I learned to knit in November 2003. I took a "knit and purl" class at a local craft store. My first project was a sampler scarf (garter, ribbed and stockinette mix) with an acrylic/wool blend. Although it took a little while to get the hang of it, I was instantly in love with the simple movements of the needles and the yarn in my fingers. I even fell in love with the sound of the "clack" of the large metal needles I got in my first knitting kit!
The next morning, I woke up, and the first thing that I thought of was that scarf – and I could not wait to start knitting again. When I entered the blog world nearly two years ago, I had no idea that this community would play such a large part in the development of my craft, and of my personal philosophies.
Blogging introduces you to many people, and many different projects… things you never would have discovered on your own. The blogosphere can challenge you with new projects, as well as help you define yourself and your own philosophies… process knitter or progress driven? do you take on a project because you love its style, or because you want to try a new technique or stitch pattern? (of course, these are not mutually exclusive).
I have come across some knitters who challenge themselves with extremely intricate patterns with many color changes, or long lace repeats. I marvel at the amazing projects – they are truly works of art. However, I know that those projects will probably never make it to my needles. Not because I do not value their beauty, the exact opposite in fact! but because knitting is about relaxation and mindlessness for me.
Someone was recently discussing the whole "knitting is the new yoga" catch phrase on their blog… and since I am an enthusiast of both knitting and yoga, I can see that they are similar for me in certain aspects – both clear my mind. Another similarity: you can take both knitting and yoga deeper and more challenging if you choose, but one can reap benefits from a simple practice as well.
Knitting is a breath of fresh air after a long day of work and school. Knitting is a respite after being stuck in Beltway traffic for hours. Knitting is a sanctuary when my mind and emotions have gone haywire. The last thing I want to deal with after a hard day is a huge lace chart and loads of counting… however, I know that some of you find deep comfort and solace in this rhythm. I find that same solace in simple stitch patterns.
What is your knitting philosophy? is knitting about relaxation for you? do you prefer a challenge yourself with each project?
Time passes, however, and philosophies change. There may be an amazing aran, a fresh Fair Isle, or a lovely lace in my future… but for now, you can find me in the comfy chair with the simple stockinette on my needles.
I am almost finished with the back portion of the Pom Hoodie. The yarn continues to knit up nicely in the slight variegations. I know that I will not finish this garment this month, but I will continue to work diligently, even though this item is not even remotely green. (Project Spectrum May is right around the corner!)
Since Project Spectrum is also about trying new things, I experimented with a new knitting technique this past weekend. Sure, I have learned to love double pointed needles (its been a long road), but I figured I would at least give two circulars a try…
Kris have me Cat Bordhi’s Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles for Christmas, and it was not until now that I was able to acquire two needles (of the same size!) and actually try this new method. While the new technique is quite ingenious, I am reserving complete judgement until after I turn the heel (you know, that’s where the magic happens!)
The yarn is the eponymous colorway from dear MamaE, sadly gone forever (unless you can talk her into making more!). It is so soft! I have a little something-something planned for this pair… more details if it works out.
More info on Project Spectrum Postcard Swap:
I am behind in the Postcard Swap this month. School work has picked up quite a bit with the end of the semester, and I will not be able to send out your pals’ names until AFTER I finish the big paper. So, expect to get your postcard pals’ names in the coming days.
Found this fun little bit over at Sunshine Pop’s blog. Thought I would give it a try… what are your favorite music albums? I love looking at cover art, so show me some of your faves. Here are some of mine…
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Hey Lolly,
I got into knitting kinda like how you did, but just a mere 9 months ago. I’m still into knitting mainly for relaxation, although I’ve moved beyond scarves which I find sorta boring anymore. I’m now working on my first sock!
Have you had your pink month yet, for Project Spectrum? If not, when the pink month rolls around, there’s a “Think Pink!” knit-along that might go nicely hand-in-hand with Project Spectrum. You can read about it here: http://marysvirginwool.blogspot.com/2006/04/think-pink.html or here: http://pinkchallenge.blogspot.com/.
Hey – maybe I’ll see you at MS&W next weekend? That would be cool!
That was a really cool and thought provoking post
. I think I like both things about knitting. I like that it is this really relaxing thing to do and that it calms me when I’m stressed, but I also like that, if I choose, I can challenge myself and take it a bit further. Sometimes knitting is not at all relaxing and I get really frustated. But it’s nice to know that, if I need it to be, it can be relaxing.
All this philosophy is fine and good, but go back a second – you learned to knit in 2003!?! Holy crap, woman! Impressive.
Hi Lolly,
I enjoyed reading your thought provoking post. That’s the beauty about knitting – it can be whatever you want it to be. When I was stressed to the point of illness because of life events, the simple repetitive movements of stocking stitch gave me the calm I needed to remove myself from the situation enough to be able to put events into perspective. Challenge can also be a good thing though if one is ready for it and other areas in one’s life leave room for further challenge! This is what I like most about knitting – if I feel I need a challenge, there is always something new and more complicated to learn but, if I feel, I want peace and calm and just to be in the moment, the gentle rhythm of knitting something simple is the way to go. I think this is more or less what you’ve discovered, too? Thanks for your comment on my blog.
Loved you post, my sweet. It is so true. I have been knitting up dishclothes and enjoying the better little clothes ever! Still have my felted project waiting in the wings. XXOO
My knitting philosophy is:
I knit, therefore I am.
My knitting philosphy is “it’s just yarn”
When I keep that in mind, it’s easier to try new techniques, more difficult patterns.
If I screw it up… it’s just yarn!
Knitting, for me, is relaxation but also for a sense of concrete accomplishment. It’s probably no surprise that knitting became so important to me as I was beginning (and now, someday, finishing) a very stressful grad program where the milestones are far between and hard to see. Although I’m sure some (many) of my colleagues think that time spent on knitting is time wasted, I’m very stubborn about reserving some time for it every day, for my own well-being.
I am definitely not of the knitting is relaxing mind set. I get way too focused on learning a new technique or getting through a certain portion or hoping that I don’t drop another stitch for it to be relaxing. Oh well, that’s part of my perfectionist nature. At least I can watch some tv while I do it!
p.s. That hot free layouts is really cool!
Knitting can be either challenging or relaxing for me–depending on my mood. And then sometimes it starts out relaxing and ends up challenging due to my mad knitting skilz. =)
Loved your questions so much, I’m going to have to write my own post about them!
Lolly, started to respond- but you have once again inspired me. So I created a post dedicated to this topic…
go check it out if you have a chance.
I just love your Knitting Philosophy! Very similar to mine…
Knitting is my relaxing time, my gataway from my Mom of young kids’ daily “duty”. I cannot go to bed without stitching a little before… I need to relese the tension… Easy knittings are doing best for that purpose but from time to time, I like to learn new techniques and challenge myself with new out of ordinary projects…
Right now, I am trying myself at 2 circulars sock knitting… Quite a challenge for the double pointed needles sock maker that I am!
Isabelle
Hi Lolly,
Quick question, Are you going to maryland?
if so look for me. I would love to say hello. I wanted to leave you a post when you were coming to NY, I was in the city and I would have loved to meet up with you, See you there. Hope you make it.
Great entry! Thanks!!! oooh…and luv me some Andrew Bird!
I love your topic and ideas. Knitting changes for you, over time. I have been knitting since I was 8 (I am now 48). as you change, so will its place in your life. For me it is a grounding experience, but also a creative exciting one. So, you can say it balances me.
Knitting is relaxing time, and you can do it every where. On the train, on the bus, at home, at coffee breaks at work, outside, inside.
Very nice post! I have a knitting philosophy quite like yours… at least at the moment I do. I love simple stockinette that always turns out great, especially with a nice variegated yarn. With all the schoolwork I have, it’s hard to delve into anything more complicated. Sometimes when I do pick up a complicated piece I find I’d rather be working on something simple. And a whole lot of all this depends on my mood!
hello… Your article speaks to me much…. For me also, knitting takes a spiritual and cultural dimension. I am of Belgium and I see that we have a lot of point commun runs in spite of the distance. Between the challenges of complicated points and the pleasure of the simple points but releasing, my heart balances. And my blog is a window open on the world, place of exchange, division and friendship. I with pleasure read the messages of unknown or friends. Sometimes I am obliged to finish projects because “my”public awaits the continuation…. it is a formidable adventure which I do not regret having approached!
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