Menu: Parenting
By: Samantha Wells
Date: November 22, 2020
A few months before the pandemic began, I decided to give knitting a shot—or rather, I attempted to knit. To say I was clumsy would be an understatement; I still am. As the world started to close down and uncertainty grew, my knitting became a refuge. I found myself knitting during video calls with friends, while attending virtual church services on Sundays, and even while watching the increasingly bleak news each night.
I had no idea what my project was—was it a scarf or a shawl?—but that didn’t matter much. I wasn’t concerned about the final product or whether there would even be one. It was the process of knitting that brought me solace.
Now, nearly a year later, I must be honest: I’m not very good at it. In fact, I’m quite awful. I’m limited to basic knit and purl stitches, and my pattern-following skills are hardly impressive. I once attempted to knit a blanket, but its dimensions turned out so skewed that it resembled a giant’s scarf instead.
However, I find joy in my lack of expertise. The minimal expectations I set for my creations allow me to engage in knitting without the pressure of perfection. Embracing mediocrity opens the door to knitting for the sheer joy of it, rather than for the end result. For someone like me, who often struggles with perfectionism, this is incredibly freeing.
Interestingly, my not-so-perfect knitting is a refreshing antidote to our outcome-oriented, success-driven society. Whenever I mention my new hobby, fellow knitters share encouragement and kind words. They offer tips and tell me to keep going, without any judgment or criticism. No one rolls their eyes at my crooked scarf or questions why I’m knitting yet another simple piece (hey, they are easier than hats!).
Dr. Lucy Palmer, a parent, pediatrician, and knitter, has pointed out the contrast between parenting and knitting. In her article for The New York Times, she notes that when someone shares a photo of a finished project, it represents love, effort, and choices, and it deserves either support or silence. She questioned what is gained by pointing out flaws.
“I propose that anyone who has made judgmental comments about other parents should learn to knit ASAP. Winter is approaching, and we all need scarves,” she wrote.
I admit that I didn’t grasp the appeal of knitting until recently. I used to see people knitting in church or during lectures and wondered how they could concentrate on two things at once. It wasn’t until I started that I realized the rhythmic motion of the needles—one in front of the other, slip under, pull through—actually helps with focus. It brings you into the moment and helps you slow down.
“Knitting puts me in the moment,” Dr. Palmer explains. “For someone like me, who struggles with meditation and mindfulness, knitting calms my mind and keeps me grounded. My hands are busy, I’m conscious of their movements, and I can feel the yarn gliding through my fingers.”
A year into my knitting journey, I still only know a few basic stitches and can barely decipher a pattern. But I don’t mind. Knitting has provided the calm I sought, helped me disconnect from my phone, and encouraged me to be present. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed about what lies ahead, consider trying your hand at knitting a scarf.
Winter is coming, and it’s bound to be challenging. Knitting might just be the remedy you need.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the author’s personal journey with knitting, an activity they began to cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic. Despite lacking skill, the author finds joy in the process rather than the outcome, embracing a mindset that allows for creativity without pressure. By highlighting the supportive knitting community and the calming effects of the craft, the piece encourages others to explore knitting as a means of mindfulness and relaxation as winter approaches.