Barney Applegarth---Old Time Cowboy and Knitter

My dad taught me to knit. He was not an artist, nor a designer, nor in the textile industry. My dad was a cowboy with calloused, gnarled hands and the knowledge to teach a 10 year old girl to knit.

Dad learned to knit in a one-room school house in the Nebraska Sandhills. The teacher insisted everyone take up the needles and yarn. “You never know when it might come in handy…”

Like when a little girl needed new doll sweaters and blankets. With 2 sharp pencils and some multi-colored package string, dad taught me the basics. The next time we went to town, mom, (who couldn't knit) took me to the dime store and bought me real knitting needles and yarn.

Yes, Dad admired the lopsided blankets, the different sized booties, the odd skirts and sweaters. He showed me how not to add stitches when I didn't want them, and how to add if I wanted.

Finally, with much practice and reading of instructions, my knitting surpassed my dad's. But I haven't forgotten where I got my start. My dad, old cowboy with knitting needles!