Why Do I Knit?

I can be seen knitting something everywhere I go. I take my knitting projects with me to the doctor's office, work, waiting for a child to finish practice, long family trips in the car, etc. I am frequently approached by onlookers who will ask, "What are you making?" But oddly enough I get asked more often, "Why do you knit?"

It's almost like they are really asking me, "Why are you wasting your time?" Well, we seem to spend a ton of time "waiting" for just about everything these days. Whether it's as a passenger on city transportation or in rush hour or gridlock traffic, an appointment waiting room, the line at the bank drive-thru, the car wash and detail center or picking up a child from school or practice, we all experience a significant amount of down time or wasted time everyday. This is time you and I will never get back!

My definition of down time is the time we are forced to wait without production or gain. I used to hate down time because it made me feel trapped and with no control over how my precious time was being spent. When I was in an appointment waiting room I was constantly aware of everyone around me, anxiously tracking the minutes that were slowly migrating past my scheduled time, the lack of comfort in the seating provided, etc., but mostly I was aware of my time being wasted. As each minute past my scheduled appointment began to accrue my blood would begin to boil. I could feel my blood pressure rising and all I could think about was all the things I could have accomplished during that time. So why does down time have to be wasted time without accomplishment? Answer: It doesn't! Every minute counts and can be used towards your advantage.

So back to, "Why do you knit?" I knit because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and it relaxes me. No longer do I sit in an uncomfortable waiting room boiling over with anger and frustration because of the amount of time it is taking for my appointment. The 4-hour one-way drive to the in-laws is no longer something I loathe. As I sit knitting and purling away I become almost oblivious to everything and everyone around me. I find myself humming a happy little tune and entertaining positive happy thoughts.

I also knit is because I can tailor garments and accessories for mine or my familys needs, sizes, colors, etc. As difficult as knitting your own sweaters, socks, hats or gloves may appear, it is actually quite simple once you get the basics down. I taught myself to knit the basics by purchasing the book How to Knit by Debbie Bliss. This book has step-by-step techniques, stitches and projects. There are also many websites and blogs with step-by-step instructions and photos for knitting.

Knitting can also open the door to an opportunaty to share your abilities and projects with others and pass your skills down to future generations. If you're looking for a way to relax, have fun, accomplish something with your time and bring a group of people together for worship or friendship, starting a knitting group would be a great thing to start up. Also knitting for charity can make a difference for so many people in need. There are many charitable groups that knit blankets with scrap yarn for the homeless and US Military troops abroad, or blankets and hats for hospitals to give to newborns or preemies born, or socks/slippers/toys for hospitalized children or chemo caps for those going through chemo-therapy.

I knit because it tremendously relaxes me, makes time waiting fly by and in the end I've completed something special to wear, use or give away to someone else as a gift with alot of care in every stitch!

So whether you're a man or woman, child, teenager or senior grab yourself some needles and a ball of yarn and knit yourself a happier more relaxed soul!

Happy Knitting!