Why Knit???

On a basic level, I would say that I like to crochet, knit and spin simply because I enjoy making nice things for myself. These hobbies give me an outlet for my creativitiy.

But it also connects me with people and a way of life almost forgotten in America. My grandparents and parents had/have more skills than most people in my generation. Making and doing things for yourself is a lost concept on today's youth. Yet this seemed to be a way of life that I knew. A way of life intrinsic to my family. Growing up, whenever something broke, just ask Dad, and he could fix it. Mom made much of my clothing when I was younger. Some of her recipes are famous in our extended family. Her cornbread dressing was dubbed "the bluejeans of the culinary world" - it goes with anything!

I remember a few things about my grandma who died when I was 10 years old. I remember the big canner sitting on the stove and I remember seeing jars of applesauce lined up on the shelves under the basement steps. The shelves were lined with red and white checkered paper and across the room was Grandpa's workbench. Between Grandpa and Dad, they had nearly every tool known to man. Or so it seemed to me.

A few years ago, I was looking for a piece of furniture. I needed a new set of bookshelves. One strong enough to hold my TV, VCR, DVD player and many, many books. Anything strong and durable enough for me was way out of my price range. My solution? Draw out exactly what I want, take measurements of my electronics and hand the paperwork to Dad. I have a piece of furniture now that will probably outlast me. Not fancy, but strong enough with plenty of shelf space and stained to match Grandpa's old armchair that I use (and can't part with).

So back to knitting...

Why knit? Because I can. I don't have to rely on anyone to make my clothes. I get a kick out of wearing something that I made. How many people in America today actually know what goes into making their clothing? A $10 t-shirt started in a cotton field somewhere.

Perhaps I am a throwback to a simpler time. An era where the product of your toil was an object - to be admired and used well - not just a dollar sign.