One of the very first skills children learn as a part of the Waldorf Handwork Curriculum is how to knit. It is a great task learning to use both hands in unison, and rhythm to turn a ball of yarn into a bunny or cat. This transformation that happens — using nothing more than their hands, wooden knitting needles, and woolen yarn to create something so special — is very magical for children. The children learn to observe and notice if they have dropped a stitch, or are knitting too loose or tight. They also learn to cast off, sew, stuff, and double finger knitting. Children love this process and come to class with joy and anticipation. The skills the children learn during this first year will be the foundation for future handwork classes. Some of the projects we will do in this class over the year are cats, bunnies, bags, balls, pigs or sheep, and elephants and lions.