Be Not Afraid…

Today is World Wide Knit in Public Day 2010. We are not here to harm you. Have it be known, that we are a peaceful people who prefer to sit quietly, lulled by the soft clicking of our needles. We are easily entertained playing with string. Do not harshly judge us because we fling pointed sticks widely through the air.  We do not intend to use them to harm you, just don’t mess with our stash or talk to us while we are counting.

Today, I found myself knitting under a magnolia tree at the local farmer’s market with several similar minded folk. The local yarn shop hosted the gathering. It was a warm summer day, but a gentle breeze and good company cooled our souls. The mayor of the town stopped by to chat, he was pleased to see us all.

The next best thing to knitting in public is exposing your knitting in public. My friend Sharon proudly exposed her stocking-clad feet to the world this week. Well, she did it with some prodding from me, because I wanted to take a picture of the new socks I made her. Awhile back, Sharon gifted me with the book “Favorite Socks: 25 timeless designs.” To show my appreciation for the gift, I knitted Sharon a pair of socks using the “Embossed Leaves” pattern by Mona Schimdt and used yarn dyed by my friend Lynn Koolish. The finished socks were cozy and fun to make. Probably the fastest pair of socks I ever made.

So, the next time you see someone knitting in public, be not afraid. We are harmless. Our pointed sticks are intended to make stitches, not war, and we can make amazing things from balls of string. If you’re nice to us, you too may become a recipient of a hand-knitted treasure.