What is knitting?

When you think of the word knitting, what do you picture?

Is it an old lady with a shawl that she made wrapped around her shoulders holding plastic needles as they click away with her acrylic yarn that she got on sale at Woolworths?  The yarn that extends down to her tapestry bag that sits closely on the floor near her chair holding the ball of yarn and her other tools.  Is she sitting in the quiet of her room working on another baby sweater that she will donate to her church for their annual craft fair?

or

Is it a 30 something with a tatoo on her wrist, listening to a The Knit Wits podcast on her ipod, bamboo needles in her hands tapping away with her alpaca yarn she purchased at the local farm?  The yarn is leading to her chic project bag holding her supplies and two other projects that is sitting next to her on the couch. Is she finishing a funky scarf that will perfectly match her outfit she will wear Friday night?

I see both of these pictures!  The first being my Great-grandmother, Helen (bless her) and the second, myself. 

I have heard people tell me that knitting is a waste of my time and money.  It is something  for old ladies when they are living alone and have nothing else to do.  My response to this is, it is my time and money and it is not at all a waste of either. In fact I consider it a tool that helps me to relax and have a less stressful day.  It is wonderful to know at the end of my day when the chaos has settled, I can sit on the couch and progress with my project.  And if "old" ladies are knitting, YEAH to them for doing such a pleasurable craft. I am honored to share the love of yarn with them. 

Knitting is a form of creativity, a stress reducer and a last minute helper to have the perfect accessory.  It is amazing that you can take two needles, some yarn and after a short time have an amazing item to wear, use, gift and enjoy!

There is always something new.  There is no way to get board with knitting.  It is an activity that there is always something more to learn and create. With one pair of needles and yarn, there is an endless amount of creativity that can emerge.  There are basic patterns with detailed yarn.  Detailed projects with basic yarn. The amount of projects that are out there to create are unlimited and I plan to make as many as I am able.

When I hear the word knitting, I picture comfort, relaxation, creativity!  When my Great-grandmother would sit in her room and knit her projects, she seemed content and peaceful. I feel the same as I believe she looked.

I wonder what my Great-grandmother pictured when she thought of knitting! I wish I could go back in time.

What do you picture when you hear knitting?

Enjoy your knitting and all that it brings to your picture!