Just Thank Your Lucky Stars (that they have no idea)

I hear all sorts of complaints from knitters about what people say to them when they're knitting in public while they're waiting for a bus, sitting in church, or in a car, on a train, on a plane, or balanced on top a skateboard or what have you.

Some of these folks complain that when they get a remark, a look, or something akin to a bit of questioning, they think of it as a sort of prejudice, or some sort of challenge, as if what they're doing isn't worthwhile, valuable or something some "old lady" should be doing instead.

I have to admit I was once told that my knitting was "cute," and that gave me pause, but when you think about it, I'm sure that we have all said stupid things to those inclined to collect coins, build balsa wood planes or do wonky karate chops here and there, even in the corner bakery (at an annoying fly).

I mean, let's face it, we can agree to have people not understand what we are doing on a plane, on a train, on a skateboard, or in line at the post office, but do you really want them to spot you knitting, and instead of saying the usual stupid stuff, say the following, instead?:

• "I see that you are throwing. Don't you think the Continental method is more efficient?"
• "Wowee wow wow. You're quite the cheap gal. That Lion Brand has come a long way, but not a long way enough."
• "Size 10's? Are you crazy? I have the same yarn on my needles in my car. I'm using size 8's."
• "That acrylic sucks."
• "What'd you pay for that?" [you answer] . . . "Sucker!"
• "Jeez. Your gauge, hate to break it to you, but it's really off."
• "Man alive, you sure knit like crap."
• "Your technique: Very interesting. How long do you suppose it'll take you to finish that row?"
• "My 10-year old knits better than you do."
• "I used that same yarn in a sweater for my aunt. It bled like a mo-fo."
• "I sure hope the recipient of that fun-fur eyelash scarf isn't a smoker!"
• "Although I like the fair isle well enough and the intarsia not as much, that alpaca you are working with just doesn't lend itself to color work. Don't you think a regular wool would be more suited? I mean, that alpaca, it's pretty and all, but in my opinion, it'll fare better in a drape-y sweater. Hey, is this your stop? No? In that case, let me tell you what I've learned about alpaca versus the Yak. The Yak, it's something new on the market, but after my extensive research . . . "

I'm thinking we should give it up, friends. You know, allow the people who do not know, not know. You know?

BTW: Still knitting the second pair of Charades. I chose the linen color and they are coming along, but I've been so busy (sitting on my duff) that I haven't made so much progress. And this weekend we celebrated three birthdays. The highlight was my wearing skates after almost 20 years. 20 years! (Oh and yeah, that's my brother in law. He's cool.)

Comments

[sis]

first!

Frankly, I'd love to hear something like that. There aren't that many LYSs here, and only a scattered few scarf-knitters at the highschool I attend. Plus I'm too young to attend the local stitchnbitch without a chaperone, and my mom doesnt knit. boo.

It's quote the lonely island here =[ God bless the internet!

[Genie]

Wendy...you're hilarious. Love the skates...your BIL is pretty cute!

[Carson]

I think "man alive you sure knit like crap"! is my favourite :)

That's up there with Franklin's "did you learn to knit in prison"?

[Bente]

yess, he is cute, say hi from over the big pond ;o)

[KSee]

On a skateboard, now that's a site. The only comments I've gotten are from men. One even knew what I was making. Kitting as a man magnet, it took me 40 years to find that out!

[Estella]

Howling! Funny thing is when I see someone knitting in public I make covert glances...I don't want to seem to be staring at them. I'm always curious to see what they are making, how they throw, etc. Eventually, if it is a train ride or long wait at the airport, I do end up talking to the person and learning at least one thing. I do remember your "cute" post.

[Debbie]

very well put! You know, I think other people's reaction are more in line with how they (the knitter that is) thinks. I've never gotten bad comments from non-knitters and actually they have only been interested in what I'm doing. Believe it all boils down to how you think creates your world.

[sophanne]

yes-I believe we should all just "Let it Be."

I'm special because I knit. I like it that way.

[Knitterella]

I've never heard of anyone knitting in church. Do you mean like during mass? Wow, that takes balls!

You look like you had so much fun on your skates!

[Dawn]

That is the cutest picture!! it just makes me smile to see the joy on both of your faces! Yeah, your "other" scenerio just sounds ghastly! let sleeping dogs lie, I say.

[ames]

You know, I've never had anyone make a rude comment to me about knitting in public - and I do it in Chicago, on the el. I wonder sometimes if the level of rudeness is more perceived than intended? Or maybe some people have a particular belligerent knitting style that invites comment. I have no idea. I usually get glances, sometimes with a smile, and sometimes questions. "How do you do that? Is it hard?" Those are questions from a knitter who doesn't know he or she is a knitter yet! We should encourage those. :)

[beth]

I can't think of a better place to knit than church during mass, which is otherwise totally boring. I've done this, though, admittedly in NYC it doesn't attract as much attention as some of the antics of the homeless and other church-crazies who drift in and out of church during mass. Anyway, knitting is sort of meditative and spiritual and "belongs" in a church setting.

Nobody's ever bothered me about my knitting in church, either, though I have drawn the odd and puzzling comment or two in other places, which I generally ignore. I wish someone would offer up one of your suggested comments, like the one about knitting like crap--I'd bust a gut laughing.

[beth]

I can't think of a better place to knit than church during mass, which is otherwise totally boring. I've done this, though, admittedly in NYC it doesn't attract as much attention as some of the antics of the homeless and other church-crazies who drift in and out of church during mass. Anyway, knitting is sort of meditative and spiritual and "belongs" in a church setting.

Nobody's ever bothered me about my knitting in church, either, though I have drawn the odd and puzzling comment or two in other places, which I generally ignore. I wish someone would offer up one of your suggested comments, like the one about knitting like crap--I'd bust a gut laughing.

[beth]

sorry for the double post--browser "back" button error!

[Melody]

for a monday morning..that list was terrific..and you rock on those skates!

[mMiz Booshay]

Well...if it's your birthday...Happy Happy!
And you do so look happy in your skating pic!
That makes my heart happy to see that big grin on your face this morning, Wendy.

Can we all sing...

Xanadu-o-o.....

[Stacey]

I'm thinking that "My 10-year old knits better than you do." would make an awesome bumper sticker or T-shirt.

[Katherine]

I hear the one about my being a thrower and continental being more efficient, with "you should learn continental," thrown in all the time. It doesn't faze me--I just keep knitting.

Love the skates! You're terrific!

[gay]

thanks for the laugh this early in the day! looks like you had a reaaly fun weekend which is good cause sometimes we need a break from the knitting! love no really love your juliet by the way or did i say that already?

[rachel]

Wendy, I think you should try out for roller derby. You would totally knock those girls on their asses. And imagine the stories!

[Kari]

LOL I think you've got it absolutely right! Things could be a lot worse! I also enjoyed the lets take ourselves a little less seriously tone, because knitting should be fun, not stressful! Plus, I think Americans in general see themselves in much too serious a light. It's fun to make fun of yoursef! It's ok, too! LOL Love the skates pic!

[Cindy]

I've actually gotten the: "Well, that is just so much more work" because I throw!

[Sarah]

You should send the brother in law to massachusetts!

I agree with the knitting comments. I did however have someone say to me the other day "Are you knitting a baby hat? It looks fantastic." I was in fact knitting a baby hat and she happened to own a yarn store down the street [that I visited later that day]. You gotta love when people "get it."

[MrPuffy]

Thanks for the laugh. You are so right about that!

[Preita]

I think the absolute worst is when you happen to come across a snobby knitter. My old LYS was full of them.

I think we, as knitters, just like anyone else, just not have to take things personally when they are said out of curriosity or ignorance. People are just trying to make conversation, maybe they are lonely.