Today I was browsing around in the Ravelry forums (as I am wont to do), and I happened upon a discussion topic about a survey on Gender and Knitting.
A sociology student at Occidental College is doing it as part of her senior thesis on Knitting as gendered activity.
So, I said, what the heck, I’ll go and see what it’s all about.
And it was all pretty straightforward…….. but question number 4 still has me thinking:
“Why do you knit?”
Seems like a very simple question, doesn’t it?
You’d think that, with as much as I knit, that I would have a fairly clear idea of why I do it.
But, after I read the question, I just kind of sat there for a minute, while a flood of possible responses sprang to mind.
I think I answered “To use up all the yarn that I spin.”
But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there?
Reasons I Knit:
- Because I can.
- Because I love making beautiful, warm, soft objects from scratch.
- Because I enjoy the challenge of learning new techniques and
- appreciate the beauty of creative garment constructions.
- Because wool is the most excellent raw material ever, and
- knitting is a great way to show off it’s special qualities.
- Because sheep are at least as cool as the wool that they grow, and
- making things out of my own sheeps’ fleeces is very grounding.
It is really beautiful and simple and true.
And because it is going to be lovely.
Why do you knit?
One of the big reasons I knit is because I am so much happier when I am DOING something, and sometimes, life requires sitting and listening, or sitting and waiting, or sitting and traveling. Knitting keeps me settled while letting me listen or talk or think, with the bonus of producing something useful in the end.
yep, yep, and yep 🙂
I don’t knit, but want to learn. Having crocheted before, and done needlepoint etc, I would say that it’s also relaxing. And as the other Michelle above says, it’s a great way to use “boring” time, like waiting or riding. I think even when I watch movies (at home) I like to be doing something with my hands.
You should really give it a go. I crocheted before I knit, and always thought that knitting looked more complicated, because of all of those little loops on the needle. But in some ways its easier (I could never follow crochet patterns) and knitting is much better for most garments, because knit fabrics are more stretchy and drape better.
I can’t hardly watch a movie without my knitting.
I’m with Michelle #1. I love knitting because it gives me something to do when I’m sitting, waiting and traveling, etc and I find it very relaxing.
But I also knit to FELT. Which is my great love in life besides my husband, family and dogs.I love to see my knitting turn into a piece of fabric that I can use for all kinds of things.
I’m also learning to NUNO felt and I’m trying to incorporate my knitting into this.
Life is about finding your passion (sometimes more than one) and pursuing it. I love getting excited about the next project. Knitting is a means to an end for me but it’s also portable and challenging. There’s always a new stitch to be learned..
I wish I had sheep… then the process would be complete. My silly old goats don’t give me any wool… just attitude.
Agreed. I never mind waiting as long as I’ve got a project on hand.
I always liked to knit when listening to music or waiting for someone or traveling. It is also great to make something for a friend or relative as a very personal gift. Besides, it is just fun.
MW