I just read a review of the recently released book The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood.  As a long time knitter, it drew my attention.  The reviewer describes a story of a young woman who suddenly, through illness, loses her 5-year-old daughter.  She is then presured by her mother to start knitting as a way of healing.  The woman at the knit store teaches her the basics and at the same time teaches her some pressure management techniques.  She shows her that mistakes in knitting, as not always in life, can be undone and corrected.  She stresses to her that slowly, one step at a time, she can again create something beautiful.  Step by step, stitch by stitch, the teacher tries to help her get through each task, each hour, each day, each week.

I learned how to knit when I was very young.  I would knit on and off but it wasn't until I had Meredith that I really got serious.  I made her beautiful coats and sweaters, always with matching hats.  When Jennifer was a toddler, I started making matching outfits but quickly realized that it was actually cheaper and easier to buy off the rack because they grew out of their clothes so quickly.

Years went by, busy with raising the girls and working full time, I put the needles away.  But when our granddaughter was born, it was time to get creative again.  Yes, I was so excited.  I could make Sofie beautiful, ruffly things with floppy, flowery hats.  I had such fun.  Seeing her wear the things I had created gave me such a wonderful feeling.  I even ordered my own labels "Made Especially For You by Buddee."

As Sofie grew out of a sweater, dress or special outfit, Meredith would carefully wrap it in tissue to save for her next child.  Well, when Sofie was followed by a brother and then two male cousins, the clothes are now ready for Sofie's daughters (one day).  How great it makes me feel, that my work is considered so precious.

Knitting gives so much more than the finished product.  Like Mary in the book is trying to learn, knitting is relaxing, calming.  It is a peaceful activity. Stitch by stich you develop a rhythm.  Stitch by stitch you build your work.  In a time of stress or over work, sitting alone, following instructions, worrying about knit one or purl two, all anxiety fades away at least for a few minutes, perhaps a few hours.  Your mind is taken to a different place.  Your heart starts to beat slower, your breathing a little calmer.  Kitting is soothing.

Knitters, lke Maj Jongg players (like any group involved in the same activity) form a bond.  I have gone to the same yarn shop for over thiry years.  Friendships are formed.  We know each other by three different means:  name, face, style of items we make.  We can look at an item waiting to be picked up and know who made it.  And because the yarn shop is like a second home, we share the good and bad with each other.  When someone starts a baby sweater it a joyous "Mazel tov" and recently, when I lost my sister, it was hugs all around.

So, are todays knitters only grandmas or Madame LeFarge?  No, a revival has taken place.  In the last few years, movie stars have discovered knitting and many young women have started making fun scarves.  I see women in doctor's offices and airports knitting to keep their athritic fingers moving.  I've seen women in their pink baseball caps knitting while waiting for chemo, a pregnant women working with pretty blue yarn, Girlscout Troops knitting hats and scarves for shelters, and a woman making a small blanket for the preemies in the hospital.  All are knitters, who slowly, stitch by stitch, are creating something beautiful.

 

 

As my mother always said, I wish for you everything you wish for yourself.

Buddee

 

By the way, if you have any questions, or have ideas for something you’d like me to write about, email my daughter and she’ll tell me (I’d say to email me, but…well…let’s just say I’d won’t be giving advice on how to use a computer.)

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