Second verse, same as the first:
The color is way off here. Not so blue/green.
The other day I was having lunch with a friend and she looked up at me and said, “I love knitting so much. It’s just the greatest thing ever.” And I said, “I know. I do too.” And she said, “I feel so sorry for people who don’t knit.” And all I could do was nod my head in agreement.
I’ve thought a lot about this conversation and it’s not so much that knitting IS the greatest thing ever – but that knitting is the greatest thing ever FOR ME. And while I don’t really care so much if everyone else knits (there’s a part of me that would like to keep it just a tiny bit exclusive) I do feel sorry for people that don’t have something in their lives LIKE knitting. Something that can at the same time frustrate and amaze and comfort and that can only TRULY be satisfying with a lot of hard work and disappointment. Anything worth having takes a bit of work. You know? I don’t care whether it’s tennis or gardening or stamp collecting – if it makes you cry and lifts you up and brings you joy – if it keeps you up at night or helps you sleep or makes you want to see another day – then it’s GOOD.
The other night G and I were watching TV and he said to me – “It’s knitting, right? You’re thinking about your knitting?” And I sort of waved him off and said, “Yeah, I’m trying to do some math in my head. Did I look like I was having trouble?” “Well, I was going to ask you if you were okay – if something was wrong, but I figured it was your knitting.” And then I turned to him and words started to fall out of my mouth and I was explaining the problem and what I thought I should do and how stupid the designers were to make the sizes so far apart and my love’s eyes glazed over and I thought to myself: Thank god for Ann. And Vicki. And Margene. And Kay. And thank god for all of you because I don’t need everyone in the world to understand my knitting. I really could care less if 99% of you never pick up yarn and sticks in your life. But I do NEED at least a few of you to understand that look I get. And more importantly, share in the joy.
Things are going to get really really really boring around here. I’m knitting and knitting on my KH Cardigan and it feels like it’s going NO WHERE. I’ve never knit a whole sweater on size 5s with sportweight and lace and I can see this getting tedious fast. But yet I can’t stop knitting. I feel like if I can just get through the back I will feel like progress has been made and the rest will go really quickly. I’ve got the pattern memorized and I’m sailing without a cable needle and I’m counting rows so that repeats go fairly quickly, but still, I’ve only got like 5″. I need 14″.
I’m off to my sister’s today and I’ll be there through the weekend. Which probably means not a lot of knitting. Although the train ride today will be nice – I’ve got Kate and Ira Glass and we’ll be having a little party on the Northeast Corridor.
Have a great weekend everyone! See you on Monday!
hee hee – i know what you mean. my guy has a thing for gadgets and anything techno/electro. he gets that ‘look’ trying to figure out how trick a system to get it to work better/faster/longer than it’s supposed to. i glaze over when he starts talking, so i don’t blame him for his glazing over when i start my rambling. what’s important is that we both ‘get it’ for the other person. have a great weekend!
Totally understand the look. We got your back, baby.
I am loving that cardi pattern! 🙂
We totally have your back. We know the look. 🙂
It’s so great to have something that’s so absorbing, beautiful, fun, and challenging 🙂 My boyfriend isn’t into knitting, but he feels that way about puzzles, so he understands.
A few months ago, I wrote about a girl who works at our chiropractors office. She was only 21 at the time and let’s just say that she’s not the brightest bulb in the box. She asked what I did over the weekend and she thought it was the funniest thing ever that I knit. “Because only grannies knit!” Of course, her weekend involved watching movies and a lot of beer. Much better than my weekend, obviously.
My husband is pretty good about not glazing over, his mother is the one who taught me to knit so he’s been around it all his life and understands!
You do beautiful work! That is going to be a stunning cardigan when it’s done. Keep at it!
As for the look, it’s ok. My own eyes glaze over when my husband goes on about his research. I figure we’re even.
Share in the joy…well said. I’ve seen that same look in Smith’s eyes, but at least they understand our crazy love of this craft. I can’t imagine a life without a passion, the passion to create something with your hands and mind. Knitting is everything and when you can share it its all the better. Miss you, have fun!! Party on!
I know what you mean – small guage sweaters take forever (hence the popularity of socks – tiny guage but for a small object) Consider this an exercise in delayed gratification. Besides, that thin stuff slides through your hands so easily. Much better than tugging on some rough worsted weight. Once you get addicted to the finer things in life, the oversized seems so clumsy.
You are creating a thing of beauty which flows from your needles even as your life unfolds around you. The point is not the destination but the journey – enjoy!
After viewing your KH, I have ordered yarn to make my own. Had a credit at Purl that just about covered the cost of the yarn. Mine will be a yummy shade of warm rosy terra cotta – just the thing to warm up these late winter days. Maybe we can enjoy a 2 person KAL.
So glad I discovered the world of Knitblogs. You all bring joy to my life every day! And BTW, where do you get your fabulous photos? I subscribe to your feed through bloglines, but simply must follow the link to your actual site to see each day’s eye candy. Gorgeous! Almost as pretty as a tasty cake of cashmere.
Blessings on you for the blessings you bring to me…
Susan
Several years ago, before I started to knit, I ran into some friends at the food co-op and asked how they were. “We’re stocking up for our spinning retreat this weekend” they said with glee. I, for the life of me, could not understand how a spinning retreat could make anyone so excited. I thought it was the strangest thing ever.
While I’m not a spinner, a knitting retreat sounds like bliss to me now!
Your KH is just coming along so beautiful… I’ll be anxiously watching the progress, as I think I may try my had at it later this year (and, I have similar fit problems).
You are so glad that G understands you and your knitting; my hubby will sometimes look at me like I’m crazy when I’m in “knit-thought”.
I agree! I was having that very conversation with my friend that I taught to knit socks and we were lamenting not people who don’t knit or people who don’t get knitting, but people who complain “I have nothing to do!” Sheesh! If I had nothing to do, I could knit more! I would give up sleep if I could! I don’t really understand “bored” any more. I’ve always got something to do (unless I forgot my knitting)!
I love knitting — thinking about knitting, reading about kniting, teaching knitting, meeting fellow knitters, puzzling over knitting, and of course actually knitting. And the best part is, it’s endless! Knitting is definately “my thing”. Have fun in NW Philly!
Very pretty.
I’ve learned not to ask my husband about what he thinks when it comes to my knitting. Invariably, I’ll get a response I don’t want to hear. But then again, he doesn’t have a THING in his life like I have knitting.
The sentences that begin “Anything worth having takes a bit of work” — If there’s a secret to life, that’s it. Passion — for something, anything — keeps you going. (And when it’s beautiful as well …)
Do you have a gallery of FO’s? I love some of the pictures in your header and I would love to know what they are. (I could be a complete idiot and not see the link) The one I’m looking at now is a grey shawl draped over a brown chair. (whoops – I think it’s brown and grey, the picture changed)
KHC is looking so pretty. I so understand the feeling of working and working and not getting anywhere.
Have a great time at your sister’s.
I, too, know the look. It’s mine. Anytime I hear the least (and I mean least) detail about planes, trains and automobiles. But, it’s a respect thing – I will accept the look, but we both understand what the other one’s thing is. Makes no sense put that way, but you know. We all know.
What I really wanted to comment on was Ira Glass. I love that guy. I saw him live and totally went even more berserker over him. So when I read the end of your post, I had to just sit here and nod my head, because, of course, Cara, you take him on vacation. You knit. Of course you like him. Podcasts have improved my quality of life in so many ways…Have a great weekend.
Amen, sister.
Knitting has changed my life – have met some incredibly talented, creative, funny men and women because of it. My partner’s so resigned to my knitting obsession – he knows it’s my default thought. I’m lucky he’s so understanding but I think it’s because his mother was also a knitter.
Try putting a safety pin at the row where you start each day – to prove you are making progress. Works for me…but I’m gullible!
Beautiful shade for the cardi! I also like the look that says, I’m really interested in what you have to say, but I’m sort of sorry I volunteered the ear 😉 That was the latest look I got. Have a great weekend!
well, it’s looking good so far!
Well said. I keep telling my hubby (he and i are software developers) that knitting is so bianary. He says, “It looks too hard.” But if I need him to use a coupon to by lion brand cashmere at Joann’s, he is so on it, like a bird-dog!
I am *THIS* close to casting on for this cardigan. Why can’t I commit?! Do you think Rowan 4 ply soft would be a good fiber match for the pattern? Need. Some. Cara. Wisdom.
Two things — sweaters knit of smaller gauge yarns are even more wearable than ones knit of worsted weight. You will enjoy your KH a lot when it’s done! And, so it takes a long time to knit? What else would you do with that time? Knit something else, right? Savor it (savour it?) – it’s beautiful – great color, great stitches.
ugh…so lucky you are to have knitting friends! I don’t know ANYONE else who knits, and it would take be over an hour, there an back, to bus it to the SnB in my city–they meet on our trendy cool people street, which is woefully far away from my house, and I’m so much of an anxious freak that I never got my drivers license…..bleah. Anyway, great job on the sweater! I feel that way about the one I’m doing…it’s the sweater that never ends….
I think a lot of us identified with this post — for me, it summed up why I so appreciate online knitting communities.
Our loved ones don’t need to understand our knitting, just appreciate it.
And Ira Glass does not need to understand our knitting, because he understands so many *other* things. 😛
Aw, Ira. Love him 🙂
And I love the green you are using.
Kris and I talk about this all of the time. We both *live* for our hobbies. Quite passionate about them, really!
Have a safe trip!
You know, I never really considered that there are people who don’t have their version of knitting (gadgets, needlepoint, reading, yoga, cooking, something). How do those people stay sane? I think the cardigan looks awesome! I always start loving the time that I’m binding off for the shoulders. Even if it’s just a few stitches each side, it till speeds it up just enough to make me feel awesome! Anyway, have a great trip!
I don’t know what I would do without my knitting. What did I do before I learned to knit? Lots of other things, but they were never quite as satisfying. The progress on your cardi is beautiful-amazing stitches and color.
man, I totally get that look all the time!!!! the lace looks really really beautiful – I think I would have a hard time knitting this because I’d want to stop and look at it all the time 😀
lookin’ good! 🙂
Yep, I see the glazed look in my husband’s eyes, most recently when I tried to explain the pros and cons of toe up vs. cuff down socks. But I probably get the same glazed look when he tries to explain to me the pros and cons of left handed vs. right handed pitchers.
My husband has learned not to go on at me about musical structures (do you know the difference between a canon and a fugue? I damned well should by now, but I don’t), and I’ve learned not to go on at him about knitting. We do discuss ancient Sumerian verb forms occasionally.
Knitting changes the world. Think about it: a beautiful green KH-in-progress now exists where there was just yarn before. The need to change the world is what makes us human; the need to do it by making loops in yarn is what makes us knitters. You are so right: thank heaven we loopy people have each other.
Knitting is the best. When I am feeling depressed I get my Cromarty out and work on it for a while. I have to concentrate so hard on those cables that it helps get me through the worst times. I think it’s something to do with using a lot more brain power so I am not sat thinking about things that don’t do me any good to think about it.
Yup. 🙂
Ira Glass, knitting, and a train – that is my kind of fantasy.
Hoo boy, I know that glazed look! Luckily, my DH has a thing for vintage bikes, so when he gets going on some (boring) bike rant, I can counter with a (incredibly interesting and incisive) knitting rant. Fortunately for both of us, we each have a community of like-minded people for our interests who do understand our enthusiasm. And also he is helpful with the math stuff 🙂
dear c,
peg here1 yes it seems like it takes forever. the first 10 inches are the longest!
the back takes also the longest.
but keep going ! your pics look great.
Fine knitting is in a class all its own. congrats.
peg
My sentiments exactly. Sometimes I get “irked” when I get the “Oh I wish I had time to do that” or “Who are they for….Oh for yourself?” and “That’s a nice hobby”.
Huh?! hobbby? It’s part of what I do and I can’t imagine life without doing it.
Knitting has given me soooooo much. The gain far exceeds the anxiety and aggravation.
I’m with you….I don’t mind being part of a small, unique, community. Let the others learn to make pottery.
Yep, I agree! Maybe that’s why I like to read knit blogs. IRL, I only have 1 friend who knits and she’s not even that into it. BTW, isn’t Ira Glass doing a TV show based on his radio show?
I know that look!
I glaze over when DH starts in on golf (or any sport actually, but it’s golf that gives him joy).
And those people who say they “don’t have time” or “don’t have patience” or…. sigh. Perhaps they have something else, and just don’t consider knitting in the same category as … whatever it is.
Knitting has changed my life. I sometimes joke that it has saved my children’s lives — without it I’d have far less patience. I’d also have fewer (or at least very different) friends. And I’d have missed out completely on the joy that is a knitting convention or weekend workshop.
(and we won’t talk about the kinds of socks I’d be wearing still).
(btw, Type Key keeps inviting me to log in, and yet once I have it tells me your blog isn’t set up to accept it???)
My best pal Babs visited her sister-in-law a few weeks ago and remarked to me afterwards that “…you know, there are people who don’t knit that are perfectly happy with their lives.” We both reflected on this concept in utter amazement and disbelief!
KH looks great (tho I must admit to scouring your previous blogs to find the link, to no avail.. consider me techno-challenged.. ugh) It is absolutely lovely.
Just remember, you’re in that wonderous mid-project place – stuck in the middle? lucky you.
And I totally agree that everyone should have a passion such as knitting – poor fools who don’t. they’ll never know what they’re missing.
It’s really wonderful to be able to share my knitting with someone. Years ago I had my navy vest laid out on the dining room table puzzling over it and getting perturbed; finally having an arghhhh moment. My father came over from watching his hockey game on t.v. and asked me what the problem was. I didn’t think he would be very interested so I just told him a tiny bit of the problem. He looked at it, pondered…and made a few suggestions. I went back to working on it…and he hung around…and kept helping me until I had it all straight in my head. What a sweet, adorable man 🙂
Over the years when we were going to visit him, he’d ask if I was bringing my knitting. We would sit watching t.v. in front of the fire and he would watch me knitting. I think it relaxed him as much as it relaxed me. It was wonderful sharing a moment with him. He passed on quite a while ago, but when I finish something and I hold it up to see how awesome it is, I think of him and hope that he’s looking at it with me.
Happy train knitting! I’ve just returned from my quickie trip to DC and the train knitting was the best part!! (Well almost, there was that room upgrade at the hotel. . .)
I’ll bet KH will be well on her way by the time you return.
Yum!
As a stamp collector married to a cookbook collector and crosds-stitcher, you’re bang on!
i’ve been given the look, and i’ve given the look. and i thank the stars for my knitterly friends.
i have an X. he gave a dirty look … thus the X.
i remember once a knitting friend of mine – a relatively new knitter who is completely and totally hooked – said she feels sorry for people who don’t have a passion like this to follow. can you imagine how empty life would be if it were just about work? we are very, very lucky.
the cardi looks gorgeous, by the way!
Couldn’t have put it better: “knitting isn’t a hobby, it’s a lifestyle”. And so right about having something like knitting, or, for us, actually having knitting or a related fiber craft, in amaze, inspire and frustrate!
KH is going to be incredible in that yarn and color!!!!!
I just love this post. I so agree. I think it’s really important that people have SOMETHING that they deeply care about and truly engages them. I always ask people I meet what they do in their spare time, do they do any crafts, like music, read, collect something, etc. If they don’t really have an answer, I feel sad for them. (And, honestly, start to get bored.) We looked into a Montessori school for one of my sons and the headmistress asked us what we would like for John-John when he leaves school as a teenager. I said, I want him to be passionate about something. What that something is isn’t a fraction as important to me as that there IS a something.
Sorry to go on and on, this post just struck a chord. You, Kate and Ira have fun. That sounds like a party that I’d love to attend. 🙂
Knitting as life: if I can just get through this part, the rest should be easy.
So true.
What if I like the incorrect colour?
I wanna knit too!! WAH!!!!
So, so true. I started knitting again because I thought it would be nice to have some hats and scarves. I never dreamed it would become such a huge part of my life!
Now that I’m commuting on the LIRR every g-damn day, I really love knitting socks (currently Jaywalkers, although for the first few trips I was frogging more than knitting-life can be so hard!). The time flies, and I end up in a race to finish a row before we hit Penn.
Another sizing peeve. There will be three sizes but when you check the measurements they are pretty much XXXS, XXS, and XS.
ok so i got Lace Style thanks to barnes and noble online ordering. but i think i am in love with the feather and fan sweater too! horrors which to make first… now to swatch and see. i have a huge pile of glorious red inca alpaca to use.
This is why we all need a variety of people in our lives — each can share different aspects. I’m pretty glad that Gator doesn’t relate to everything I do — it insures that I’ll always need my friends!!
Ha! It’s true. My husband looks at me and knows I am thinking about fibre. I look at him and know he’s thinking of robots. That is true love, to heck with thinking about each other.
Really pretty stitch pattern!
This was such a great and “right-on” post! I’m going to link to it from my blog because it sums up so well what I feel and was written so well.
And your sweater is absolutely exquisite. it will be worth every second of “boredom” you encounter.
Have a great knit-filled weekend.
Looking good already on that cardi!
I can totally appreciate your sentiments in this post, and I’m glad you’ve expressed what alot of us must feel. We should all have SOMEthing.
Your reference to Ira Glass made me remember that I need to get my latest episode downloaded.
Oh I hate it when I fall into the black hole of knitting. You know, you knit and knit and knit and the dang thing barely grows at all.
On the upside of that is without warning, all of sudden blam you are thrown out of the black hole and are gaining length like a crazy woman.
It comes and goes without warning.