how 'cool' is knitting? part 1

After the publicity knitting received at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in February, I have been thinking about what it would take to make knitting cool - in the eyes of the general public. Don't get me wrong, I don't need it to be cool! And probably neither does anyone who is reading this! But regarding the interest shown by the media in the knitting Olympians - who (obviously) are cool people because they are Olympians, I find myself wondering if, because of this publicity, many more individuals are suddenly going to become enthusiastic knitters, whether they know one end of a knitting needle from the other or not! And, yes - a slight hint of sarcasm in there, you do detect, because ...

I truly believe that everyone should feel free to indulge in healthy hobbies because of a genuine desire to do so, and not because of current trends or a burning desire to 'fit in'. I find it extremely sad that fear of being perceived as eccentric,odd, or weird, prevents many people from exploring their creativity and benefiting from any therapeutic hobby. I am not sure we will ever have the answer as to why many people are only ever happy to give something a go if it is perceived to be ok by those they associate with. To me it implies a lack in ability/confidence, to think for one's self. And I guess, from that point of view it's really a question for the psychologists to answer!

There's a saying though, that there is no such thing as bad publicity, so perhaps we should roll with it in the case of the knitting olympians (that rather sounds like a book title, doesn't it?) and use the opportunity to really encourage those who have seen the press releases, are perhaps a little intrigued by it, and who might also really benefit from taking up knitting, or crochet - or any yarn hobby for that matter!

Those of us who indulge in yarn pursuits (and yes, that's another hobby on it's own!), already know the benefits, as obviously, do the Olympians previously alluded to. Did you know though, that knitting can actually be a life saver?! Many knitters will affirm the truth of this, and some will go so far as to declare, that not only has it saved their own life, but it has also saved the life of someone close to them, someone who may to this very day remain blissfully unaware of a very close call?! I would love to know who coined the phrase ...

I honestly believe that there is more truth expressed in the above sentiment than many of us may realise. I consider that a lot of people who might never have had an opportunity to knit, or to indulge in some other creative hobby, may have had a different life story to tell if they had had such investment into their lives. I love it when I see children being encouraged to indulge in creative hobbies like knitting. For who knows when they might need the comfort of a familiar and enjoyable pastime? When I think of all those who might have benefited from learning such skills, but not had access to the learning or the encouragement, my mind boggles! Futures are affected by what happens in the present. And yes, there is still time for some to turn their lives around. We might even be useful to someone, right where we are. Think of the difference we could all make, if we were each able to help just one person discover something they can become passionate about.

Speaking personally, I know that ever since I picked up my first pair of knitting needles as a young child, I have always felt the same sense of peace and pleasure. It helped that my Mum was an enthusiastic knitter who churned out many beautiful items. That she taught me and was usually on hand to correct my early mistakes. I was really inspired to try and reach her same high standard! Way back then even, knitting helped me to relax and become absorbed in the process of creation. To finish a project and to feel pride in the fact that I made it, was then and still is, a tremendous feeling! To know that I learned a skill as a young child. that could always be developed, would always be useful and fun - has always felt pretty cool to me!

Believe it or not though, hand in hand with this, over the years I worked in Yarn Retail I was often asked the question, "Do people still knit?!" It felt like they were inferring knitting was one of those activities that went out with the dark ages! Insulting?! Indeed! And I find that I limit conversation about my hobbies and my designing to those I know will be genuinely interested - the ones who 'get it!.' A natural reaction for most people, I guess.

I was especially saddened to come across this statement in a facebook group (of nearly 64,000 members) a few days ago ... as I was writing this post,

"I just got asked if I was like 80 years old because my hobbies

are knitting and couponing. I’m 26."

Thankfully our young friend who made this statement has a lot of support in the facebook group concerned! And I am guessing the person who said this to her obviously didn't follow the Winter Olympics! I find it so very disturbing that many people can be so quick to stereotype! I have to wonder what they would say to Britain's youngest ever medal winner at the Winter Olympics, Lizzy Yarnold! Don't you just love the surname?! How cool is that?! Here we have a gold medal winner (under 30) who knits, has YARN in her name, and is more than happy to let the world know she is a knitter! Like young Lizzy, may those of us who are independent thinkers continue to do what we love to do, regardless of whether anyone else considers it cool, or not.

Nowadays, with cyber space and all the information and products we have access to online, a whole new era in knitting has evolved ... which to many enthusiastic knitters has made it all rather more exciting! People who have no-one to help them can go online and ask questions of others, and in many case receive instant answers to their queries. Tutorials galore are offered on blogs or on YouTube. People can learn to knit online!

The online resources are endless, and sometimes even, a little bit mind boggling! Almost daily we seem to discover new ways of doing all manner of things related to our craft. We are all often inspired by the projects of others.

And don't get me started on Pod Casts! I have been known to watch and be inspired by a few of those lately... So what do you think, fellow knitters? Is it time we all stood up to be counted, and let everyone know we are happy to have a hobby perceived as different or uncool, that indeed ...

the worldwide knitting community

is alive and kicking, thank you very much?!