why I knit ...

I love to knit. It is a creative and productive pastime. There is always something to learn, even if you have been knitting for many years! And with easy internet access, in this day and age we quickly discover that the knitting universe is much more extensive than we could perhaps ever have imagined! We have easy access to knitting techniques, designs, knitting tools, project bags, and of course - yarns! All from the comfort of our own homes - and some of which is available on YouTube! If you are anything like me you can probably not keep up with yourself knitting wise!

It seems to me though, that despite all this delight in the craft ... knitters are often made to feel that justification of this fun hobby is somehow needed. So as we approach the time of year known by many as the 'silly season' - and since knitting is a proven aid to relaxation, I think it is the perfect time for us to stand up and be counted. To let everyone know that knitting is not inappropriate at any stage of life, that it is not a waste of time, or that thing people do when they don't have a life! That in fact, knitting adds to our lives! Knitting is good T-H-E-R-A-P-Y - and as such should never be trivialised! And let's face it, some of us need a bit more therapy at this time of year, when it can sometimes seem like we are being pulled in so many different directions, and often - all at once!

If I have something on my needles/hook (crochet) it's always there for me when I need some downtime. And I would go so far as to say, knowing it is there is often enough incentive for me to want to rush through something else in order to indulge. From my observations on Social Media I know many people would agree with me on that. There are a number of funny/interesting memes online, expressing the various sentiments!

I usually knit or crochet in the evenings, accompanied by a spot of movie watching or a good TV series or documentary. That way, the things I must do on a daily basis do not overwhelm me, because they are taken care of during the day and the evenings are for my relaxation. I have always operated this way, even when my girls were younger, and I find it works really well for me. It means that I have always had something to look forward to that was just for me. Even if I am making something for someone else, it is still my time. And if someone else is in the room then I am also there with them. Present, and pleasantly so. Unless I am counting - haha! So generally, it's a win - win situation. The cats also love it ... mmm ... another topic for a later date maybe.

I also often sit down to knit or crochet on a Sunday afternoon, or on a really bad day weather wise - when it can seem especially appropriate to snuggle up with some yarn and a bit of movie watching! Those are my exceptions to the rule previously mentioned. And if at any time I am feeling out of sorts for whatever reason, yet somehow also manage to retain just enough of my faculties that will enable me to 'take advantage' of sitting around, I also use that time productively. And no, it would never occur to me to pretend to be sick!

In general, if I haven't got a project on the go, I can't sit still! Knitting and crochet make me sit still! And like I used to tell customers when I worked in Yarn Retail ... if someone notices that you are sitting down in front of the TV and wishes to suggest that you are wasting time, you can point out to them that you are busy working! The fact that you are sitting down while doing so, and happen to also enjoy it, is merely a perk of the job!

Yarn crafts like knitting and crochet are very portable. Another good reason to have them as hobbies! They can be taken anywhere and brought out any time you are able to sit back and relax, including unexpected wait times, in which case some knitters have even been known to get excited about a wait others might regard as inconvenient! We are a strange lot!

Having said that, I am not really a knit in public person. While I respect those who do this, I draw the line at it for myself. Mainly because I know that if I started doing it, I wouldn't participate in anything else properly! My mind would be most definitely more on my project in hand! I like to think I can be wholly participating in something - or wholly spectating. Exceptions to that would be during the travel process, when I am sitting still for any length of time and considered to be public, yet privately so, if you get my drift!

Another exception I have made to this, was when my younger daughter spent the better part of two years in various hospitals over 2008 - 2009, being treated for AML (Acute Myeloid Leukaemia).

I did a lot of knitting in that period, since I was her main support person and also spent a lot of time in hospital with her. Granted, not really all that public, except to the staff on duty. However, I do recommend knitting or crochet to anyone in a similar situation. And crosswords are also great, for when you might need to take a break from your project.

So there you have it ...

My knitting habits - how, when and why! What about you? How does knitting contribute positively to your life? Please feel free to comment, I would really love to hear from you!