I was watching a Knitting Daily episode on DVD the other day and noticed how one of the hosts, who knits Continental style, zoomed quickly through a swatch of fabric – both with knit and purl stitches.
This made me wonder: for me, is knitting about hurrying up to get the next Finished Object completed, or is it more about enjoying the experience of knitting an item at my own pace, in my own time?
In considering a need for speed, I recalled my earlier days of learning to knit, and how, when I would try to pick up speed, even with simple garter stitch, I would be more prone to making errors – slipping stitches, twisting stitches, doing all sorts of crazy nonsense!
Most recently, I saw an interesting string of dialogue on Ravelry regarding a video of a woman who holds the worlds record for the most stitches knit in a minute – she was amazing and her hands looked more like a sewing machine than someone knitting. As I watched the video, however, I wondered if she was really enjoying herself. Frankly, she didn’t look like she was having much fun. And if she were at a Knitting Circle, all the other folks gathered might assume she’s just trying to show off.
I know that, at various times of the year, we may find ourselves with knitting deadlines, and I admit that, I too have picked up the pace a bit when I was down to the wire with time, but in general, I believe that I knit to enjoy the experience of knitting. I love the feeling of yarn running through my hands, the rhythm of the two needles working in tandem to yield something beautiful. As I’ve slowed down, and made fewer errors, that has also made the knitting experience more enjoyable (as I’m sure we all know how much fun it is to stop to unknit or rip out rows).
Do I love weaving in the last end on an item and seeing it in its finished state? Absolutely! But I don’t knit simply to make things – I knit for the joy of it, the experience, the wonder and learning along the way, and if it takes me a little longer to get there, I know that, in the end, it’s all worth it.
Please take a moment and share how you approach your knitting (and why)…I always enjoy hearing from my readers!
Tags: Inspiration, Knitting, Learning
Brian, until I read this I had never really thought about it before. As I continue to knit this shawl, that is taking forever, I realize it is the journey I enjoy. It is the feel of the yarn, the movement of the needles and seeing the fabric form that I really enjoy. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I believe I will enjoy it more now because of that.
love this topic! a couple of years ago, after searching for video on Continental knitting, I found video of speed knitters (they always seem to knit Continental, don’t they?) and I was inspired to try it out- big failure! I was awkward and made many many mistakes- did not like it all. Not too long after, the Yarn Harlot asked readers to do a test of how many stitches they knit p/min- in the regular way they knit, not in an attempt to speed knit- so I went for it in my right handed style, I remember being pleasantly surprised at my speed and accuracy! I’ll never compete with continental knitters (i keep trying it for the K1,P1 benefits, but I just don’t like it) I like that my knitting has developed its own speed and and rhythm over the years- it works for me.
I too enjoy the journey of knitting, it’s taken me 6 or so years to feel comfort in my skills with just about any project that tickles my fancy, and in accepting that my fancy isn’t tickled by things like intarsia and huge blankets!
The hardest part of the journey for me has always been the last bit of knitting- bleary-eyed, ecstatic to finish, but sad to see the work come to an end. The second hardest is choosing the next bit of obsession I will pick up…
I am a rapid crocheter and knitter, in part, due to my background as a pianist and piano instructor. However, I’m inclined to agree with you. I was drawn to the needle arts for relaxation, which I could only attain by keeping the “rhythmic needlework” at a slower pace. I too, enjoy each stitch until the bind off. My stitches are simple, and slower. Thank you for sharing this.
When I knit or crochet, I tend to take my time because I enjoy the feeling of relaxation I get. For me, the finished product is the reward of my work.