14 Comments
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A. Wilder Westgate's avatar

I think knitting is all those things for me. I pick it up and put it down, often seasonally, but I can tell I will be passionate about it for the rest of my life.

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Jane Stevenor's avatar

“I sit with this friend, my knitting, every evening.”

I needed that friend last night. I finished grading essays for summer classes, completely frustrated by students using AI to write large chunks if not the entire essay. Those who didn’t use AI but did not read and follow instructions blamed me for their grades. I am strict about them following directions—the athletes make sure to follow their coaches’ instructions; workers follow procedures to close, hopefuls fill in every line of scholarships applications; coursework should be the same. Much college and life is reading and following directions.

They can question them, I’m happy to explain why I do what I do, and I will change them based on students comments—but do not blatantly disregard what they are supposed to do and then whine it’s not fair and it’s all my fault, not theirs.

I finished up and grabbed my sock knitting. A few rounds, and my needles reminded I have students who do their own work, who are learning and wrestling with ideas and how to articulate them. Those students wrote lovely, thoughtful pieces.

I’ve knit for decades, and I’ve never had knitting friends. My husband crochets and hand quilts, so he understands making by hand, and he’s a fantastic supporter of my knitting. But friends to sit with and knit? No. That makes this space and other knitting social media spaces special to me.

Thank you Anne and everyone here for being my knitting friends.

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Anne Vally's avatar

Oh my, AI and students. This reminds to talk to my rising senior year teen about exactly this. Also: your husband crochets and hand quilts?! How lovely to have that in common. Do you share yarn?? My husband grows things and woodworks, so we have a shared love of handmade, albeit different. I am so glad you’re here!

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Jane Stevenor's avatar

I teach some dual credit classes, and the high schools I teach at have firewalls or some other type of block so they can’t access AI. I tried to teach them how to use it responsibly, and it was a mess because of all that.

My husband is an amazing quilter and crocheter. He’s also made costumes for theaters. No we don’t share yarn because he does fine thread crochet (like doilies and filet) or crochets afghans that the dogs invariably confiscate so he uses machine washable only. I knit socks and use wool or wool blends. It works, and it’s fun.

Going to quilt shops is wild because they always ask me if I need help. I say “don’t ask me. He’s the quilter.” Some pivot really well and others do not know what to do with him. Or me either, for that matter.

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Becci Phasey's avatar

I was taught young by my grandmother. I’d say I was a safe and seasonal knitter for 20 years - needed anything of a rectangular shape? I was your gal. I’ve only recently discovered what I’d call a more modern knitting community (insta knitters, substackers, knitting in the round etc.) honestly where have I been - and the absolute joy of making and wearing my first ever jumper this winter has ignited a severe passion in me. Watching a bunch of fancy tangled knots turn into something you can wear will always amaze me, but mostly it is reminding me of the care and value that should be attached to the things we make/wear/own. Though my knitting has literally sped up, it has forced me to slow down. I think twice before buying. I wonder if I can make something that will bring me more joy than the short-lived rush of clicking the ‘pay now’ button. I’m really grateful for it.

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Louise Tilbrook ✨'s avatar

This is such a beautiful piece, and I loved reading everyone's comments too. I learnt knitting as a child and then returned to it in my 30s after having children. It's definitely become a constant friend and support. And I'm so lucky to have been able to make such great knitting friends too.

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A.B.'s avatar

Like Terrie D, I learned knitting very young. I went on quite a knitting spurt in my teens and on and off for decades until these last 5 years, when it has become a daily companion through life’s ups and downs. I belong to a small knitting group, have an especially dear friend who knits and whose presence is extra soothing, and I have an exceptionally knitworthy, knit-fascinated family who let me yammer on about sheep breeds, fiber mills, yarn dyers, knitwear designers, and so on. I’m grateful for this space for the kind welcome you offer. It does feel like riding the bus with a group of fiber people! xo

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Leenerknit's avatar

Knitting is more my constant companion than a passion. And not in the sense that I’m always knitting. I knit often but not daily. I thought I knit a lot until I saw people who seem to knit constantly and produce many projects. I’m comfortable with it always being there when I need or want to knit.

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Terrie D's avatar

I learned to knit when I was six, but it was something I picked up every few years and then put down. Until 2005, when I started again and haven’t stopped. I divide my time between knitting and quilting now.

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Jennifer P.'s avatar

Knitting is a recent (2018) passion for me. Previously, I was (and still am) into embroidery. Knitting gets most of the love these days, though.

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Susan's avatar

I have taught and encouraged my women friends and sister to become knitters! It’s been rewarding to watch them grow and make things!

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tsswedish's avatar

I will never forget our Rhinebeck 2019 trip!!!

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Dena K's avatar

If I understand “butterfly” correctly, I think that’s where I fit. I have a lot of different hobbies and cycle through them on what I feel like working on…never completing something in one go…but coming back to it again and again. For example, this past week I’ve knitted, crocheted, cross-stitched, diamond painted, worked on a jigsaw puzzle, and played video games on my phone. I’d say knitting gets the most consistent attention though!

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Susan K's avatar

I’m a crochet person. But love your stack

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