Here’s my photo of the latest arrival of Wollmeise Wool Mice in the shop. 🙂 Tricia from Earthly Hues sent us this amazing box of chocolates and when you open them up, there are two mice nestled into the layer on top. There must be a nut in there, but they’re too cute to eat. This company gets a lot of kudos for presentation. 
The whole wooden box of chocolates was tied up in a beautiful red ribbon with a gold wax seal on the front. That means that our postman wasn’t able to open it up, sneak some chocolate, and then deliver it to us later in the day. Not that he would do that. I’m sure not. (Now Brenda, the UPS gal just might. She loves chocolate and sometimes needs a handful of Loopy kisses to get her through the day…)
This gal is obviously not unwrapping Loopy kisses, or knitting, for that matter. Although maybe she will take it up now that she might be able to use her fingers again. (Holy cow.)
This month’s blog contest question is a two-parter. 1) Why do you knit? and 2) Do you think you’re a knitter-for-life or do you think that this is what you do “now” and you’ll move on to the next thing eventually? For me, I knit because I like having something to do that is relaxing. I knit because there are so many beautiful colors and fibers out there that I want to see done up. I knit because it’s something that Knitting Daughter and I can hang out and do together. I knit because I like hand-knit socks and scarves (and mitts and gloves and sweaters.) I knit because it can be very challenging, or very mindless, depending on what pattern I choose. And yes, I will be a knitter for life. I ran out of things that I wanted to cross-stitch long ago (and really, how many things like that do you need in your house?) and I caught up on my scrapbooks a few years ago (although I will still do that with current photos), but I can’t imagine running out of knitting inspirations, or the need for hand-knit items in my life. Plus, it will take me close to forever to use up half of the things in my stash. How about you? Why do you knit? And do you see yourself doing this for now, or forever? Leave your answer in the blog comments and we’ll draw the winners a week from today. (The prizes – Wollmeise. You’ll like it!)
Sheri wishingthatthefluorescentlightsinmyofficewouldstopbuzzinganddrivingmenuts
I am an avid knitter and probably complete about 2 to 3 items a week. I adore the Thorpe hat in my handspun and Little Turtleknits pilot cap is another fave! I knit because I need to keep my hands busy when I sit and rest throughout the day. I do not like to be idle! And I do think I will be a lifetime knitter. Since I knit my first sweater at a class I took at my LYS 6 years ago…..I am still going strong. As a mom to 13 and someone who has spent a lifetime keeping my family going it seems that most everything I do has to be done over…. again and again and again. Knitting is creating something beautiful that lasts. I love that!
I am a lifelong knitter. My mother taught me to knit when I was a teenager on one of those days when all I could talk about was how bored I was! Knitting is calming, soothing, kind of yoga for your hands as well as your mind. A recent BBC report says that knitting may help to reduce memory loss!
I’ve found solutions to problems while knitting. (Maybe learning to knit should be a requirement for our world leaders–distribute needles and yarn at the United Nations meetings!) I’ve recently learned to spin, and there is nothing like knitting with “home made” yarn.
I knit because it is relaxing, and meditative-stitch after stitch slipping through my fingers onto the needles. I love the feel of the yarn, and the colors. I love that there are endless possibilities. I knit because I need to make things, need to have a creative outlet. In my busy life I no longer really have the time to paint, or collage, or even pursue photography as an art instead of just snapshots and FO pics, so knitting allows me to continue in the creative process- even if it is only in picking out the color and yarn and following a pattern. I knit for the community-from friends at the LYS, to knitting nights with friends, blogs, Ravelry, and various festivals; knitting is a huge community of wonderful people who care, share, inspire, cheer up, laugh with, sympathize…all with this common thread. Interestingly, I find the more you learn about other knitters, the more you realize you share so much in common in addition to the love of knitting/fiber arts. Needless to say, I am a knitter for life. It is part of who I am, I would not feel like “me” without my knitting.
I definately hope to be knitting for the rest of my life. I love it for the process,there is so much joy in feeling the yarn move through my fingers. And I love stopping to admire the product after a few rows, or after a pattern repeat! And of course, who doesn’t love wearing socks or a scarf you have knit for yourself. Knitting relaxes me– it is such a change from the work I do all day. It keeps me calm while waiting, and it makes for great conversations when you knit in public.
I knit to keep my hands busy and my mind calm. I’m an anxious person, so its ver therapeutic.
I’m a knitter for life, but I also crochet, sew, and other things. I just keep coming back and learning new knitting techniques, and challenging myself!
I will definitely knit for the rest of my life. It relaxes me and I love the colors and textures of the yarn so much.
Knitting really sparked my creative side that I didn’t know was in me. There are endless possibilities out there to keep me entertained and challenged. I love seeing how the colors or patterns emerge to bring forth a garment or item which makes me happy and proud. See I made this!
Knitting will always be part of life. I am more calm, relaxed and happy. I love that comraderie of fellow knitters. I’ve been more adventurous in learning and experimenting new techniques so it give me a great sense of accomplishment. The only downside to knitting is that I knit slow…boo.
I knit to unwind at the end of the day. With a houseful of kids, it improves my mental health to have something for ‘me’. I love wearing my hand-knit socks and scarf, makes me feel a bit pampered. I think I’ll be a life-long knitter–most of my hobbies have fizzled out after a bit, but knitting has it all. It can be a small, portable project, or a big stay-at-home masterpiece. Basic and mindless or intricate. Thick and quick yarn, or fingering. So many variable to keep it fresh!
Knitting was the first thing I learned to do at the age of 7 from Nana. It will now be what I do till the end. I now have been knitting for 4 years no stop. In between those years I was sewing, when to school in Manhatten NYC for dressmaking & design. Then marrage and kids. I would sew some for the kids but just like my Nana stopped knitting for me, it was cheaper and with no time to go to Sears and buy their clothes.
I am a process knitter and never go anywhere without my kntting. I also do crochet afgans that I sold in a country store and of course my friends and family all own one. Cross Stitch, needlepoint and crewel went on for years until my nearsighted eyes got better & I could not see close up. At the end, I was a stained glass artist for about 8 years designing, showing and selling 3D glass art –Music boxes & Judaica custom orders too many to mention here. Then I had routine gall bladder removal that went terribly wrong and after a year of recovery I no longer had the stamina to stand & cut glass. That is my real love because of all the arts & crafts I have done in 50 years, working with glass I was a true artist, my own designs. Coming back full circle to knitting it just perfect. Thank you for giveing me a place to buy when I want as you are doing what you love to do.
I knit because, O.M.G., I get paid to do so. (thankyouthankyouthankyou) My childhood knitting and crocheting led me to other fibery goodness activites like weaving in college, spinning over 20 years ago, dyeing, having a sheep farm for 15years, owning Carolina Homespun for 10years, etc etc etc. Sharing my passion for fibers led to paid teaching jobs (the “do what you love” thing, even tho I was also a Director of Student Financial Aid at a college, an Avon stand-in temporary district manager (really), an information specialist (as in computers) at the regional level for a major bank, etc). Then when showing examples for classes, was asked to write out patterns for publication. Snowballed. Now I simply have to pinch myself every now and again when I see my name included on teacher lists for Stitches events, Sock Summit, cruises, fiber camps in Italy, John C Campbell Folk School, etc. thankyouthankyouthankyou. Yes, it is for life. When I retire, I will do much more knitting for family. (and spinning. and weaving.) Thank you for showcasing (and therefore supporting) so many indie dyers. I was one of those (see Handpaint Country) way-back-when before etsy, before great website opportunities, before so many knitters had the Good Taste and Creative Juices to actually consider using handpainted yarns instead of what the pattern originally called for.
I knit because it can be relaxing or challenging depending on what I choose to make, because I can knit while I do other things I enjoy (like listen to music), because I love the textures and colours of beautiful yarn, because yarn shopping is much more fun than clothes shopping, and because when I’m done a project I usually have something useful rather than something that will just collect dust. I’m a bit young yet to know for sure, but I suspect I’ll be a knitter for life.
I knit because it calms me. I knit because it challenges me. I knit because it empowers me. I knit because it’s a gift my mother shared with me and I can share with others. If my stash and my queue are any indication, I’m going to be knitting for a long, long time in this life and beyond, in heaven. Surely there will be knitting in heaven ‘or what’s a heaven for?’
I knit because I like the feeling of progress that each stitch brings. My day work is academic, with much delayed gratifcation. Knitting is more in the moment. I envision that I will continue to be a knitter, but that the types of projects I do might change over time (e.g., currently into socks and shawls, but might venture into sweaters later).
I knit because I love the yarns and the finished projects but also love the process of knitting and need to keep my hands busy. I’m also a quilter but knitting is much more portable so easier to do while spending time with hubby or riding in the car. Knitting is also a great stress reliever and something I look forward to doing when I get home from work in the evenings. I hope that I am a knitter for life.
I initially taught myself to crochet because I needed something to do that didn’t involve reading after I sat for the bar exam. I moved to knitting because it just looked so darned cool, and there were more reasources available for knitters where I live. I knit because I like to see whatever I’m knitting grow – I feel like I’m accomplishing something. I will probably knit as long as I can (I certainly have enough yarn to do it 🙂 ). I love knitting because it can be picked up and put down. Yes, I’ll be a knitter for life!
I knit because it helps me to let go of anger. I knit because I’ve discovered the joy of handknit socks. I knit because it calms me, and makes me feel productive. I am fairly sure that, after seven years, I will still be knitting for a long time into the future.
I will knit until my last breath!!! I was one of those women who knit twenty years ago when my girls were little and then went on to cross stitch and quilting. In 2001 I walked into a cross stitch shop in Washington D.C. and she had a little, tiny section of yarn – Noro and I fell in love again!!!! Knit a scarf for our oldest daughter (who promptly lost it at college), but now knits herself – hooray!!!! The yarns today are astounding. I could never live long enough to knit every project with every yarn I love!! And thank you to people like you who bring it all to us!!
I knit to do something comforting for me. I love to do for others, but knitting helps me pamper myself and keeps my hands busy so I’m not eating – although there is always a cup of tea by my side. I’ve been knitting for about 4 years, but I consider myself at the beginning of a lifelong journey. I want to keep challenging myself each year and trying new things – knitting is for life. Thanks to Loopy Ewe for keeping me in a huge stash of sock yarn.
I knit to relax at the end of a very stressful day at the hospital. It’s so wonderful just to sit and feel the yarn slide through my fingers and make something nice for myself or someone else. I did the cross stitch thing like many others, but now my eyes will not let me do that anymore. I was an on and off knitter for many years, but now it is just about my only creative outlet. I plan to be a for-life knitter. My stash is sure big enough for that!! And I have enough patterns for 3 or for lifetimes.
I started knitting to save money… I began cloth diapering when my daughter was born, and liked using wool soakers, shorts, and pants as diaper covers. But they were so expensive to buy from other knitters, that I could only get a few. So I decided to learn to knit my own. I didn’t expect knitting to “click” like it did. I took to it immediately – the second soaker I made, I sent in as a sample for licensing… and was told it was excellent and that there was no way I could have just started knitting. Knitting then became a business. The more I knit for others, the less I had time to knit for my own kids. But I was knitting, and I was enjoying it. Then – I started to spin, and knitting became a secondary love. Yes, I loved to knit, but spinning was becoming my passion… until the first time I knit with my own handspun yarn… Two loves joined together. Nothing is better than knitting with my own handspun yarn. Business knitting has slowed tremendously (though business spinning is keeping me busy), so now, I have time to knit for my family – except, my kids aren’t in cloth diapers anymore… so now, I knit for me. And I love it. I wore a sweater to a party tonight – a sweater than I knit for myself. I love being able to answer the question “Where did you get your sweater?” with the words, “I made it.” A quality garment, made stitch by stitch with my own hands.
Knitting started as something I was doing to save money. It unexpectedly became a deeply engrained part of my life – part of who I am. I do not just knit. I am a Knitter. This isn’t just for today – this is who I am… part of my life – and a part that I highly doubt will ever fade away.
I’ve known how to knit since I was about six, and I picked it up and put it down a bunch of times, but took it up seriously during my son’s 5-month hospital stay. I knit to keep from going mad, mostly small things for the other kids on the unit. It became at the same time my retreat and my way of staying connected to the world, in a small way. I kept on knitting and took up spinning mainly as a sensual experience, glorying in color and texture, and as a creative outlet. The rush when an idea comes full-blown and the slow, meditative execution, one stitch at a time — I love them both, I need them both.
I think I’ll always be a knitter, although the intensity will wax and wane, like everything else in nature.
I knit because it relaxes me. And I have to knit when I’m watching TV so I don’t feel that I’m wasting time. It soothes my soul and makes me want to pat myself on the back and say “Good job!” as the heel on a sock gets turned or that cabled sweater takes shape. It makes me feel good when I’m knitting during my daughter’s soccer game and her teammates tell her it’s cool that her mom knits and then she’s proud of me, too. I knit because it makes me happy to know that even though I cannot sing (even dogs cringe when I try) or program a computer or be a great athlete, I can create beauty.
I’ve been knitting off and on for the past 35 years, but more on for the last five. I am a knitter and that is what I’ll always be. I may put it to the side for a short duration at times and maybe try my hand at something new, but I know I’ll always come back to knitting.
I knit so I don’t kill people. Seriously!!! It just calms me.
And I’ve been knitting since I was in 8th grade. I’m 45 now, and I don’t see myself ever not knitting. When I get all these kids out of the house, I’m going to sit on my rear and knit!!!
I knit because it is so relaxing, and soothing.
Yes, I will be a knitter for life. I realized this this month while I have not knit at all for the first time in three years. I had a knitting injury to my elbow. Evne though I have not KNIT, I have lived in knitting: going to my knitting group, reading blogs, reading magazines and books, figuring out patterns in my head, dreaming of sock summit, etc. Without touching yarn or needles, you can still be a life knitter!
I knit because at this point I just couldn’t imagine NOT knitting! I LOVE the process. There are so many great yarns I want to play with and patterns I am inspired by… As well as things I want to figure out. Ideas for designs. Things like hats and mittens and socks that we need, and I want to knit them all. I LOVE to be challenged, and find “easy knitting” very theraputic. I have more yarn and more patterns than I could ever knit in my lifetime, yet I still want more. It is an addiction- but as addictions go I think a good one for the most part. I love it and I always will!
I’m a pretty new knitter – I started half a year ago, and already my projects and my yarn stash have grown significantly. I started because I wanted to make a present for my niece/nephew to be – and then I rediscovered how wonderful it is to craft something. We’ve always been big on giving handmade presents in our family, and all my family members really enjoy getting something that you’ve put so much love, time and effort into. And there’s something really satisfying about knitting – it is relaxing, almost meditative, and it’s just amazing what you can make with a ball of yarn and “two pointy sticks” and a little time. And yes, I will be a knitter for life – I’m having so much fun knitting, I can’t imagine ever stopping. Now I drag my workbag with me almost anywhere!
I have been and will continue to be a knitter for life…..I was taught by my grandmother when I was eight and almost 40 years later I am still at it with a passion. I knit for lots of different reasons – I love the process, I love the yarns that I get to knit with, I love the colors and combinations that arise from the knitting and I love the suprised looks that I get when I tell someone that the garment that I am wearing was made by me. I work in a high tech industry in a profession that knitting doesn’t seem to follow and a lot of times i get the “you couldn’t have created that because of what you do look’ and that is way too much fun for me.
I knit because if I don’t I don’t feel complete – a day without knitting is incomplete and sad for me. i look forward to those moments that I can knit – stolen moments sometimes…..just a row or two here and there – maybe at one of the kids games or on the train or during a very long conference call – it helps me focus on the topic at hand (if I brought the right project with me to knit) – ask me why I have so many WIP (this one for the plane trip, this one because it is small enough to fit in my purse, this one because it stretches my ability, this one because I had a crappy day and want to play with a special yarn, this one because I can’t wait to see how the colours turn out, this one because I need t knit with this yarn that everyne has been talking about…….you get the picture……).
Finally, it is my relaxation – I knit for a bit in the evening – most every evening. I was taught long ago that I wasn’t allow to watch TV without having something practical in my hands (knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, etc.). That has extended itself to if I am knitting I am awake, if no knitting then I am asleep in 10 minutes or less .
i will continue to knit for life…..I can’t imagine my world without it. For my second career I would liike to work in and eventually own a yarn shop like The Loopy Ewe. It will happen – in the mean time, I knit, I share my passion with others that knit and I try to hook new ones to this life long art ……having some succes…..
Marion K.
I knit because I need something to occupy my hands while I’m sitting in the evening. I also love the unique items I’m able to make for my family and myself. I definitely know I will be a knitter for life – I have too much yarn in my stash to stop knitting!!!
As a child, I was fortunate enough to have been able to spend every summer at the home of family friends (the E’s) in the idyllic town of Sebastopol, California. Mrs. E would spend every evening knitting, either by hand or on her machine, and I was intrigued. When I was 6 she deemed me old enough to learn to knit and taught me throw one night and, two days later, taught me the continental style. I was hooked (so to speak) and made a lovely scarf for her as a parting gift for the summer. At 9 I made my first Aran sweater, which I immediately gave to my mother because I was sick of it by the time I had finished it. I put down knitting for a while because, well, because sometimes other aspects of one’s life takes over, but it was always there in the echoes of my mind, waiting for me. Finally, two years ago, I had a financial setback and my life turned upside down; everything I thought I had in my world disappeared and I had to recreate life to look like I wanted it to look. I eventually brought back knitting and joined the local SnB, where I have made many wonderful friends. The peace that I get through the zen of knitting is beyond compare has cleared the way for me to attain a life that I want, including moving to Paris in September to study Art History. Knitting helped give me the clarity to see beyond the difficulties we sometimes have in life in order to create and attain my dreams.
I will always knit for (at least) the following two reasons: the peaceful, meditative aspect of it, and the connection to Mrs. E, as well as to my mother. You see, my parents were in their 60’s when the adopted me at birth, as was Mrs. E, and all have died. As I knit, I feel that Mrs. E is helping me with any stitch I may find difficult or cheering me on when I tackle a new challenge, and my mother is, as she did when I was a child, staring at me in amazement.
1) I knit because I love to engineer things. I love the process of creating something from just a string and 2 sticks. I am a selfish knitter and mostly knit for myself because I am a sweater person and am always cold. I think it keeps me calm in times that everything is going to hell in a handbasket.
2) I will be a knitter for life, I just wish I would have started sooner. (I have only been knitting for about 5 years)
I knit because I love it. I knit while I watch tv, listen to podcasts, when my husband is driving, while I am waiting for something…..it is so portable. It makes me use my brain and at the same time can be very relaxing and fun. I enjoy following what everyone else is making on the web, dreaming up more projects and all the wonderful new yarns that are available. Oh, and I love the results of my knitting, too! I can make socks, stunning scarves and cute baby things…………..
I started knitting at a young age, then took a break after my children were born and picked it back up when my children were in their late teens. With all the knitting possibilities now and the internet, I can’t possibly see me not knitting. There may be periods where I will slow down (really should finish up some quilting projects) but I am looking forward to knitting everything in my queue and lot of things for future grandchildren!
I knit for the process, and to use up all the yarn in my stash so I don’t feel so overwhelmed by its presence. I didn’t start knitting until I was in college and while I love it (and buying yarn!), I’m not positive I’ll be a knitter forever. At least not to the extent I once was – shoulder and wrist problems have forced me to cut back on my knitting time and after awhile I’ve found I’m ok with that. I think it’ll always be something I turn to, especially when baby bootees are needed 🙂
I knit because it is an expression of my creativity. I need colour and texture moving through my hands. The smell of yarn gives me a naturel high and I love that I have a finished product that surrounds a part of someones body with warmth, love and comfort.
I love that knitting takes me on journeys, through patterns, yarn fibre, needles or accessories. I can become enchanted with a “new” find for me. I am inspired by others. I feel supported and capable and willing to risk and then I discover, find and learn.
Yes, I am a knitter for life. I can’t imagine not knitting.
i knit because i’ve always made stuff and something about the needles and the fibre between my fingers… i knit because i am a computer scientist and sometimes it’s nice to make something i can touch instead of a bunch of code in a computer (hardcopies are just not the same)… i knit because i am a knitter and will always be a knitter… sure, i’ll dabble in other things (spinning, weaving, embroidery) but knitting … that’s for me.
How interesting this all is!
My answers:
1. I knit for a lot of reasons. I like the process of making something. I like starting with some raw material and transforming it to something else. (The fleece to finished product is an amazing process!)
I knit because it is a way I feel drawn to creating.
I knit because it calms me and helps me feel less anxious.
I knit because I feel connected to the past and all the knitters before me who knitted as a way to help them survive, and yet also created beauty and art. It constantly makes me appreciate human ingenuity. Who figured out how to knit, anyway?
I knit because I can make what I want exactly the way I want it.
2. I’ve knit for over 25 years now. I was fascinated with knitting when I was first exposed to it, very young, but no one around me knew how and so I had to wait until I was a bit older then I finally taught myself. (The spinner who came to my grade school class was also a source of great fascination. Too bad I had to wait another 20 years to try spinning!)
I will be a knitter. I did interchange with beadwork for many years, but with a toddler in the house knitting is safer and feels more calming and practical, as well as relaxing. I”m sure I’ll go back to the beads one day, but knitting is my foundation. I can’t imagine not knitting.
I’ve been knitting (this time) for almost nine years. I knit and quilt. I don’t think I’ll ever give either one up entirely, but lately I’ve been doing more knitting and I really miss my sewing machines.
Since I moved from Los Angeles back to my hometown, I made knitting friends first. I really miss sewing, but I think I’ll continue with both hobbies for a very long time. Doesn’t hurt that I’m “SABLE” in both crafts!
I’m a knitter for life – I can’t imagine ever not knitting. And you can pick a reason and that’s why I knit: I love the feel of it; I love the colors; I love the feel of the yarn and the fabric it makes; I love the creativity; I love the community aspects (my regular group, Ravelry, etc.); I love the solitariness of it (during my long commute); I love the rush of starting something; I love the rush of completing something; I love making things for my family and friends and babies and even people I don’t even know (charity knitting). Apart from weaving in lots of ends, there’s not much I don’t love about it 🙂
Knitting….
* Gives me a creative outlet.
* Satisfies my physical craving to touch something beautiful.
* Carries on a family tradition. My mother just gave me baby mittens my great-grandmother knit for me.
I’m a knitter for life, unless crocheted lace grabs a hold of me…
I knit to keep my sanity. It relaxes me, and keeps me sane. It has gotten me through a lot. My duaghter learning to drive, the husband driving me crazy, family events, etc. I am definitely a knitter for life. I can’t imagine not having something on the needles; especially socks. I will always knit socks, I’m way to facinated with sock yarn and patterns. Life without knitting-I DON’T THINK SO!!!
Knitting… -laugh- I knit to keep me from being bored; to keep me relaxed; to make something beautiful out of something beautiful. So I can watch TV without feeling guilty; so I can sit through hours and hours of lecture without feeling like I want to fall asleep. And most of all, because when I look down and watch my hands doing what they do, making sheets of Vs out of a bit of string, it never stops being something wonderful, and just, well… magical, you know?
And as to the knitting… I’m hoping that the tendonitis doesn’t wipe me out, because I would like to be a knitter for life!
1-I knit to relax and let my brain process things “in the back.” It’s hard for me to “turn it off’ and knitting helps me do that in a purposeful way.
2-knitter for life or until my hands, wrists, and fingers can’t cooperate any more!
I knit because it clears my mind, it relaxes me and I can go to another place with just my yarn and my needles. I knit because I like knowing that I can make an item that is one of a kind–unique to me. I knit so that someday I will leave behind the many various projects that have come off of my needles and the recipients will think of me. I knit because I love it!! I am absolutely a knitter for life.
I knit because I totally love the process. My younger sister inspired me to start on what has been a wonderful journey. Knitting is a skill that my mother taught me and I continue to develop with every project that I tackle. I keep learning and I think as long as I keep learning and tackling new elements, I’ll keep knitting. The other part of knitting that I love is the giving of handknit gifts. I can think about that person throughout the whole project and give them a piece of myself in the end.
I taught myself to knit because I’ve always admired the beauty and versatility of knitting. I also thing that wool is one of the most amazing substances in the world – it is light and warm, absorbs water and still feels dry, and can be completely transformed by felting.
I gave up on knitting not long after I started because I thought it was too slow – I picked it up again several years ago and haven’t put the needles down since. I am definitely a knitter for life.
I knit because it’s cheaper than a shrink! Hahahaha. I knit for the pure enjoyment of watching the magic of what 2 sticks(or a few more) and string can create. I have been knitting for years, and every project is still magical to me. I will knit forever. It’s so comforting and calming.
There are so many reasons why I knit! I get to make wonderful treats for myself and others with absolutely gorgeous yarns. I can do something that keeps my hands busy while sitting on the couch with my hubby. I can feel connected with my grandmothers who did needlework of various types, including knitting. And for the most part, it is a soothing process that calms my mind and my soul and (usually!) produces wonderful items in the end. I’ve been knitting for about 7 years and fully intend to be knitting for at least 70 more!
I knit because it relaxes me. I’m a multi-tasker by nature and knitting suits that. I’m sure I’m a knitter for life but probably not to the extent I am now. I learned to knit in Girl Scouts 40+ years ago. I get on tear and knit for years, then I go to crochet, then I go to cross stitch, then cycle back. It’s funny how it just stops and then it just starts again. In 2005, I picked up a sweater I had stopped knitting mid sleeve back in 1996. I finished it and kept knitting. Right now I’m enjoying it and don’t see it stopping anytime soon. And when it does, it will cycle back around again eventually.
My mom taught me to knit when I was about 9. It didn’t “stick”. I used to watch her knit all the time when I was growing up; she was an armpit knitter and fast like lightening. Her mom taught her to knit that way. My wonderful mom passed away in 1999. I re-taught myself to knit in about 2002 and found it to be a sort of connection to her, and It became almost a source of comfort to which it still is. Knitting is fun as well! So many beautiful colors and beautiful yarns. Show a non knitter a lace or cable pattern. How could one be bored? The same two stitches? Nah.
Why do I knit? For fun, for relaxation, for special people in my life, for charity, for the beautiful colors, for texture, for something to do with my hands while quitting smoking (over a year ago), for standing in line and waiting activity, for love of the craft and for so many more reasons that I can’t list them all. How long will I knit? I learned to crochet when I was a child and I taught myself to knit when I was 30…I am now 55 and there’s no end in sight. As long as the good Lord sees fit to allow me to hold the needles and think.
Oh boy. The fluorescent lights in the weaving studio at Harrisville Designs in Harrisville, NH (where I’ve been hiding for the last week) buzzed non-stop. Next time I go I’ll bring a floor lamp! I love those mice!