knitting perception in our society

[Peaceful Rainbow]

Wow! That is a lot of squares! I cheated and made my Granny Squares huge so I didn't have to sew so many together.

The squares are only 4", but in order to make it a reasonable size and get the letters for the initials in, it meant using a lot of squares. I've got it planned on a graph index card and can't wait to see if you can actually read the letters when I get done.

 

[cindi1]

Some people just don't know how to be encouraging so they think they have to say something 'clever' about whatever you are doing.

I just ignore them or invite them over to try my spinning wheel.

 

[dorothyrd]

I taught myself to knit when I graduated from college. I had not found a job yet, so had some extra time and used it to knit.

 

[LaughingWater]

In fact, what I've found is that those kind of remarks generally come from people who do not have the discipline to learn how to knit or crochet. And, now that I think about this, I think that these kinds of remarks are very similar to the disparaging remarks one hears about exercise and working out - what it really amounts to is that they can't do it themselves, so must put you down for doing it. It makes them feel better about themselves to make you feel bad about your industry, discipline, and innovativeness.

I know people like this. They make fun of everything, and it's always in a snarky, condescending way. Not lighthearted at all. I actually avoid talking about stuff in front of them because I just don't want to hear it.

One saw me crocheting and said, "Oh God, you aren't going to make me a scarf for Christmas, are you?!" I said, "No, don't worry." I wanted to say, "Making something for you never even crossed my mind, you ****!"

But that's not very Buddhist.

DH, on the other hand, will see me sewing or crocheting and call me, "Old Lady <our last name>" to be funny. You can hear the affection in his voice though. One of his hobbies is building furniture, so he understands the desire to do handcrafted work.

 

[NY25]

Knitting is HUGE here in NY. You wouldn't believe the high-end yarn stores and the fancy and very expensive yarns they carry! Very hip stores, as well. Tons of celebrities do it. I see people on the subway all the time with knitting. I've been knitting for about 20 years and love it!! Everywhere I go I run in to knitters of all types, genders and ages. Here, knitting is absolutely considered cool.
Check out the Yarn Harlot, too. World-famous and very cool, funny knitting blogger. www.yarnharlot.ca

 

[janie1234]

It's true about NY, . . it is pretty popular here in California too. One of my favorite online shops is in NY http://www.purlsoho.com/purl They have a great section called the purlbee where they give you free patterns and ideas and stuff.

 

[NY25]

Purl is great. They had some yarn there I had to really resist buying. I would have spent about a $100 for summer tank. I managed to escape without buying it, but think about still, every now and again - it was soooooo pretty. sigh.

 

[ElleJay]

I've knitted, crocheted and I also sew since I was a little thing. I get Vogue knitting and knit the most gorgeous sweaters, it's very satisfying after working my stupid UNsatisfying job all day. If people want to call you old, show them pictures of the designers in Vogue - very young, very chic.

 

[janie1234]

Purl is great. They had some yarn there I had to really resist buying. I would have spent about a $100 for summer tank. I managed to escape without buying it, but think about still, every now and again - it was soooooo pretty. sigh.

You are so lucky Purl is your state. I don't have a whole lot of choices here. I have to shop online all the time. I'm really loving Kim Hargraves's patterns but you are so right. Knitting is EXPENSIVE!!! The fabrics are so nice there too. I guess the good thing is out of sight out of mind and no money spent. Did you see those super cute felt dolls that were on the blog. I would love to make one of those for my daughter but she's such an anti doll girl.

 

[Beavs]

Knitters of the world unite! You all must rise up! It's time for a KNIT IN!!!!!

(you have to admit, that was a knee slapper...hardy har har )

 

[cindi1]

There is a knitting/crochet social group here on CatheNation. Anyone who wants to share their projects is welcome!

 

[intensityjunkie]

I think knitting is cool. I started taking classes when expecting my baby but had to quit when he came. I have a stash of yarns, needles and dvds in my closet I'll get to (some day). sigh. add that to my stash of fabrics and sewing books/patterns. sigh.

 

[WD]

Knitting is like anything else. I have been doing knitting, crocheting, embroidering since I was 7 years old. I learned when my Dad was in the military and we spent time in England. Can't say anything about being old since I am 57. I never have had any negative comments. I take it with me to pick up the grandchildren from school. I use it to keep me busy when I am watching movies(who can eat when they are knitting) I like to snacke when watching movies. This keeps me busy. I don't care what others think as it is a great for of art. I love the outcome. No wasting my time doing nothing. I have more people ask for help learning or can I make them this or that.