Knitting Through Life's Ups and Downs

Have all survived the latest arctic blast?  We sidestepped the snow and ice, but

were hit head on with low temps and wind.    A few weeks ago when it was too cold

to play outside I introduced the word "frigid" to my children.  Yesterday a child ask if we

would be going outside to play (oh, how we needed wanted to go to the playground), my classroom

meteorologist, pointing his finger to the ceiling,  quickly announced with authority, "Miss Bonnie, it is too sunny and frigid to go outside".

Oh, how I love these children!

Yes, the last few days have been frigid.  And, I can't think of anything better than having a

stack of books waiting to be discovered.

Sitting by a fire I opened  knitting yarns, and became instantly absorbed.

Do you knit?  Crochet?  Enjoy handwork?  Or, are you the person sitting across the room who is hypnotized while watching someone else's hands work needles with yarn
in, out and around?

Ann Hood has compiled a delightful collection of essays paying tribute to the art of knitting,  penned by those we are accustom to seeing on the latest "must read"list.   These stories are as much about life's successes and failures as about knitting, but the two are expertly joined by the similarities
 of the two.   One of my favorites is how one author, a non-knitter, found enjoyment and calm sitting next to a friend who knits.  Two stories later was that of the knitting friend.

  I think most knitters have a story to tell.   It may be a story of celebration, frustration, loss, healing or centering.  We each have a reason for picking up the needles.   The rhythm of needles moving in and out calms me, slows down my thoughts allowing me to think more clearly and problem solve.  Reading these essays reminded me of my own knitting stories.

It doesn't surprise me so many noted writers are also knitters or appreciate knitting.  Writers have often incorporated knitting into the fiction we have enjoyed:   Dickens gave us Madam Defarge,  Austen put needles in the hands of Jane Fairfax,  and Christi delighted us with Miss Marple.  Do you have a favorite book with a knitter as a prominent character?  There are so many.

I returned "knitting yarns" to my friend telling her it is most definitely a keeper.
I want my own copy.   I can't think of a better gift for a reader and a knitter.

With a new baby arriving soon, my needles are flying.  I wish I could figure out how to read and knit at the same time....hum... I'll knit on that and get back with you.

Do you knit?
Do you have your own knitting story?
I would love to hear from you.

If it is still frigid where you are this weekend,
please stay safe and warm.