Page 98 - Knit Now - Issue 112 (January 2020)

KATE’S DIARY
SOOTHING STITCHES
This month, our E ditor Kate has been thinking about why we choose
Have you ever sat down and
taken a moment to think
about why you’re a knitter?
There are so many folks out
there who have resisted the
temptation to pick up a pair
of knitting needles – or even
not felt the temptation at all.
What is it that separates us
woolly folk from the rest of
the herd? We certainly have
plenty in common with the
sewists, crocheters and other
creative crafters of the world,
but we’ve got our own quirks!
Knitters are often (but not
always) generous – according
to surveys, we’re some of the
most likely to craft for charity.
That said, the charitable urge
isn’t top of the list of reasons
people give when asked why
they knit. Most of us say that
we knit to relax.
For me, I love that knitting
allows me to be as creative as
I like but it doesn’t demand
it of me. If I feel like putting
the work in and designing
something brand-new and
exciting, knitting has given me
the skills to do that; I can see
a skein of pretty yarn, match it
with a stitch pattern from one
of my stitch dictionaries and
My month in pictures....
FLUFFY FINISHED
I met this magni cent I loved making this
beast on a walk around simple stocking
my neighbourhood! stitch jumper.
98 www.knitnowmag.co.uk
to knit in times of trouble
start swatching for a new
design. On the other hand,
if I need to switch off and
just keep my hands busy,
I can choose a pattern
and follow it to the letter
without having to engage
my brain too much.
My most recent make
(a simple jumper in
Sublime Evie yarn) has
seen me through long
journeys, hospital visits
and unfamiliar situations
– the super-soft yarn
in my lap working as a
comfort blanket. When I’m
stressed or worried, simple
stocking stitch is the most
effective remedy for me.
The physical act of knitting
can be healing, I think.
The predictable rhythm of
one stitch coming after
another reminds us that
time marches on and the
sun will always rise, even
after the long, dark winter
nights. It’s why we return
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“ When I’m stressed or worried, to our needles in times
of trouble and why I think
simple stocking stitch is the knitters can be some of
the kindest, calmest and
most effective remedy” most understanding people
in the world.
FUNNY FARM FRIENDS
I’ve fallen in love with I met this lovely I love visiting my
the silly badges from llama when I visited friends Steph and
Sugar & Sloth – I’ve my mum in Lincolnshire Lisa – they have the
subscribed to her club! this month. cutest dog ever!