The Zen of Knitting

Knitting. Taking spun fiber and turning it into cloth using needles. This is a centuries old process that has been both a vocation and an avocation. It has been taught through apprenticeships and passed down by grandmothers. It was once a primarily male undertaking, then a primarily female undertaking and now is shared by both with the number of men knitting increasing daily.

I was taught by my grandmother at the age of 8 because it was a “skill every lady should have”. My mother filled in my education as she was an avid knitter until her arthritis made it difficult for her to continue. My sister has been a professional knitter, kitting projects for folks through a local yarn shop. My family has a history of knitters so it is not surprising that my daughter is now learning to knit as well.

Knitting has come back into the spotlight as an art form that all kinds of people are doing. Celebrities, housewives, teens, grannies and even truck drivers are knitting.

So what is it about this simple craft that has captured so many imaginations? What is it about sitting down with a skein of yarn and some needles that has grabbed so many peoples attention?

I was thinking about this last night as I was sitting and working on a project. I could feel myself relaxing as I got into the act of knitting. The clicking of the needles, the feel of the yarn sliding through my fingers, the rhythm of my hands moving back and forth, the fingers making subtle movements as I created stitch after stitch.

With each movement I could feel myself relax, the cares and stresses of the day melting away as each stitch moved from left needle to right.

I get a profound sense of peace while I am knitting. It is Zen for me. It separates me from the negativity of life and propels me to a calm, peaceful place. I get to think about the person I am making the project for, thinking about what they might be doing at that moment, hoping they will like what I have made and how they may look wearing it. It is one of the ways I show my love for that person.

If I am knitting for charity, I try to put a good thought into the garment. I try to imbue every stitch with good wishes and hope and a knowledge that someone, somewhere cares. There is so much loneliness and hopelessness in the world today that it is one very small way to shine a light where there is darkness.

Most knitters that I know are passionate people who are passionate about their craft. They find ways to have knitting in their lives whether it is on the subway, the doctor’s office or during a meeting. The yarn and needles are never far away. These folks are also always ready to lend a hand. They knit for Cancer patients, preemies, homeless people and soldiers. They are always there with a suggestion; help with a pattern or to just encourage each other to tackle that project that seems too hard. It is a warm helpful community and I am glad to be a small part of it.

Go find yourself something to be passionate about, something to take you to that zone, that Zen place. See if it doesn’t make your life and the life of those you touch better. Then of course, pass it on…