“…the number one reason knitters knit is because they are so smart that they need knitting to make boring things interesting. Knitters are so compellingly clever that they simply can’t tolerate boredom. It takes more to engage and entertain this kind of human, and they need an outlet or they get into trouble.

“…knitters just can’t watch TV without doing something else. Knitters just can’t wait in line, knitters just can’t sit waiting at the doctor’s office. Knitters need knitting to add a layer of interest in other, less constructive ways.” ― Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

The true brilliance of Jenna Woginrich is her understanding that the people that are drawn to her and her blog Cold Antler Farm are interested in doing things.  Her workshop last weekend invited attendees to bring a knitting project to work on while presentations were being made.  I have to admit that was one of the driving forces that got me there.  People sitting around knitting while the speakers spoke their piece showed me that Jenna got it.  She understands that there are many of us that always need something to do with our hands.  Knitting helps me think, helps me absorb what is happening around me and many times helps me feel like sitting around isn’t time wasted because there is an end product.

More people need to take the time to learn to knit.  If they know how they need to have some little project that they can keep with them for those quiet moments.  Knitting is a type of meditation.   The feel of the wool in your fingers, the quiet clicking of the needles, the surprise when it all comes together, the pride in the finished project.  It allows you to concentrate on a problem or pay close attention to a conversation even though the other party may feel like they are being ignored.

I remember having to do laundry in a laundromat back in the small apartment days.  I always said that I didn’t mind because anyone that came from Rowe could not be bored.  It really was because I always had some sort of handwork going.  A ball of yarn didn’t cost much, kept me entertained and I’d have a Christmas present for someone.  They didn’t need to know the hours I spent in a laundromat creating the thing.

Of course this is how Sophie sees knitting.