think it gets overlooked because it’s always been there but it’s pretty darn good versatile yarn!

[@maureen4669]

Congratulations on your Level 1 achievement.Thank you for explaining it so well. I don't think it is for me at this stage in my life, although I try to improve my knitting with each project. Maybe I would benefit from joining the Association, though. Best wishes for your Level 2 journey.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you so much, Maureen!! The TKGA does have a lot to offer even if you don’t tackle the MHK, for sure.

[@Margaret-emuu]

Thanks for your review of MHK level 1. Very helpful as I’m working though it now.

[@YarnJourneys]

So glad you found it helpful! Good luck working through everything. And have fun! 🤩

[@carinanderson8239]

Congratulations on completing your Level 1!🎉👏🏻 That is quite an acomplishment! And now off to Shetland? I am so jealous!😁 I hope you have a fantastic time and I look forward to seeing lots of photos or maybe a little video from your trip.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much Carin! My hope is that there will be a lot of video!! I spent some of my time this summer (not putting out other videos) trying to upgrade my video skills so that I can do the wonderful scenery of Shetland and Scotland justice.

[@SudokuConCarabet]

Congrats!!

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks! 🙏

[@Martine-yg8tu]

Well done! Interesting to watch as a Dutch person. And I am curious to your experience at Wool week! Have fun!

[@YarnJourneys]

Thank you so much, Martine!

[@musingmaker]

We’re leading parallel lives: I also signed up for Level 1 in July 2023, completed it by June 2024 (following a process much like yours, because of unexpected life-stuff), and have recently passed. I’m also going to try to have a more organized workflow for Level 2. But I’m not going to Shetland Wool Week, so you’re one up on me there. 😉 The hat is beautiful-have a wonderful time!

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much!! Congratulations on completing Level 1. And I hope you have an easy time through Level 2. Love your KZbin handle “Maven and Maker”!!

[@martyjangles]

I’m so happy this popped up in my feed!!! I’m an Arlingtonian as well, and it’s so nice to see a neighbor here who loves knitting. Any chance you’re going to Shenandoah Fiber Festival on the 28th? We could do a meetup 😄

[@YarnJourneys]

I won’t be at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival this year, unfortunately, but I do highly recommend it. However, there is a monthly knitting group that meets at the Central Library in Arlington the third Sunday of every month that I’m a part of . arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/12380117. We also have a Ravelry Group called Central Knitters of Arlington. You are more than welcome to join us!

[@valeriea.gladstone6440]

I am finishing up level one also! on the mitten. And yes, i am a better knitter already!

[@YarnJourneys]

Good look on that mitten! May you need to knit less mittens than I did.

[@lsherry2429]

O thank you for your description of this program. I love love love your new Shetland Tori!!! How much does this master knitting program cost?

[@bevabberley1524]

I feel that I would be frustrated with criticism on such minor issues as the size of one stitch. Thank you for your feedback on this course I’ll stick with knitting for pleasure. 😮

[@YarnJourneys]

Knitting for pleasure is always good!!

[@projectmicky1226]

It sounds like a lot of fun. Unfortunately I’m already a left handed crocheter, and self taught (for only a week or so) right handed knitter. And my pain condition makes it difficult 😅 I’m going to end up sticking to crochet after I learn knitting basics right. I just really want to make a sweater for my husband but my hands keep disagreeing. For some reason the information and pictures in knitting books doesn’t translate in my hands and brain.

[@YarnJourneys]

All knitting is good knitting!! I hope your pain is able to be alleviated so you can enjoy your crochet and knitting as much as you wish.

[@thatonegirlelaine]

Just found your channel. I'm your Southern Maryland neighbor. I'm also a knitter and spinner. Anyway, I've thought about the TKGA certification for about 15 years, but it all seemed very overwhelming. However, I love the way you broke it down and explained it. On a related note, have you thought about getting the spinner certification once you finish this?

[@YarnJourneys]

I am so glad you found the video interesting! So, after watching Evie’s video (from JillianEve) about her spinning certification experience, I can’t imagine ever wanting to do it! It’s a long video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnTCXqSpnt6gq5Isi=2ndWcGJpoqVFyX8m) but if she had a bad experience, I can’t imagine I would be able to get through it! I love spinning - it’s a very different vibe than knitting.

[@thatonegirlelaine]

@@YarnJourneys Oh wow, if Jillian didn't get certified, who does? Wow!

[@lsherry2429]

How do I apply for tkga program? I will Google

[@AmberLeaStarfire]

Thank you so much for posting this. I have been considering whether or not, I could handle the certification process. I think I will sign up for the basic class, as you recommend, and see what happens.

[@YarnJourneys]

I am so glad you found it helpful. I am definitely glad I did the Basics class! I hope you enjoy it!

[@lsherry2429]

Do you have to pay membership to tkga before paying for the master hand knitting program?

[@YarnJourneys]

Glad you found the video interesting! You do need to be a TKGA member to do the program. You can find all the details about the MHK program here: tkga.org/certification/master-hand-knitting/. If cost is an issue, they do have a scholarship program, I believe.

[@LenaandCary]

Congrats!

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks!