Why is knitting/crochet so enjoyable?

I am now completely addicted to knitting! Oh, I always have a crochet project going (Beaded Mesh Scarf - Page 13 in the Crobeadknit Section of the latest Crochet Magazine for my eldest daughter) but knitting is so cool! My next project is a felted hat! I am currently knitting a scarf to match the felted hat as well. I have met lots of cool people at knitting groups, this NG etc. and although I remain a minority, I am seeing more and more men take up needlecrafts!

So why is this all so attractive to me?

1) Good & kind people knit/crochet 2) All knitters/crochet folks are excited about learning new things 3) I love all that feminine attention 4) I enjoy the feeling of being competent and productive 5) I like the feel of yarn and wooden needles 6) I enjoy sharing

There is more no doubt, but these would be the highlights that came to mind.

Padishar Creel "who just got his first swift!"

Reply to
Padishar Creel
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Congrats on the swift, Padishar Creel! Hugs, Noreen who just gave you MORE feminine attention with that cyber-hug, grin!

Reply to
YarnWright

You left out that no matter how much all the yarn and goodies cost, it's still cheaper than therapy. I've been knitting since I was 8 and I'm 45 now...so that's 37 years. Figure about $100 per therapy session, which is only an hour, at once a week...that's $5200 per year. Nope, no matter how hard I've tried I've never spent that much on knitting stuff in a single year. Now, 37 years x $5K...man, I've got a lot of shopping to do

Me, too!! I've been wanting one for years but finally broke down and got one last week. Haven't broken it in yet - working on that new stash of sock yarn - but will soon enough :-)

The Other Kim kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom

Reply to
The Other Kim

Kim, have you seen/read Annie Modessitt's book, Cheaper Than Therapy? Congrats on YOUR swift as well! Hugs, Noreen

Reply to
YarnWright

Ah Padishar, among kindred spirits you do not need explanations. Great you now have a swift. Wait until the day you have some many tools and stash you have to find a new home.....

Els

Reply to
Els van Dam

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Why? Because it is instant gratification as you can see/hold/touch the work in progress. Because it can be done at any time you feel like it. Because it is often a way of giving to others as gifts or charitable causes. Because it can be a sociable activity or a solitary one. Because it proves that one person can create something both beautiful and useful. Because it brings you into touch with people like those who are in this wonderful group. Hugs, Joan in CT

Reply to
Joan in CT

Hi,

I find it the most relaxing thing in the world and I know that I'm making someone something they can use. I turn on the TV and pick up my crochet hook and can feel the stress flowing away.

Hugs,

Nora

Reply to
norabalcer

Heee Padisher long time No Read !!!! Nice to read you have now mastered knitting as well ... As to the reasons why it is so nice , thank yoiu they were a joy to read .. mirjam

Reply to
Mirjam Bruck-Cohen

Hi Padishar

I'm glad to hear you're learning new things. I know that I'll never memorize all the ways to use either hooks or needles, but that's one thing that keeps it refreshing to me! I like your list of why you enjoy doing these crafts. For me, it's the relaxing feel of turning something so simple, a strand of spun fiber and hook or needles, into something very complex, beautiful, and yet functional at the same time. I love to see a pattern emerge, and concentrating on repeats or a color pattern gets your mind off daily worries. If it's for someone else, I try and put extra love into every stitch, and I just have to smile every time I see the person (if I know them) using the item I've made. If it's for charity, I still get great satisfaction in sharing. If it's for me, I not only enjoy making it, but if I get comments while wearing it, I can just say I made it when they ask where I got such and such an item, and I think it's a great feeling to know that I'm keeping centuries old traditions alive.

Right now, since it's still hip to crochet or knit, I've been thinking about teaching locally, but I've been busy with OT at work and maintenance at home, so I'm not even crocheting or knitting for me the past couple weeks, so that dream of passing on the skills will have to wait a while yet.

Leah

Reply to
Leah

No, I haven't, but I'm over on Amazon right now and like what I see. I'm putting this one, Confessions of a Knitting Heretic - gotta love any book that starts, "Forgive me, fellow knitter, for I have sinned" - and Anna Zilboorg's _Knitting for Anarchists_ on my wish list :-)

Thanks! Now I just need to find a proper place to get it all set up. I want to redo my living room/office, and since we don't use it as a living room - we have a largish family room that we spend most of our time in, and we don't "entertain" or need a formal sitting room - I'm considering completely turning it into *my* space. Hmm...the more I think about this idea, the more I like it :-)

The Other Kim kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom

Reply to
The Other Kim

I HAVE to get one too - I do have a yarn winder, which to me is also a "must have" for a fibre freak..... for now, I use two kitchen chairs as a swift... welcome to the knitting community... I also crochet, but haven't done any big projects for a while. The latest was a fine cotton chain to hold my MP3 player around my neck.

Shelagh

Reply to
Shillelagh

nodnodnod, sounds like a FANTASTIC idea to me! Noreen

Reply to
YarnWright

Padishar, et al,

I agree completely with Mirjam that your post and then this whole ensuing thread is a complete joy to read.

Thanks for the smiles and nods! Eve :o)

Reply to
Eve

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Padishar - what's a 'swift' ? I have no clue. Joan in CT

Reply to
Joan in CT

I'm not Padishar, but I can try...... it's an adjustable frame you stretch your yarn hanks on, hook the yarn up to your yarn winder, then start cranking the yarn winder handle. It's used instead of the backs of kitchen chairs, or someone's two arms to hold your yarn for winding. Here's a link to a picture with a bit of an explanation. HTH

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Reply to
Shillelagh

I don't have a swift and don't really want one since I discovered that a lampshade makes a very good alternative.

Reply to
The Jonathan Lady

Ha, Jan! SO SMART you are!!!!!!! Eve :o)

PS - You know I'll use a lampshade from now on....... Thanks!

Reply to
Eve

No swift is as good as the arms of a dutiful spouse. Besides, it makes them feel useful : )

Reply to
<agres

Thanks, I'd like to think I'm smart but I can't take credit for the idea as it came from another person. You can't beat the price.

Reply to
The Jonathan Lady

Some can't be trained properly though. (big sigh) grin

JJMolvik

Reply to
JJMolvik

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