I took my second unfinished sock to a mammogram appointment I had which was lucky, since they were about an hour behind. I sat quietly, noticing how many people were watching me, which was nearly the whole room. No one said anything until one elderly lady walked in with her walker and sat across from me. At first glance she appeared to be anxious or in pain, perhaps. Then she noticed me knitting and I smiled at her. She smiled back, warmly and the concern in her face melted away. She said, “What are knitting?”
“A sock”, I replied and showed her the finished first sock. “That will be lovely. I used to knit but not anymore.” She cited eye problems and arthritis in the hands, the usual suspects. We chatted a few more minutes and I looked about the room. An elderly gent towards the back of the room was also smiling and nodding as were two Mexican ladies.
It was a nice way to spend an hour that I otherwise would have been not too happy about and all because I was knitting in public.
:knitting:
Aw, what a nice story! That really tugs at the heart. I read somewhere (I’m sorry I don’t remember where) that even non-knitters find watching someone knit to be soothing and comforting.
My son (age 2) has had to have several surgeries since birth. Knitting has proven to be the best way to keep me occupied during the surgeries. I always thought that I got a lot of looks because of the strange way I knit, but I’m starting to think that they’re just interested. (Plus, you’ve all made me less self-conscious about my technique)
Also, I think that my age startles some people (I’m 26). I think a lot of people think that only old ladies knit. So not true. It’s interesting, though isn’t it?
I enjoyed reading your story. I too find that when I knit in public that people are genuinely interested and friendly, and some engage me in conversation just because of it…sometimes just to ask: “what are you knitting?” but it often begins a longer conversation. Thanks for sharing.
I was knitting in the ER in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland, waiting for them to decide whether they were going to admit my partner or not. (They did, eventually.) Lots of people were sort of watching me knit (not much to do in an ER), and eventually a woman who looked at the end of her tether came in with a young boy, sat down, looked over at me, and said, “Now, you had the right idea, so.” Then she promptly shut her eyes and appeared to go to sleep.
Another time I was on a bus in London, knitting on a charity hat. I looked up to find three young teenagers and a Indian older woman watching me, the first rather goggle eyed and the latter smiling and nodding. The lady leaned forward, patted my hand, and said, “Is beautiful, beautiful colors!” I said, “thank you, it’s for a charity for the homeless.” She beamed and nodded again, and then we all went back to doing the standard London “don’t talk to strangers on a bus” thing.
Sorry, I can’t help laughing. :lol: I know what you mean, but even if you looked 23 you’d still be too young to knit according to some people who still associate knitting with grannys in rocking chairs.
That is awesome, although it makes me sad to think that one day I won’t be able to knit either!
I knit everywhere I go and have a few minutes. Usually people just look at me like I am insane or ask what I am knitting (usually a sock) and then ask if it’s for me because it looks small. (ribbing stretches!)
At my daughter’s last marching band practice, I ended up with 4 kids crowded all around me trying to learn. I am starting to feel like the Pied Piper.
How many new knitters do I need to convert before I get the free toaster?
I always knit during rehearsal when I’m not needed onstage. It’s better than watching the same scenes over and over again with only minor changes, and it keeps my hands busy.
Lots of times I have castmembers sit down next to me and watch, ask what I’m making, all that jazz. Some have tried to get me to teach them, but I’m really bad at teaching people how to knit! I even get requests for scarves/hats/socks (which I don’t know how to do yet, but would love to try), and my usual response is “if you buy me the yarn/needles and get me a pattern, I sure will.” That stops most of the requests, but it doesn’t stop me from knitting for people
Dari, my ballet teacher and her dance group used to knit thier own tights! She also told me that instead of the wrap sweaters they used to just wear regular cardis and button them in the back.
I’ve had a few directors and acting coaches who use Meisner (an acting method which uses real life to make acting more true) use knitting as a “life scene.” Not knowing how to knit and trying to teach yourself, as an acting experience, can bring out some pretty true emotions
