Why Do I Knit?

Why do I knit? I was asking myself that question this past weekend as I contemplated my yarn stash. I knit for many reasons.

I enjoy the creative process. It still amazes me how one can take 2 sticks and some string and create these wonderful garments and works of art. I am constantly inspired by the works of other knitters as well as by the yarn itself.

I enjoy the relaxing almost meditative process of the actual knitting. If I have a stressful day, I can pick up my needles and focus on my work and I can feel the tension just melt away. The simple repetitive act is calming.

I like the feeling that I am part of the mystery. I can look at the phrase “K1,YO,K2, ssk, YO P2tog,” and feel like I know this secret code to unlock the secrets of the universe.

I enjoy the fellowship of other knitters. Its amazing what a gregarious bunch knitters are. I can be knitting in public or wearing one of my creations and someone will come up and strike a conversation about knitting. I may have never seen this person before, but we instantly have a bond that crosses generations and cultures. My fellow knitters have taught me a lot and given me inspiration.

I enjoy seeing my friends and family enjoying the items I have made especially for them. As I knit something I think about the recipient and try to infuse the item with positive thoughts and energy. Its easy to go out and buy someone a gift, but when you take the time to handcraft something you are essentially telling that person that they are worth your time and talents.

I enjoy using my gifts and talents to benefit others. I believe that God give each of us unique talents and abilities and it is our responsibility to use those talents and abilities to make the world a better place. With knitting I can give back to my community and provide warmth and comfort to someone who needs it. You can preach a better sermon with your life than your words.

Thought for the Day

"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." - Benjamin Franklin

Thought for the day

You can gold-plate and dress up a dog turd, but inside its is still just a dog turd.

Relatively quiet weekend

Its been a relatively quiet weekend. Susie Q. is in town visiting her Dad and cooking up a storm. Of course the oven is not co-operating in her venture by failing to maintain and even heat. It will go from 250 - 500 and down to 350 with no warning. Makes cooking interesting. She is baking lasagna, and meatloaf and quiches (one of which she brought down to us). Between us bring her Dad meals several time a week, people from his coffee group bring him food and one of the kids cooking up a passel of food when they come down, I think poor Mr. McC will end up weighing 400 pounds by the end of the year! He is not known for his cooking abilities other than making a pretty mean oatmeal. He is very skilled at reheating things though!


After our lovely meal of quiche, Bob and I tried to watch the movie "Flight Plan" which was not grabbing either one of us. So when the firetrucks appeared across the street, that seemed like a much more interesting show. No fire, but ambulances went to the last house of the drive and took in 2 gurneys. When things like this happen everyone in the neighborhood shows up and catches up while waiting to see what is happening. Seems that 2 of the kids may have had a possible overdose. We don't see the kids that often, but they look like they are 15 maybe 16 at the oldest. Pretty young to me. I am hoping that everything is ok. We have had no word yet.

Its raining again today. I think my toes are starting to web together. This must be what it is like to live in Seattle. We have lots of standing water around the neighborhood. The ground is very saturated. I keep an eye on the tree in the backyard to make sure it decides to remain in its original upright position.

I have been doing some knitting. I started a "baby gnome" hat from my "One Skein Wonders" book and have been working on my house socks for me. I have so many UFOs floating around here, I really need to buckle down and finish a few. I need to dig out the blanket I was making for Eli's baby and figure out my mistake and get it back on track. Baby will be 1 in April. I also want to make some more socks for Bob out of my stash yarn. He really likes the thick worsted weight socks in the warehouse in the winter months. They keep his feet toasty!

Well back to the knitting!

Thought for the Day

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Word of the Day

Electile Dysfunction :
the inability to become aroused over any of the choices for president put forth by either party in the 2008 election year.

Finished Objects

I finally got Bob to bring the camera home from work so I can post picture of my Calorimetry (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcalorimetry.html) which matches my Denim Oddball Scarf. Amazing that I actually made myself something. Very comfy and works well for the weather we have been having lately.