Jenny Marquis is a new knitter, and loves making scarves in Boutique Unforgettable yarn. But Jenny knits a little differently from most people, since she was born without fingers. Read about how Jenny describes learning to knit, and scroll to the bottom to watch a video demonstration. 1. Why are your hands this way? I was born with a congenital bi-lateral hand defect, while we cannot be certain the most common school of thought is that my hands became embedded in my mother's uterus during development. It is not genetic, just a million-in-one fluke. 2. Do you have prostheses? As a pre-teen I experimented with a prosthetic that was generously given me by the War-Amps of Canada. The full prosthetic arm covered my left hand and was a functioning robotic hand. However, because of the "thumb" on my right hand, the same prosthetic could not be fitted to it, this rendered my right hand useless, as I use both hands for essentially every task; and my left became clunky and awkward. Needless to say it was quickly abandoned. I do not currently use any other official prosthetic, though I have found some tools to aid me in my daily life such as: magnetic clasps for necklaces, an embroidery hoop stand to hold my projects as I work on them, electric can openers etc. It's always a matter of seeing the issue and researching to find a solution that would work with my handicap. 3. When did you learn how to knit? I learned to knit this past September 2015. I was in my third trimester with my second little one, and my nesting instinct must have been extremely strong, lol! I had previously tried and failed knitting countless times before, but something made me decide to pick it back up and give it "just one more try". 4. Who taught you how to knit? My mother. She's a wonderful knitter, not to mention my biggest fan and advocate. She has always believed that I can do whatever I put my mind to, its just a matter of figuring it out, like a puzzle. Knowing my desire to knit, when she saw a video for Irish Cottage Knitting, and watched as the women tucked their needles under their arms, she immediately thought of me. I was amazed when after only a few minutes of instruction, I was able to knit a row! This felt very ground breaking for me; at almost 30, I really thought I was finished figuring out my limitations, and knitting would just be one of those few things I could not do. I remember my mother and I both tearing up a bit at what this little badly knitted, beginner row represented, and how even now, I can and will continue to push the boundaries of what I thought my capabilities are. 5. What stitches do you know how to do? I am learning more every day! I was just gifted a book "400 Knitting Stitches" and I look forward to working through that! Though right now my goal is lace knitting, then eventually I'd love to work up to Fair Isle and Colourwork. 6. What do you like to make? My repertoire is quite small right now, as I'm still such a beginner. My favourite item to knit right now are dishcloths and scarves. Easy, knits up quickly, and gives you a sense of satisfaction right away. I just bought a pattern for a lace shawlette, it looks so beautiful, but I'm still a bit intimidated to try! 7. Which is your favorite Red Heart yarn? I find I'm constantly running back to buy your 100% variegated cotton to knit up into dishcloths! I posted a photo of several dishcloths on Facebook, offering to give some away, sort of as a "pay it forward" idea. I got over 120 people commenting right away that they loved them and would love to receive a couple! I'm also in love with Red Heart's Boutique Unforgettable line. The colours just draw me like a moth to flame! It's so soft and the things I have knitted with it has gotten so much praise just because of how vibrant the yarn is! 8. Do you do other crafts? Besides knitting, I also love embroidery and cross-stitch. I own a spinning wheel, and am looking forward to start dying and spinning my own yarn eventually. However I have a 4 year old and a 3 month old right now; I could see a spinning wheel lying around just being too much of a temptation to play with, so perhaps in a year or so! 9. Can our readers connect with you online anywhere? Yes, right now I'm using mostly my Instagram account here, as well as my personal page for my knitting and DIY'ing, found here on Facebook.
