Knitting; a metaphor for life!

www.whatifknits.com/

Knitting; a metaphor for life (who'd of guessed!)

mmmm... okay stick with me here for a minute. I've just rediscovered an old hobby. I used to love knitting as a child but somehow life just got in the way and I forgot all about it for a few years. Having a new baby to knit for is the perfect motivation for me to pull all my crumpled old knitting patterns out of the attic.

I want to teach my daughter some of the basics. Needlecraft is a dying art which is sad because it is something which can give a lot of pleasure, plus it is a worthwhile skill to have.

Knitting is incredibly therapeutic. When my head is tangled with a million different thoughts, all clamouring for attention. The methodical click, click ,click. of a pair of needles just seems to

UN knot them with a gentle rhythm. Before I know it, the frayed egdes of my mind have become transformed them into something much prettier! (And tidier :)

All forms of needlework require concentration, discipline, dedication and patience and because the end result is so satisfying the process doesn't seem like a chore. Rather, I think it can instill some of these qualities and virtues in a child without them even noticing it : ) In this way so much more is fashioned along with a new scarf, a hat, a pair of bootees for a baby. A sense of achievement comes along in tandem. I'll never forget the absolute pride my eldest had on knitting her very own daffodil yellow Easter chicken. Oh that Chicky has been loved so much his stitching has worn thin, his feathers tattered and half unravelled. However, regardless of his well worn condition he will be tucked up,cosy and warm under my daughter's pillow forever that's for sure:).

Another quality that knitting encourages is dedication.

Oh, how many times we have had to unravel dropped stitches and stocking stitched squares so full of holes you wouldn't even catch a fish in them!

Tangles of wool, fresh, soft and fluffy from the market, ending up grey, damp and matted from endless casting on, unravelling and casting on again.

My little girl doesn't give up. She is a determined little soul.

Weekend after weekend she muddled away with her own little ball of wool, on her own in her quiet little corner, cross legged upon the toy chest until, one sunny afternoon her wonderful, completed creation was displayed to all. Swinging like a flag from the masts of two chunky, bamboo needles.

A valuable lesson was learnt the day she completed her first really good piece. A piece worthy enough to make into a birthday present for a precious friend.

A stocking stitched scarf with gartered ribbing in lilac, grey and white Tasseled in pink.

Here's a metaphor :0)... Indulge me ;0)

For knitting you need a pattern, a design. Without an initial set of guidelines all manner of frustrations and calamities will arise. Trying to knit without a plan in place may well derive some very interesting results yes, but not very useful ones. One arm of a cardigan will be longer than the other, the border and cuffs won't match, whatever it is it will almost certainly be two sizes to small and the result of all your efforts? Nobody will wear it. It will be purposeless;)

Knitting is methodical, the results take time to be achieved. The more effort you put into it your garment more elaborate and beautiful the finished result will be. The more beautiful the end result, the more likely it is to be cherished as a keepsake for children, grandchildren, great grandchildren even. It will last and it's use will be of value to many.

These principles apply to so many aspects of life. Sometimes we learn quite a complex, ornate and beautiful pattern from the simplest of designs.

Chinese proverb
One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.

Whatever is done with dedication and determination, purpose and patience will always become something of value.