The Yarn Harlot Strikes Again

If you have not been to the Yarn Harlot's Blog today you need to go check it out. What she says is so true - aside from being hilarious. The general folk (muggles as she refers to them) truly have no idea of the immense number of knitters there are in the world. I am still amazed at the amount of people who look at me like I have just grown a second head when I tell them I enjoy knitting and crocheting. But you are so YOUNG, they say. As if knitting has an age requirement like a bar or something - MUST BE 105 TO KNIT - WE CHECK ID. They are even more amazed when I tell them that I spend time teaching others how to learn this craft AND regularly keep up with a website that teaches people to knit and crochet. Also, the fact that my husband helps me with this website and has learned far more about knitting than he ever thought possible (or reasonable) makes people look so shocked I'm afraid they might pass out.

I'm not sure why the stereotype applied to fiber crafts exists as it does. I'm beginning to think (because of this and many other situations) that people just get used to, and almost enjoy, being closed minded. Anyone who knits, crochets or enjoys any other type of art/craft, knows the benefits that are reaped. They go far beyond having that lopsided sock or uneven sweater, or perfect doily at the end of the process. Knitting/crocheting/spinning/whatever is simply meditative. Tell your children and/or spouse that you picked up knitting because they FORCED you to - after all, you needed to find some way to stay sane!

I was absolutely delighted when my son told me he was dating a girl who is a knitter - what luck!!! He is just 17 and is already smarter than 99% of his peers! I didn't ask a single other question about her until I knew all about what she liked to knit, if she knew how to use circulars, if she wanted more lessons, if she had knit a scarf yet, if she had been to the website. Of course, my son still being a 17 year old boy despite all his intelligence, had no idea how to answer my questions. So, then I had to move on to other questions such as was she nice, did she go to school, does she treat him well - you know - the "other" stuff.

But, back to the original issue - knitters and their numbers. They are huge. Even I had no idea how many of us are out there. Since I have started this website and been putting up instructional videos - I have just been amazed at the number of people who have emailed me telling me how much they appreciate the videos. People are asking for more videos "Could you please do a video on this because your videos are so great and I learn so much?". Just wow. Thank you to all the knitters and crocheters who have visited my site and thank you even more to those of you (and there have been lots) who have emailed me to tell me how much you have appreciated my efforts. I hope I am helping people to learn, become better knitters and to enjoy a bit of (generally much needed) meditative time.

I know, I know. It's hard to believe that knitting is really meditative when some knitter that you know is over on the couch cursing and asking for a large glass of wine as they frog the 32 rows that they just knit. I promise - it's true though.