Podcast Episode 54: It’s summer, time to knit in public!

Add a Comment

Comment by lilbit on June 18, 2009 at 7:07pm

I have always picked up my needles in public ...because there just isn't enough time in the day to do all the things planned and unplanned and still have time to come home to create ...we really do have to sleep sometime. Whether my project involves cross stitch, knitting loom, crochet hooks or knitting needles... it never fails to generate conversation with strangers who love to ask questions and maybe even give a try to whatever I am working on. I have met men and women of all ages, but it seems that the men are the most interested in my projects and often asked if they could do it. I encourage them to try and even had one young man, who saw me knitting a shawl for my disabled husband, ask if he could try it and if I would teach him how to knit at lunch time on the patio of my office building. He ignored the silly young ladies that made comments about a 'guy' knitting and proceeded to learn enough that he could pick up the needles without hesitation. I hope he continued after I got laid-off! (Ladies, encourage your gentlemen to stitch... even if it is behind closed doors till they are comfortable with it. I've seen beautiful works of 'yarn art' produced by men!!) Many of my projects have been worked on in doctors offices, hospital rooms, ER waiting room's, nursing homes, service stations and repair shops, outdoor concerts, picnics and get-togethers, and even restaurants for Karaoke night. I met my latest and currently closest friend when she spied a ziplock bag I was carrying with crochet hooks and yarn so that I could work on a baby hat while listening to a song contest. We became instant friends! I shared my supplies and she proceeded to make a baby hat (at about 5 times my speed) for my daughters soon to arrive baby girl! She pulled it apart three times and still finished it before the evening was over!! I am humbled when someone asks me to make them something or to teach them because I still consider myself an advanced beginner. I would love to try the new Harmony interchangeable needles. Imagine how many more wonderful people I could meet with those lovely toys!!!!

Comment by Susan the Blue Lake Knitter on June 30, 2008 at 6:21pm

My slow dial up computer cannot download the podcasts (I've tried and it just won't work), but I love reading the comments. I too am unashamed to knit in public, any time I'm doing something that doesn't require my hands. Doctor's waiting rooms, or anyother time that I may have to wait for whatever. I keep small knitting projects in convenient zip lock style bags, and just pick one up as I leave the house. I've even gotten into the habit of carrying a tote bag instead of a purse, so that one of these little portable project pockets fits handily inside, and is only seconds away. I can carry everything I need in the bag (stitch counter, a portable copy of the pattern if it is too difficult to remember, foldaway scissors, extra yarn. etc.). People are are always intrigued, and ask about what you are knitting, and marvel that your are knitting.

Comment by Ruth B Kovaric on June 30, 2008 at 9:07am

Knitting in public has been my forte for years. Expecially in a waiting room for a Dr. The new sock yarn ALWAYS brings lots of comments. Right now I'm almost done with the Civil War Shawl shown in Cast On mag. Now THERE is quite a deal. As a teen I'd do the foot of a sock in the movies,being careful NOT to drop one of the needles.

Comment by jamielynnecrissman on June 29, 2008 at 7:18pm

I'm a little surprised at the fact that other knitters find getting out the sticks in public scary -- for me it just seems such a natural extension of the fact that there simply are NOT enough hours in the day. Yes, knitting at square dances and in restaurants, movie theaters, concert venues, and in line at the grocery store elicits comments and questions, but I don't mind those as much as I would hate wasting moments that could be put to good advantage, adding a row or two to my latest project ... not to mention the networking opportunities --! It's amazing how seeing someone working on fiber art opens up conversations, often with people you might never imagine were into knitting, or crochet .... and I've even sold a project or two because someone saw me working and said "could you make me one like that --?!?"

Don't be shy -- grab your sticks and take back those moments!