Why I Knit
Posted on Feb 1, 2009 in doll sweater, knit, knitting
Each and every knitter has her or his own reason or reasons for knitting. Mine stem from my childhood.
I grew up in a very large family, the second of eight children. Needless to say my mother, who is from Germany, didn’t have much time to spend with each of us individually. My best memories are of the tiny clothes my mother knit for my Barbie. She herself doesn’t even remember knitting them. We’re talking about 40 year old memories here.
What I do remember are stitches so even and perfect that they looked machine made. I couldn’t believe that a human person, much less my own mother was capable of such stunning work. It was magical. From the moment I saw the miniature doll skirt she had knit I was hooked. I wanted to knit just like my mother.
Because my mother was born and raised Germany she learned to knit as a young girl in school. I was astounded. Why weren’t we taught such useful skills in American schools?
It occurs to me now that the precise and uniform nature of her stitches may have been a consequence of her German heritage as well. German engineered precision perhaps?
I didn’t actually learn to knit myself until I was a young woman of 20. My mother continued to have babies and it was difficult to pin her down long enough for a knitting lesson. I was able to teach myself how to crochet but knitting eluded me. I eventually learned from a young German woman named Sabine who could knit an entire sweater on the flight from Germany to San Francisco. She taught me in 1980 and I have been knitting ever since.
I knit because of childhood memories that left a deep impression.
Note: A couple of weeks ago, I had written a version of this essay that I thought was pure brilliance but between now and then my computer croaked and I lost that essay forever. I hope the Gods of cyperspace find enjoyment in that sacrifice, and that you, gentle reader, find joy in this one.
I knit because that’s what all the women in my family did. I was first handed a pair of red plastic knitting needles when I was about 8 years old. I remember every effort being frogged because of mistakes. I never finished anything as a child. It was just a terribly frustrating experience. But once I was grown and expecting my first child, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to pick up the needles and knit. I haven’t stopped since.
Nan | Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
I *want* to knit because that is what my grandmother and mother did…neither had time to teach me, so I self taught, but am limited in skill. Looking for time to devote to what I view as an art form.
Keli Whidden | Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
I have so many memories of my mother knitting at home..but Irish, not German! I too have thought often about taking up the craft….
Jeff | Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
I also knit because of connection to my mother. She passed away twenty years ago but every time I knit, I feel her presence in spirit. I think a large percentage of American knitters have this connection with a maternal figure while knitting. Great post!
Susie | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Happy belated b-day Alice Thelma, I love the pillow, Chris.
Jill | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Knitting has an inspired and timeless way of connecting people! My brilliant step-mother inspired me to begin knitting and the talented people I have met along the way continue to spark the passion.
Cheers & happy facelift. You’re looking fabulous, darlin’
Katrina Joy | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Hey Chris! That’s so awesomely pro that you can follow a pattern much less create your own! Mrs. Angel did teach everyone who wanted to learn how to knit in 6th grade at Collins elementary. I wasn’t inquisitive enough to learn anything but slippers – probably made about 50 pairs, and tried reducing them for booties. Oh, remember I made some for Mrs. Greenblatt’s baby? Vintage socks…can you make socks that the Civil War soldiers would have worn? Your Obama pillow is outstanding -more unbelievable than the Etch-a-Sketch artist!
My grandmother crocheted all the time, and I’ve preserved her afghans and the beautiful lacy baby blankets that other people made for Blakely. I guess that’s why I think of crocheted creations as being more special. I had some knitted Barbie clothes too, but didn’t like the bulkiness. I completely bought into those packaged glamour outfits. It’s crazy that they don’t sell the clothes anymore – you just get a whole new doll if you like her dress. We must have divested ourselves of a hundred Barbies, Kens, Kiras (of course), etc. Once my Mom was so upset because I used some of the left-over satin from her wedding dress to make doll clothes. I tried to teach the girls how to sew and use the machine, but they were never interested in experimenting with doll clothes. Now I have to do all the hemming and jeans patching! Well, sorry to go on and on within your elegant blog page. I wish I could see your yarn collection…that’s how I feel about stationery. Alice makes a lovely model.
Nancy | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
I think it’s a beautiful essay. My mom didn’t knit, but her mother used to knit and crochet. I never knew her, but knitting for me builds that connection to her legacy.
Janet | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Chris, I love the site. I love how passionate you are about knitting. tell Max and Alice I said hello. Love, Tom
Tom Bittner | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Chris, I enjoyed your essay very much. I wish I would have been more interested in my Mother’s talents. She too could crochet and knit “like there was no tomorrow”. For some reason I am missing that gene altogether..but I certainly admire it in others! Thanks for coming by my exhibit at the Broderick! Sorry I missed you. See you again one day I hope.
Celeste Bergin | Feb 7, 2009 | Reply