Have you ever sat down and
taken a moment to think
about why you’re a knitter?
There are so many folks out
there who have resisted the
temptation to pick up a pair
of knitting needles – or even
not felt the temptation at all.
What is it that separates us
woolly folk from the rest of
the herd? We certainly have
plenty in common with the
sewists, crocheters and other
creative crafters of the world,
but we’ve got our own quirks!
Knitters are often (but not
always) generous – according
to surveys, we’re some of the
most likely to craft for charity.
That said, the charitable urge
isn’t top of the list of reasons
people give when asked why
they knit. Most of us say that
we knit to relax.For me, I love that knitting
allows me to be as creative as
I like but it doesn’t demand
it of me. If I feel like putting
the work in and designing
something brand-new and
exciting, knitting has given me
the skills to do that; I can see
a skein of pretty yarn, match it
with a stitch pattern from one
of my stitch dictionaries andThis month, our E ditor Kate has been thinking about why we choose
to knit in times of trouble
start swatching for a new
design. On the other hand,
if I need to switch off and
just keep my hands busy,
I can choose a pattern
and follow it to the letter
without having to engage
my brain too much.My most recent make
(a simple jumper in
Sublime Evie yarn) has
seen me through long
journeys, hospital visits
and unfamiliar situations- the super-soft yarn
in my lap working as a
comfort blanket. When I’m
stressed or worried, simple
stocking stitch is the most
effective remedy for me.
The physical act of knitting
can be healing, I think.
The predictable rhythm of
one stitch coming after
another reminds us that
time marches on and the
sun will always rise, even
after the long, dark winter
nights. It’s why we return
to our needles in times
of trouble and why I think
knitters can be some of
the kindest, calmest and
most understanding people
in the world.
SOOTHING STITCHES
KATE’S DIARY
“ When I’m stressed or worried,
simple stocking stitch is the
most effective remedy”
FLUFFY
I met this magni cent
beast on a walk around
my neighbourhood!FINISHED
I loved making this
simple stocking
stitch jumper.FUNNY
I’ve fallen in love with
the silly badges from
Sugar & Sloth – I’ve
subscribed to her club!My month in pictures....
FARM
I met this lovely
llama when I visited
my mum in Lincolnshire
this month.FRIENDS
I love visiting my
friends Steph and
Lisa – they have the
cutest dog ever!“ When I’m stressed or worried,