A bunch of useless crap
The Zen Of Knitting
Published on January 2, 2007 By MasonM In Misc
Ok, silly title.

I am parked for the night in a truckstop in Southern Florida. After having something to eat and getting online for a few minutes I broke out my knitting and put on some tunes via XM Radio. As I was knitting I realized something:

I have come to accept the fact that I am learning a new skill and craft in knitting and as such my work is not going to be perfect. And that's ok.

I've learned how to spot most of the mistakes I am making before I make them and thus prevent them. I've learned how to calmly fix the mistakes that I do make and just consider it a part of the knitting process itself.

Suddenly knitting has become very calming. It's a great way to relax and drain away the stresses of the day. As I am knitting everything else just fades into the background and I "get into" the knitting. Almost a meditation thing, as silly as that may sound.

It's like a totally different experience all of a sudden. Very enjoyable instead of very frustrating. I know my skills will improve with practice over time and until then if my knitting isn't perfect, so what? It's still enjoyable and there will be no catastrophe if I can't do it perfectly now or ever. It's a great way to unwind.

Comments
on Jan 02, 2007
Good that you've found something to help you unwind.

When I'm feeling stressed, I pick up my bass guitar - or my regular guitar, for that matter - and go to town. it may not sound like much when I'm just tinkering about in my room (especially with the odd time signatures, strange modulations, etc.) but eventually, it hits gold.

And I'm humble, too.
on Jan 02, 2007
Glad to hear it! Now hurry up, I might just need a knitted sash/scarf/belt in a lovely rainbow of colors by April!!
on Jan 03, 2007
I never found the patience for knitting (I tried picking it up when I was younger - boring!).  Good to hear you making the needles sing!
on Jan 03, 2007

Mason's a Knitter! Not a knitter, but a Knitter.

I knew you'd find it sooner or later. Cool, isn't it?

Finishing your first item is really quite something too.
on Jan 03, 2007
I never found the patience for knitting (I tried picking it up when I was younger - boring!). Good to hear you making the needles sing!


Yeah, it does require a bit of patience. I don't find it boring at all, but may well have in my youth. Thanks.
on Jan 03, 2007
Mason's a Knitter! Not a knitter, but a Knitter.

I knew you'd find it sooner or later. Cool, isn't it?

Finishing your first item is really quite something too.


Thanks. I'm looking forward to finishing this first scarf, flaws and all.