Rainbow Items from Waldorf on Etsy Team

Rainbows! Who doesn't like them? They bring joy, hope, wonder. In the next several weeks I will highlight a number of rainbow related items form the Waldorf on Etsy Team shops around the world.

Weekly posts showcase handmade items crafted from varied materials. I also share the item on my Pinterest, Tumbler, Twitter, Google +, Instagram and Facebook page. Where possible I have included social media links for the artist/crafter. We appreciate you commenting and sharing on social media.

Knitted Rainbow Greeting Card from Hinterland Mama

Aleta Bon from Australia

"Providing natural, eco-friendly hand-crafted items for Waldorf Rhythm, hand-Craft and Imaginative Play.  I am inspired by the beauty & warmth within Waldorf / Steiner education and I choose to work with natural materials. I am also influenced by both my Hinterland (forest bushland) & Coastal surroundings in my work. My children are also a continuous inspiration.  I prefer my family to interact with Nature and natural products. So, all of my items come to you with your family, my family and Mother Earth in mind.  I design everything myself, although have help with the cutting out and turning of my timber items, by a lovely local woodworker."

Hinterland Mama Website 
Hinterland Mama Facebook 
Hinterland Mama Instagram
Hinterland mama Etsy store
Hinterland mama Google plus

Children's Play-tent from MagdaReches

Magdalena Reches from Argentina

"Original art work for all ages fabric toys and more!! I started painting many years ago... later i decided to study architecture, i worked as an architect and studied a Masters degree in Barcelona where i lived for 6 years. Since i missed my family, friends and basically being in my homeland, i decided to come back to Argentina where i live, and work as an artist. I coordinate art children workshops, paint some murals quite frequently and also illustrate.  Recently i have started my own children enterprise of fabric toys, i hope you enjoy my work."

MagdaReches on Facebook
MagdaReches Blog

Sun Candle Holder from From Jennifer

Jennifer Compton from Missouri, USA

I am a stay-at-home wife and mother. I have three handsome sons and a beautiful daughter. They bring me lots of joy and keep me busy. But, I manage some spare time to craft. I enjoy anything creative--music, sewing, cooking, home school activities, making home movies, writing, scrap-booking, and so on. I am passionate about my spirituality and beliefs, home birth, healthy diet, and sharing my heart and soul with the people I love. I live in the country with neighbors a mile apart. We enjoy the peaceful living around nature and eating wholesome foods.

FromJennifer on Facebook

Color Matching Game from Clover and Birch

Jason and Taylor Melton from Georgia, USA

"Husband and wife team, owners of Clover and Birch, creators of fun imaginative play. We are the parents of a darling pair or blonde headed girls; Carden and Collin, dog lovers and Pit Bull rescuers, eco conscious and a touch eclectic, baby and toddler wearing, holistic life seeking, dabblers in Montessori and Waldorf philosophies, intentional parents finding adventure in the everyday.
What we are about:  We believe in puddle jumping and exploration. We love open ended toys and vivid imaginations. We believe in the beauty of natural materials in tiny hands. We encourage making it up as you go. We believe in finding whimsical adventure in the most unsuspecting of places. We love free range and free spirits. So from our family to yours, we offer natural materials, eco friendly practices and open ended play, in the products that we make, use and love."


Cover and Birch on Facebook
Clover and Birch Website
Clover and Birch on Instagram
Clover and Birch on Twitter
Clover and Birch on Pinterest

Name Banner Wall Art from TelePelekids

Ilanit Bronstein from Israel

"I am from Israel and live with my magical family in the communal village of Zuqim.  After nearly 20 years of traveling the world, we planted our roots in the heart of the Israeli desert.  As the daughter of a tailor, I discovered my love of sewing , knitting, and crafts at a young age.  I worked designing and creating women's wear, building up my company "Lady Frog".  In time, and with the birth of my eldest son , Tal, I was drawn to creating children's clothing, and started my children's brand TELEPELE.  Since moving to Zuqim three years ago, I have studied ‏ ‏Waldorf education, and am now focusing on Waldorf crafts.  As a big believer in magic and miracles it was only natural that I fell in love with the magical world of the fairies.  I am now happy to share with you my line of unique and beautiful fairies.  I believe that in each one of us a fairy is hidden.  I now invite you to discover your inner fairy as you enjoy my handmade fairy collections."

TelePeleKids on Facebook

Felted Wool Beads from Fairy Folk

Donni Webber from California, USA

Handmade needle felted treasures and toys for the natural home.
I make delightful needle felted treasures and handmade toys for the natural home. Top sellers are needle felted Christmas ornaments, natural Easter eggs and Easter bunnies, needle felted garlands and nursery mobiles, needle felted acorns and pebbles and so many more fun and magical goodies for the home. If you are looking for a natural whimsy to add magic to your home decor, Fairyfolk is the Etsy shop for you.  My needle felting work is often inspired by moss, toadstools and other magical woodland treasures. I am the original home of felted acorns, enchanting colorful wool acorns to add a burst of color and magic to your home decorating. I’m sure you will fall in love with my craspedia inspired felt flowers and colorful felted beach pebbles. I also make educational toys for natural kids, inspired by Waldorf and Montessori Education. I also have a line of handmade felted jewelry, necklaces, pendants and rings.

Fairy Folk and The Magic Onions on Facebook

Fairy Folk and The Magic Onions Website

Fairy Folk and The Magic Onions on Pinterest

Rainbow Treasury on Etsy

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Animals Part Two from the Waldorf On Etsy Team

This week we have animal items from 6 more shops around the world.  Next week will be something different but I have not decided yet.  Let me know in the comments if you have an idea.

Weekly posts showcase handmade items crafted from varied materials.  I also share the item on my Pinterest, Tumbler, Twitter and Facebook page.  Where possible I have included social media links for the artist/crafter.  We appreciate you sharing on social media.

Needle Felted Poseable Chipmunk from ClaudiaMarieFelt

Claudia from Illinois, USA loves to needlefelt!

"Bring the woodlands inside with this little chipmunk. He is a little smaller than a live chimpmunk and he was created with wool through the art of needle felting. This listing is for one (1) chipmunk.This chimpmunk is poseable and you could change his poses with your mood. He could also be posed holding a nut in his hands. He has a wire frame that runs through his body, limbs and tail. He was made of a variety of natural wool and fibers, mostly natural hues. He is soft and was created with shetland wool, mohair and alpaca wool. He is about 8 inches long including his tail. He stands about 4.5 inches tall in the crouched position. My needle-felted creations are original designs that I create from photos and drawings. I sign each work on the bottom with a needle-felted logo."


She is on Facebook and Instagram

Tiger Doll from TomboyNanny

Melissa Mara from California, USA has a shop full of brightly crocheted items.

"A perfect children's bedtime toy, this orange and black cat would be a perfect friend! He'd be a great Hobbes for your little Calvin (or Susie!). He's about 10" when sitting (and yes, he can sit up on his own). He is made of bright, durable acrylic yarn, with hypoallergenic polyester stuffing. He can be tossed around and tackled by a 5-year-old and still hold his shape.  This item is MADE TO ORDER, so if you would prefer him in a different color, I can make one in pretty much any color imaginable, in about 3-4 business days. Just message me."

Check her Facebook and Blog and Instagram.



Hungry Squirrels Color Sorting Game from BraveBeaver





Emese from Hungary crafts in wood with her two teenage sons.

"Fall is here, squirrels are hungry. They go nuts about these colorful acorns. Help them find more and more.  This color sorting, and fine motor skills developer game is a great tool to teach colors to your kids by sorting felted acorns, basic math concepts with the dotted dice.  The game is simple: roll the dice and gather the right amount and color of acorns. If you roll black, you miss a turn. If there are less acorns left in that color, you miss a turn. Easy peasy.  This is handmade wooden toy, painted with non-toxic paint, finished with beeswax. The dots are burned in the wood.  Our hand-made, Waldorf education inspired toys are made with big care and love."
Brave Beaver on Facebook

Art Print Puppy from illustratingforkids

Micha Klan from Germany has many lovely original designs for children in her shop.

"Puppy hunting a butterfly. When my dear old pet was a puppy he loved tu hunt everything that was moving. And all the children in the neighborhood had fun.  By now it is eleven years old and lies most the time snoring under my desk.  This digital painting is a lovely wall decoration for small children.  The size of the image is:  20 x 25 cm with a small white rim.  The printing will be done after your order.  You have the possibility to choose between two paper qualities:

1.The image will be printed on Torchon Cellulose paper, warm white from Hahnemühle.
This paper is a watercolor paper with a fine texture and a matt surface.
2. The image will be printed on artist carton, brilliant white.
Both printings will get a Hahnemühle finish, which protects them from dust and color fading."
Micha has a blog.

Luigi, little monkey form RoseetMarie

Karen Baudry from France made this sweet doll and also many classic Waldorf dolls.

Here is Luigi, the little Monkey! About 11 inches, Luigi is realized with a brown false fur and a cotton jersey fabric. Luigi is stuffed with virgin carded wool. The face is embroidered in the same way as waldorf dolls. Luigi is a quite soft animal which asks only for cuddles!! Completely realized in the hand, he will suits for the game of children over 3 years. Hand washing - Natural drying

Find her on Facebook and her website.

4 Card Set Birds of Beebe Woods by Salley Mavor

Salley Mavor from Massachusetts, USA makes exquisite figures in felt with  detailed embroidery.

"Set of 4 printed note cards of detailed images from Salley Mavor's embroidered sculpture, "Birds of Beebe Woods". The full piece is reproduced as an 18" x 24" poster, which is also available on Etsy:https://www.etsy.com/listing/108276498/birds-of-beebe-woods-18-x-24-poster
The image shows a close-up of the wool felt birds, clearly depicting the hand embroidered details. This image show close-ups of the flashy blue jay and regal gold finch, clearly depicting the hand embroidered details. Please note: the copyright watermark will not appear on the card.  Set of 4 cards, 4.25" x 6", with envelopes. Bulk discount available on orders of 24 or more "Blue Jay" note cards. Just request a custom order.  The original BIRDS OF BEEBE WOODS piece will be displayed May 15 - Sept 15, 2015 at Highfield Hall and Gardens in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Oct 21. 2015 – January 10, 2016 ~ "Insects to Elephants" at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts in Cedarburg, Wisconsin."

Salley has a blog. and is on Facebook.

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Gnomes Part Two

Gnomes! Gnomes! Gnomes!

Oh dear, I missed last week due to family obligations.  But here I am with gnomes from six shops in our Waldorf on Etsy Team.

Each post showcases handmade items from different countries, crafted from varied materials.  I also share the item on my Pinterest, Tumbler, Twitter and Facebook page.  Where possible I have included social media links for the artist/crafter.

To change things up a bit next week will feature animals from shops in different countries crafted in a variety of ways.

Basil the Gnome from Hillcountry Dollmaker

Joyce in Texas, USA makes a wonderful variety of large dolls -pirates, mermaids, storybook characters, and animals-elephants, dragons and bears to name a few.  Click to find her on Facebook.

She writes about her gnome: "Although most at home in a garden, Hillcountry Dollmaker gnomes have a fondness for humans and would love to live with a compatible family. Just under 11" tall, body is made of hand dyed cotton velour, he has beard of goat locks, embroidered face. He is wearing a wool felt tunic hand dyed in hues of blue with embroidered details. This is a custom listing and you may choose eye color, skin tone and clothing colors for your special friend. Also, check out my girl gnome Marjoram, who is available in another listing."

Seed Pod Gnomes from Koester Kindje

Margriet from the Netherlands is imaginative in creating gnomes and accessories for them. She writes "My passion is designing and creating jewelry and making fairy tale figures out of wool, wood and silk.  I design one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces, all handcrafted with attention to detail and quality.  Everything I make is close to my heart. "  

Find her on Facebook.

Gnome Play mats from The Pot of Gold

Kitty Moore from Germany is a needlefelter inspired by "folklore, legends, fairy tales, storybooks and nature. ". 

She writes " This play mat is double the fun because it is reversible!  Side 1: Has a green field with a border of multicolored flowers. There is a duck pond and 3 little toadstools.Side 2: Is the forest. Here there is a stream with stepping stones, an evergreen tree plus more flowers and toadstools.  I needle felted this play mat with Merino wool, so it is super soft."

Felt Pocket Dolls from Domus Lodus 

Sunchuko from Croatia has colorful gnomes and crocheted items in her shop.  

"I am a Waldorf inspired crafter,always trying out new crafts,materials and techniques, but always prefer natural materials."

Gnome House and Gnome Peg Dolls from Green Mountain Wee Woolies

Valarie Mazzarella from Vermont, USA works with wool from her Romany sheep.  Click for her Facebook page.

She describes her beautiful listing: "An adorable felted wool home for your gnomes. Gnome home has been knit from wool yarn and then felted, roof comes off. Inside each home you will find three wood gnomes, dressed in a crochet wool outfit. House measures 7” tall, 12” around. Gnomes measure 2 1/2” tall.  Toys crafted of materials like wood, wool, silk and cotton connects our children with the natural world and encourages creative and imaginative play."

Rainbow Girl Gnomes from Gnome Werks

Danyal Boyd of Oregon, USA paints peg doll animals and figures.  Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. 

"Rainbow Girl Gnomes, available here as a full set of 6- Each gnome wears a hand embroidered wool felt cap that has been stuffed with wool batting, making for a very sturdy and cozy gnome! These adorable gnomes are painted in all the beautiful colors of the rainbow with non toxic watercolors, and sealed with a non toxic acrylic sealer for added gnome protection. Each gnome has its very own facial features, drawn with a wood burning tool, making for a lovely and unique set of gnomes."

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Gnomes from the Waldorf on Etsy Team

Those in Waldorf education love gnomes!  Many stories are told with gnomes, math is taught with gnomes, parent handwork groups make gnomes and children craft gnomes from beeswax.

Members of our Waldorf on Etsy Team make gnomes in a variety of ways and I will feature a selection three shops in each post over a number of weeks. Each post will showcase shops from different countries and gnomes crafted from varied materials.  I will also share the item on my Pinterest, Tumbler, Twitter and Facebook page.

LaLutine in Canada crafts in wood, wool fiber, beeswax and kite paper.

Seasonal Gnomes from LaLutine Etsy Shop

Sandra Mill from LaLutine makes gnomes that are sweet and functional in Waldorf homeschooling.
She writes: "This charming set marks the passing of each season. Each gnome is adorned with a seasonally appropriate apple tree and a coordinating colored needle felted cap. This set includes 4 wood burned and hand painted gnomes. The are 5/8 of an inch wide and will fit into a birthday ring. They are handmade from all natural materials. Trees and faces are wood-burnt, their bodies are painted with non-toxic, AP certified water-colors and sealed with wonderful handmade beeswax polish. Their hats are needle-felted from 100% wool. Height of the gnomes with a hat is 4 1/2 " (11,5 cm)."

She is on Facebook




KatjasFlowerFairys is a German shop, crafting small dolls of natural materials.

Busy gnomes from Katjas Flower Fairys Etsy Shop.

Katja Bantel makes exquisite gnomes, angels, fairies and seasonal items.  She writes: "The Gnome is made of 100 % wool-felt, fairy tale-wool and tricot material. The doll is approx. 11-12 centimeters high.  The filling is sheep wool.  The offer covers one Gnome.  Not suitable for the under 3's.  Your doll will be unique!  Made to order.  Manufactured in careful manual work.  

Go to her website.




BrambleHedgeCottage from the United Kingdom crafts in natural fibers and polymer clay.

Fimo Gnomes from Bramble Hedge Cottage Etsy Shop

Maxine from Bramble Hedge Cottage makes appealing traditional Waldorf dolls and small dolls in fimo and natural materials.  She writes:  "These little Rainbow Gnomes are hand sculpted from Polymer Clay/Fimo.  They stand approximately 1.5 - 2 inches tall.  Their eyes are tiny seed beads and cheeks are blushed and highlighted with water colour paints.  Each little gnome is individual, with his own little character, complete with a tiny red heart on his chest to show how much love he has to give.  These are for display only, they are not toys and should not be given to children under three. "

Visit her on Facebook.




Check out the Waldorf on Etsy Team Shop HERE

The Importance of Nature to Children

Connecting the Seasons in Waldorf Education 

by Claudia Marie Lenart

Waldorf Seasons Needlefelt Painting by Claudia Marie Felt

In Waldorf education, we celebrate the changing seasons in the classroom, in the community with seasonal festivals, and in the home.  Waldorf classrooms always include a beautiful season’s table that is decorated with gifts of nature, handmade animals, and items that reflect the present season.  Inspired by the beauty of the classroom, Waldorf parents often find a space in their homes as well for a seasonal nature table. 

Spring Flower Root Children by La Lutine

The awareness of the seasons and celebration of seasonal festivals has meaning in the Waldorf curriculum.

Recognition of the seasons establishes rhythm for the child and the natural rhythm of life is central to Waldorf philosophy.  Rahima Baldwin Dancy, author of You are Your Childs’ First Teacher, says that rhythmic activities provide children with a sense of security. 

Blue Bird Brooch By Lavender and Ladybugs

“The slower rhythm of the natural world with its changing seasons can provide the “content” of our experiences, as well as a powerful healing influence,” according to Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.

Autumn Family by Soft Earth Art
Awareness of the changing seasons allows children to better appreciate nature and to feel at home in the natural world.  For Waldorf children, daily outdoor play is essential, through the heat of summer and even on the most frigid winter days.  Of course, Waldorf parents send their children to school with boots, hats, scarves, wool mittens –well prepared for the weather.  If the schoolyard has the slightest hill, you will be sure to see the children sledding daily in the snowy months. 

 

Observation of the changing seasons in early childhood provides a foundation for later scientific study.  As the child progresses through Waldorf school, teachers will take hiking trips where students will study and draw the anatomy of a plant or observe weather patterns.  The seasons are a perennial subject for Waldorf watercolor paintings as well. 

Original Watercolor Painting by Waldorf Teacher Dr. Rick Tan of Syrendell

Feeling at home in nature throughout the seasons, provides a child with a sense of wholeness and belonging to the world.  This sense of wholeness is at the foundation of Waldorf education and observation of the seasons instills a greater sense of connection to the natural world and to all life. 

Silk Butterfly Wings by ziezo

Claudia Marie Lenart, Waldorf parent, volunteer, and longtime writer about Waldorf education is a needlefelt artist on Etsy.  Her shop is ClaudiaMarie Felt.

Form Drawing

 Form Drawing 

by Brenda Massei of Pail and Pie  

Nursery Art

My eight year old son gets to choose his daily school work from a weekly checklist. Once per week his list includes form drawing and without fail, enthusiastically, he chooses it every Monday. So, what is so wonderful about form drawing for him? "Probably, I like it because of all the crazy forms I get to draw," he answers me. It may go deeper than that. 

Branch Pencils

In 1919 Rudolph Steiner introduced form drawing which is taught to children ages 6-10 . This simple idea, of having children essentially copy freehand drawings, is more than just a crayon to paper. Before children are shown a form to recreate on their page, they are immersed in the feeling of the form. Children are introduced to each new form through stories, movements through the air, or walking the form as a few examples. The feelings from this engagement with a form can vary based on the form taught.
 For instance, if a teacher has a restless group that needs energy, a sharp, stiff form can create some liveliness. In contrast, slow, rounded forms can do just the opposite, create harmony and peace for children who need some calm. Having children focus on a form and replicate it with intention create zen like moments that can linger.

Syrendell

Last year my son would not stop at the end of the page. Indeed he drew form drawing borders around his pages and went on to create new forms based on his moods. This year he chooses form drawing every monday and enjoys each new expression. An acquaintance's daughter grew up to create and sell beautiful celtic knot motifs on cards as an extension from early form drawing instruction. Form drawing is enjoyable.

 
 CELTIC DRAWN CARD:
Form drawing gives pleasure while creating repeated patterns with lines instead of waiting to admire only an end product. It is an experience one can feel. The creating can indeed trump the joy of the ended design.

Symmetry? Counting? Geometry? Art? Form drawing can dive into any of these aspects as indeed the line is the most primeval form of creation and art. Teaching children to enjoy the movement of line over paper proves beneficial.

Fairy & Elf Gift Tags

Read more about how form drawing affects your mood in the article Form Drawing by Rosemary Gebert. (Link: http://www.waldorflibrary.org/images/stories/articles/formdrawing.pdf)

See the connection of form drawing to art in the book: 
Painting and Drawing in Waldorf Schools Classes 1 to 8 by Thomas Wildgruber. 

Positive Watercolor Card

 See more of Brenda's great articles on her blog:

Pail and Pie
 Visit Brenda's Waldorf on Etsy team shop for gift ideas:

Pail and Pie

Waldorf Toys that Promote Learning, Naturally

Open-ended play is a most important part of learning in the Waldorf kindergarten.

Waldorf Playsilk Children can turn a blue silk into a river, a green silk into a grassy field, a yellow silk becomes a cape.

Felted Acorns

Natural materials like felted acorns can become food or even currency.

 Waldorf Doll

Simple Waldorf dolls allow children to nurture; and felted or wooden animals feed a child’s imagination.

Stacking Toy

There are also simple, Waldorf toys that can teach children more specific lessons, such as the fire, water, air, earth stacking toys from Simple Gift Toys.

Matching Game

A wooden memory game from Petals and Sunshine can help build cognitive skills. 

 Waldorf Math Gnomes

Math gnomes from LaLutine make first grade learning so much more fun.

Gaia's Garden Game

Older children can learn about permaculture with Gaia’s Garden cooperative board game from Living Earth Games.

Visit the Waldorf on Etsy Team shops for more toys and learning games.

Yelena

Today we welcome Yelena Beskrovni, owner and artist of the Waldorf on Etsy shop, Yelena's Anthroposophical Toys.

About Myself

 Mother and Baby Fox

I studied pedagogy in Ukraine, but in those days I was yet to hear anything about Waldorf.  However, even then I felt that there must be a better method to bring up children than the modern factory-like grade system.  One day I heard about anthroposophy and I was instantly hooked.

 

 Waldorf Fairy Tale Horse

Later I moved to Israel and brought with me the love for Waldorf education and the desire to help children benefit from its teachings.  I started working in a non-Waldorf kingergarten.  At first the management was skeptical about Waldorf, but when they saw that children were becoming much more open, trusting and caring, they warmed up to anthroposophy and Waldorf ideas. 

How Did I Start Making Toys?

 

 Hoop Tower Game

I've always wanted to make toys.  I took lessons and discovered just how wonderful the process of making one really is.  I believe that every doll I make has its own soul - the pose it takes while I make it, the way its head is turned, all make it unique. 

What Is Special About My Toys?

 Handmade Giraffe Toy

I make my dolls only from natural materials.  I use high quality merino wool (and occasionally mohair) and only natural dyes. It's very important to me not to expose the children to any harmful materials or mass-manufactured elements.

Handmade Dolphin Toy

In addition to the toys in my shop I also make toys for the kindergarten I work in.  I love to see how the children play with them, use them to enrich their fantasy and learn about the world.  My toys are durable, stable and washable - they must be because every day  I see how the children enjoy chewing and bending the toys when they play.  It gives me great pleasure to know that my toys help children in addition to being fun to play with. 

 Squirrel With Mushroom

 Come visit my shop

Thank you, Yelena Beskrovni

Yelena's Anthroposophical Toys

Knitting with Children

Learn to Knit with Your Kids

By Brenda Massei of Pail & Pie

 ziezo Designs

At a local outdoor trades fair my boys and I saw a woman dyeing and drying wool yarn. Her skeins looked like drying pasta on handmade racks and drew us in. Naturally, I started asking her about her yarn and then steered our conversation towards knitting, a favorite pastime of mine. She pointed to my sons, then ages six and four, and said, "How old are they? On the prairie, that one (pointing to my six year old) would be knitting his own socks or he would have cold feet." My son looked at me and I at him in disbelief. Hand knit socks by children? She had my attention.

Hand Knit Socks by Stitch & Purl

Beyond having warm toes on the prairie, knitting has many other lifelong benefits. Waldorf schools have children knitting at the first grade level citing benefits such as focus, concentration, left to right progression pre-reading skills, fine motor skill development, delayed gratification, and confidence building. Ruldolph Steiner said children should knit because it was working on their minds. Children must problem solve, pay attention, and form judgments while knitting. He believed that repeat movements created stronger mental connections, linking a child's thinking to his fingertips. Knitting learned as a child can be carried on through adulthood and has been cited as providing health benefits like lowered blood pressure and chasing away depression.  A little while after I was inspired by the yarn dyer, my six year old son learned to knit, to both of our delight. 

Hand Knit Hackey Sack by Girl Power
Simple ways you can get started knitting with your children:
1. Contact your local senior center.

A mother in our homeschool group had this great idea. Knitters love to share knitting and seniors love to see children. She has learned to knit alongside her son at the local seniors center through weekly social knitting.

2. Visit the local yarn shop.

Most local yarn shops have classes, some free, on beginning knitting. It's good business for them to teach you, so take advantage of it.

3. Search your library.

Perhaps you aren't ready to "sign up" for classes, but are interested in learning at home. Search your local library for books and DVDs on knitting. Ask your librarian to order in a specific book or DVD if they don't have it on their shelf, they almost always can.

4. Browse.

Youtube.com has many tutorials on how to knit. It can be helpful to have the ability to pause and repeat. 

 Hand Knit Wool Barn Bag by Pail and Pie

5. Call Your Local Waldorf School.

Chances are very good that someone who works at the Waldorf school knows how to knit. A simple phone call could yield more information or connections, if not lessons.

6. Check out Ravelry.com.

This website is dedicated to bringing "ravelers" together. Click on the "groups" button at the top bar and find local knitters. Contact them through the site for more ideas on knitting.

7.  Ask.

In conversations with the neighbors mention you would like to learn to knit. I always appreciate my friends as amazing resources. At the mere mention of a topic there is usually someone who can chime in. Perhaps the neighbor's mother knits or perhaps she just saw a free class at the library you missed. You never know unless you ask.

ziezo Designs

Simple ways to share knitting with your children if you already know how to knit.

Pink Pixie Hat by Stitch & Purl 

1. Knit.

It may sound silly, but just letting your child see you knit is a good way to introduce them to it. Your enthusiasm for a hobby can become enthusiasm for them. When they ask if they can try, take advantage.

2. When showing your child the knit stitch teach them this rhyme:

In through the front door

Come around the back

Out through the window

And off jumps Jack.

3. Find simple patterns.

Waldorf patterns are amazing for their ability to turn squares into the sweetest little animals. Some books to try are Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick, A First Book of Knitting for Children by Bonnie Gosse and Jill Allerton and Creative Play for Your Toddler: Steiner Waldorf Expertise and Toy Projects for 2-4s by Christopher Cloud.

4. Be Patient.

Knitting can be confusing and challenging. I have a niece desperate to learn but having trouble with it. We just try it sometimes and leave it alone other days.

Hand Knit Woodland Garland by Pail and Pie

5. Try different things.

If you knit, you have different needles and yarn around. My son learned on very large needles with thick yarn. Others have said their children have learned on small needles. Everyone is different. You can experiment and see what your child has the most success with.

6. Guide their hands.

My younger son holds the needles while I knit. He tells me he's knitting with me. I have held, guided, and showed him the process while knitting my projects.

7. Try finger knitting.

If knitting is not working out for you, don't despair. Try finger knitting or crochet. The repetitive motions are beneficial no matter how you stitch it.

Hand Knit Doll by Girl Power
 Let us know how you learned!

Thanks to these sites for their articles on the benefits of knitting: 

"InThis First Grade, Knitting and Stories are the Focus." WBEZ Blog. Linda Lutton. May 31, 2012.  

"Knittingand Crochet Offer Long-term Health Benefits." PRLOG. Editor Caley Walsh. Feb. 9, 2009.

"WhyTeach Knit and Crochet?." Craft Yarn Council.com.

"Will-developedIntelligence: Knitting Begets Thinking." Marijke McCartney. 

Make Your Own Handmade Knitting Needles ziezo Crafting and Living in Kenya blog

A special thank you to Brenda Massei for this post!

 Please visit her Waldorf on Etsy shop:  of Pail and Pie

as well as visit her blog:  Pioneer Kids

Hand Knit Purse by Joyous Crafts