Knitting is about knitting. It is about the moment you have found to sit down and enjoy a little quiet time. Just you, some yarn and maybe a cup of tea. When I knit I concentrate on the pattern, which row I am on, am I supposed to increase a stitch or decrease? I sing silly rhymes or sayings in my head to make sure my left increase stitches are, indeed leaning left. As the stitches form and rows grow I will begin to imagine who will use what I am making? Will they like it? Is it appropriate to their lifestyle?
I was on the phone with my father late last fall. My Dad commented that he started walking 3 miles a day in the freezing cold (he is 76 years old)! I had just finished a pair of mittens that would be perfect for him. They just needed a matching scarf. I slipped over to my LYS and found some wonderfully soft alpaca. The knitting commenced. In no time I had a beautiful set completed and all ready to be mailed for the holidays. I ran into the post office and dropped off my packages right before a business trip. Then sent my dad a text that he should have a warm gift in the mail.
While off on my trip, I found out that my dad never received his gift. After returning from my trip, I searched everywhere but could not find the USPS receipt. I figured it was just time to accept that my projects were gone! A few days later, my daughter walked into the house and declared that I was again a “Happy Knitter” – my projects came back!
When the projects were MIA – I was disappointed, but not sad. It was a weird feeling, you would think that I would have been very upset. But, for me, the act of knitting is the only reward I need.
For me, knitting really is about knitting. Having something to give away in the end is a benefit. But knitting is really about my time with the stitches: counting them, creating them – watching them grow into fabric.
Gifting is the added benefit of knitting. It is a true pleasure to share. My dad loves his scarf and mittens and I feel great about having made them for him. Each stitch says, “I love you” to both me and him!
