Kay's Korner - A Knitters Notes

February 29, 2008

When I moved back to the metropolitan Atlanta area, the first women to befriend me were fellow knitters. We are a social bunch! Even without introduction, we chat in yarn shops and at craft fairs. When I take my knitting out in public, it is always an ice breaker. Whether with another knitter, someone who has always wanted to learn, or a person who reminisces that their mother knitted, needles and yarn seem to spawn conversation. Today, I am acknowledging the camaraderie of the knitting community, how the young and old, the new and experienced, the conservative and the risk takers, the women, and yes, the men who enjoy sharing each other's company while practicing our productive and creative craft

I first learned to crochet when I was around 12 years old. Sitting in my friend's room, I was amazed at how with a little plastic tool and a ball of yarn, she fashioned something that was more than the sum of its parts. Pardon the pun, but I was hooked.! I would spend hours in a rocking chair in my room, trying so hard to make beautiful things to wear and share. Before long, I was making commissions on my garments, added motivation to keep me learning new techniques. Although I still enjoy the actual physical movements of forming stitches, my interests have grown to include teaching and learning ever more about the fiber arts.

Although knitting is a solo effort, my fellow knitters truly enrich the process. Whether I am chatting on a forum, reading someone's blog, or stitching with a group at my townhome, I belong to a large community of knitters. As we trade experiences, we usually get a peek into the everyday lives of our comrades. I know Sandi has a hubby named Nicholas and that Cornelia is inspired by Swedish history. My friend Christel has two adorable toddlers and Lindsay works with young women living away from home. The women of the prayer shawl ministry at my church count rows and consult patterns, while trading phone numbers and recommending hair stylists. On a larger scale, knitting retreats are more popular than ever.

Copyright 2008 Karen Mather