Atlas Insider
Atlas Insider: Everybody Knit
Whenever I show up at MDK World Headquarters, it’s a thrill to see what everybody is knitting during our team Zooms and lunch breaks and such.
Really though, the thrill is that people are knitting. It’s not just me and Ann and our weird little knitting ways anymore, it’s a bunch of people with weird little knitting ways.
When people learn to knit, it ignites a wonderful crafty curiosity. They venture out to explore all the things there are to knit, and they come back with beautiful surprises. Their finds then ignite another knitter’s curiosity, and the chain of inspiration is unbroken. It’s the thing I love most about knitting—it’s always new. There’s always something exciting to knit, someone is always showing me something wonderful that I hadn’t even thought of.
Candid Camera
If you piled up all of Team MDK’s knitting on a table, I’m pretty sure I could match each project with its knitter. Knitting personality is a thing, and it shows itself very early in a knitter’s journey.
Ashley’s Vertices Unite by Stephen West in a smörgåsbord of MDK yarns.
Cristina’s Skill Set heart chart in Superwash Worsted for a special project that we’ll be seeing more of in next week’s Atlas Insider.
Allison’s Festival Sweater, My Size by PetiteKnit in Creative Linen.
You give a mouse a cookie, and pretty soon they’ve got a pastry bag and they’re making macarons. Teach a person to knit, and before long they’ll be inspiring your knitting.
A Giveaway
The prize? Skill Set: Beginning Knitting the book, the app, and our Skill Set Tote!
How to enter?
Two steps:
Step 1: Sign up for our weekly newsletter, Snippets, right here. If you’re already subscribed, you’re set.
Step 2: Leave a comment telling us your favorite thing about knitting, or your favorite kind of knitting.
Deadline for entries: Sunday, June 5, 11:59 PM Central time. We’ll draw random winners from the entries. Winners will be notified by email.
Making. Creating. And I love knitting lace!
I love cables. LOVE THEM! Its the reason i learned to knit.
I loved knitting from my first attempt when it wasn’t very good to my progress over many years. And all the learning in between. And each step adding to the next. So the process of knitting is awesome.
Knitting fair isle creates beautiful art in wool and that’s why I love it
Knitting is so much more than counting stitches. Today the colors of yarn and textures is what I like❤️
I love being able to take it with me and how it waits for me in between life events. When I’m anxious I pick it up and it soothes me. I learned after a challenging divorce and it is not only comforting but has led me to some of my very dearest friends
Wow you said what I feel
I love the history and culture of knitting from around the world. When I’m knitting i feel connected to the knitters through ages, from the fisherman’s wife knitting a sweater for her man, to the mothers of WWI knitting socks for boys, to the young woman knitting her Orenburg lace shawl for her wedding day.
Yes!!!
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Knitting relaxes me every day and centers me when I need to find a calm and peaceful place. It can be a meditative, creative or educational. I just love it.
So true for me too
Touching, smelling , looking at my beautiful stash…I just want to live long enough to use it…
Favorite thing about knitting – I continue to learn new techniques.
I’m a technique junkie too! Show me a new type of stitch or a new way to do an old stitch and I’m lost for hour. Warning to others: this isn’t conducive to FINISHING projects. ☺️
I love that knitting waits for me. I have been too sick to knit lately and just 2 days ago I was able to finish a sweater. I pulled out a UFO and began working on it and it was very comforting, like an old friend waiting to reconnect.
I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to knit! It’s been four years now since I was too ill to knit (after a coma) and I remember the joy of knitting that first hat. I’m happy for you!
I love the sounds of knitting outdoors and to watch and watching various textures emerge. I read “It’s not just me and Ann and our weird little knitting ways anymore, it’s a bunch of people with weird little knitting ways” and chuckled. A saying I have on my desk reads, “Let your weird light shine bright so the other weirdos know where to find you.”
I love that saying on your desk as well!! I think I have been using a dim bulb though!! :l
Kathleen – I love the saying on your desk
I keep my hands busy on car rides, at movies, or in front of the TV
My favorite thing about knitting is the people I’ve met and the really good friends I’ve made and kept because of our shared interest.
My favorite thing about knitting is always learning something new
I agree. One pattern in different yarns can make a project very different. There are so many patterns and reasons to knit, for fun, for relaxing, and for gifting.
Watching Jen Arnall-Culliford how-tos; mindless knitting with an audio book
There is so much I love about knitting! But, if I have to choose only one, it is the way that knitting has brought me together with other people, here, there, and everywhere. And, my favorite kind of knitting? Sweaters! All the sweaters!
Knitting occupies multiple parts of my brain, creative imagination, math/engineering, social interactions with a different set of people than my day to day life, even strangers. It also requires me to focus and lets me block out things that are not productive to stew about. With the right variety of knitting projects, there is something to knit for every circumstance.
So well put.
I love that knitting keeps my hands busy, my mind calm, and that there is always something new to learn.
This! I have ADHD and anxiety and knitting helps me focus and stay calm. It also give an outlet for creativity and is far better than stress balls or fidget spinners.
Absolutely, nothing settles my mind more than knitting. It doesn’t even have to be a project. Just knitting is my favorite drug.
I love your comments! I love everything about knitting and how it centres me i can feel the stress worry just slip away as I stitch!
Yes, and unlike a stress ball, it feels productive and worthwhile, as if I’m putting that unfocused stress, anxiety or energy to a purposeful use.
My favorite thing about knitting is the joy of creating something beautiful out of two sticks and a ball of yarn. It seems like the best kind of magic. I like knitting that is approachable but that I learn something new every time.
Yes. The saying I know is “ Take a string make a thing”
I love the joy knitting brings me. The yarn, the pattern, the knitting needles, and the stitches and you are living in the parallel universe.♥️
My favorite things about knitting: endless challenges and creative explorations; and it keeps me from snacking!
I knit everyday. It is a creative process literally woven into my life. Thanks for all you do to keep it in the forefront daily.
I absolutely love the possibilities that knitting presents. The thrill of picking the next knit pattern and the perfect yarn. Its always exciting and gratifying.
There are always new techniques to learn, it calms and soothes the mind, it gives my hands something to do while traveling, waiting or watching TV. I’m currently recovering from shoulder surgery and haven’t been able to knit for over a month; I’ve felt lost without my knitting!
I love the feel and colors of the yarn, the way knitting challenges my mind, and oh yes the finished projects!
I pretty much stick to watch caps, dishcloths and socks, all of which I give away. My efforts were rewarded when I saw one of my caps on a street person. I’m just about ready to knit myself a sweater, we’ll see
Peg, please please knit yourself a sweater!
I love how much knitting influences my writing craft. It teaches me to not rush the work. Like knitting, if something doesn’t work, I can tear back and try again. Both crafts still become mine as I work. I may be knitting a pattern many are making or writing about an idea that many have written about, but both reflect the me that I am.
What day is it? Favorite thing to knit? Sometimes it’s something with a bit of challenge, sometimes I just want something super easy and mindless. Always it needs to be something that interests me. Maybe a hat, maybe a sweater, how about a long term scrap blanket, maybe a dishcloth.
I’ve been knitting long enough now to see the vast improvement since I first started. This has triggered my desire to make things well…not just get them done. I’m taking classes now for the first time and I’m learning so much about my knitting so much faster than I would have without the class that my head spins! So I love the classes, keeping my hands occupied, and learning new techniques—like the brioche I learned on my very first KAL last month.
There’s always something different to fall back to. Such a varied amount of colors, shapes and degrees of difficulty, (hence my myriad of U F O s!!!) It’s the ease or challenge every time I have a few moments or afternoons to lose myself in!
The amazing things you can make from sticks and string!
My favorite thing about knitting is how it challenges me to try new things – techniques, yarns, patterns.
I love that knitting connects me to others….
I love knitting because it occupies what might have otherwise been “wasted” time watching tv, waiting for someone, being a passenger in the car, and so on. And unlike real life, in knitting you alway have a chance for a do-over if you don’t like the way things are turning out.
I love that it’s productive stress relief! I calm down, and get the added bonus of a sweater/blanket/hat!
My favorite thing about Knitting is the process. I love watching my project grow and change as well as the challenges I have to overcome to get to the end. It never gets old.
I love the feel of wool and the process of creating and experimenting with new stitches or cast-ons
That moment in a project when you “get it” –when you first realize the construction or master the repeat and you can just go, or catch the rhythm of the knitting. A quiet thrill
Oh yes! That is when it comes together!
Yes, learning to ‘read your knitting’ is such a breakthrough!
I, too, feel the timelessness and connectedness as I knit. It has always been my lifeline!
Learning new patterns
My favorite knitting is garments and trying something new, and of course getting something right.
My favorite thing about knitting is that simplicity and challenge can coexist in the most positive way. I love the freshness of each new project and learning and improving techniques. Knitting is sweet and savory like salted caramel. 😉
What a great simile!
For me knitting is a stress reducing, creative outlet that allows me to keep challenging myself with new stitches, patterns and techniques. I also love the “community” I have found in knitting. We are not defined by where we live, our professions or other typical classifications. Knitters can bond over love of our craft, admiration of each other’s techniques and skills, and insatiable quest for yarn!
I love being in the present moment with my knitting…the feel of the yarn, the muscle memory actions of it, the soothing rhythms, watching the item appear from a ball of yarn. I love knitting alone and knitting with friends. My fave knits are shawls and hats!
I love the making…rhythmic, methodical, colorful, creative…and nobody eats it or gets it dirty (hopefully). I really like knitting socks.
Everything. The peacefulness it imparts. The feeling of achievement when a project is complete. The beautiful yarns used. The community it connects me with, both present and past. Just everything!
I love the fact that knitting gives me patience because I am naturally a very impatient person. When I’m at a work meeting and we’re going over something for the third (or fourth, or fifth…) time and I got it the first time, and I want to choke the life out of whoever isn’t getting it, I just keep knitting. It helps me keep my mouth shut and endure situations that are intolerable.
Simple socks I love the calming meditative rhythm of the process of knitting. It has gotten me through some very rough times.
Same with me.
My favorite thing about knitting is that connection to the knitting women (and probably men, but way before my time) in my family and the connection with creative interesting people who have become some of my favorite friends.
So many reasons to love knitting! For me, it is a calming antidote to the chaos of being human in this sped up nutty world. Just put one stitch in front of another…and in the end you can wear it, or gift it!
My favorite thing is that I can knit almost anywhere. It keeps my hands busy and my mind engaged. Instead of doing hours of endless games or coloring pages on my phone I end up with something useful to keep or give away. Keep calm and Knit on.
Exactly. You are so right, Anita! I MUST keeping my hands busy, the Internet stuff to me is wasting time. I love to knit or crochet for others. I love your quote, Keep calm and Knit on! I’m knitting myself a wrap or shawl, if you like, and knit the letters “c a l m” at the beginning. It’s a new skill for me to learn and understand Fair Isle knitting. Oh the joy!
The magic of turning a thread of yarn into a garmet and actually creating something with my own hands!
For the Type A (does anyone say that anymore?) and OCD personality that I am, when I pick up my knitting, I put down everything else. It is meditative and relaxing. Something that I need to practice more.
Without a doubt, my favorite thing about knitting is the calming and meditative feeling.
Yarn that makes color and texture in the world for my eyes to feel. The ancient materials.
Knitting calms me, and allows me to focus on creating something that is soft and able to please the receiver with my dedication and love in an object.
My favorite thing about knitting is that I disappear into to project. All my daily, constant worries dissolve. My health is perfect, everyone on the planet has a full tummy and there is world peace. Knitting makes it happen at least for a while.
I love the feel and the flow of the yarn as it fulfills its destiny. Such a metaphor for life. Unlike life, though, you get infinite do overs. As a retired medical laboratory professional, I also love that knitting emergencies are almost always non life threatening.
I love everything about knitting. It never ceases to amaze what can be done with pointy sticks and a piece of string!
I love the peace to the day that knitting provides.
I love how relaxed I feel while knitting. Total stress reliever.
I love how two knitters, starting with the same materials, will produce wildly different creations.
Just finishing up on my first Log Cabin baby blanket. Really love learning the new technique. Thank you for your inspiring book. Love the daily newsletter, too.
My favorite thing about knitting is the excitement of planning the next project, picking the yarn, the anticipation of casting on. Hence all my WIPs 😉
What I love about knitting is all the possibilities. What color, which yarn, which pattern and who will receive it. Keeps my bf mind focused and hands busy.
These days, flat garter or stockinette in the round!!
I knit just about every day, sometimes I create in other mediums too. It saves my life because it saves my sanity. #yourartwillsaveyourlife
Knitting is calming and challenging, it keeps me making and being creative … I’m not sure of my favourite thing but have made quite a few baby blankets, giving is the best bit!
All the variety. With a few projects going I can switch up colors, stitches, etc so I’m never bored and neither my hands nor my eyes get tired. And finding new patterns and ideas (lookin’ at you, Festival Sweater!).
And I love knitting lace. It’s like magic when you block it, and I love the sense of history.
Knitting is creative and relaxing and meditative. That’s why I’m always knitting!
I love colour work! I’m a big fan of lace as well. Colour work and choosing colours that go together with traditional patterns or patterns inspired by traditions allow me to connect to the people of the past while expressing myself! Being productive while being creative gives me consistency in my world ❤️
My favorite thing about knitting is being able to concentrate on something beautiful and therapeutic rather than thoughts that are troubling. And that knitting keeps me busy when I am relaxing! My favorite things to knit are sweaters and blankets.
I love that I can create bea,useful items for myself and loved ones. I’m always learning, even after 47 years!
The yarn. Life is too short to knit with junky yarn. And, amazingly, working with gorgeous yarn satisfies all my senses and results in something even more beautiful. It’s magic.
I enjoy both the social aspect of knitting, especially group projects. The individual crafting also has its appeal. Knitting and crochet have been a balancing and satisfying part of my life for over 60 years.
There’s so much I love about knitting that it’s tough to choose a favorite, but I think the best part might be the process: taking all the building blocks, deciphering a pattern and picturing how it will come together, then the process of knitting and watching it build stitch by stitch, and then the satisfaction of a finished piece. In a world of uncertainty and a billion things I can’t control, I get to create something beautiful and within my control. This is why I never really have UFOs—the finish is important to me. It’s also why garter stitch doesn’t appeal to me—the more complex the creation, the better!
Stranded knitting with 2 colors at a time (I’m willing to use more colors, but 2 for maximum fun)
I’m a quilter, so my favorite thing about knitting is that I can sit down with a gorgeous ball of yarn and some needles and zen out for a while! Quilting for me is all activity with pulling fabrics, cutting, stitching etc. Don’t get me wrong – I love it! – but it is not relaxing. But at the end of the day, I love to sit in my favorite chair and quietly pick up my latest knit and relax for a few hours with a good TV mystery before bed time.
I also do both, and you’re absolutely correct- never thought of it as you’ve clarified!
I love the way the strands of yarn combine to create texture, rhythm, color and fabric.
My favorite type of knitting depends on my mood so that could be lace if I feel focused, garter if I need to just move my hands, or colorwork if I need to be amazed. Right now it is a couple of test knits because I need a feeling of community
Knitting is soothing. I have a lot of nervous energy and fidget constantly. Using my hands to craft helps keep me calm.
favorite thing to knit for the last several years have been toys &/or whimsical things, like the cactus garden I have by my fireplace. Of course, washcloths or warshrags however they’re used at home, or table runners or coasters for gifts. An annual sweater & summer top for myself…
I can mindlessly or intentionally create a thing that I love or that I love giving to someone I love.
Favorite thing to knit – baby hats!
Yes! Me too! So quick and so adorable.
My favorite is anything complicated. If it requires my full attention, I find knitting relaxing. Simple stockinette allows the crazy woman who lives in my head to start obsessing about all sorts of nonsense, so I prefer tricky bits.
Favorite thing about knitting? Knitting calms my monkey-brain.
I love to knit with fingering weight yarn, mostly shawls, (which I make a point of wearing) and if I can add beads, so much the better!
There is nothing better after dinner than a favorite knit and a new Netflix series , I think new Log Cabin dishcloths are in order !
The sound the needles make as they touch and slide, the sounds are different depending on what material was used to make the needles; metal clink, wood is a soft clunk but all the sounds are soothing.
I love knitting lace, but because of MDK I learned stranded colorwork! Knitting ambassadress …. sent Skill Set to a friend who was learning.
I really love making things that fit❣️
I love to keep my hands busy making something beautiful or utilitarian or just for fun. But I also love feeling connected to my long gone grandmother, who taught me to knit. I think she would be amazed at the way the internet teaches and connects knitters these days.
My most favorite thing about knitting is the memories it brings back of my grandmother who was the best slipper knitter ever!!!
My favorite thing about knitting is all the color! I love all the beautiful shades the world has given us, and knitting gives me the chance to choose one and spend hours with it. It used to be that every time I went to Home Depot I would leave with an armload of paint chips for projects I’d never undertake. Now I do the same thing, only in knitting it’s called building a stash!
I love the learning, the feel of the yarn in my hands and watching something come alive.
Knitting makes me calm. It keeps my hands busy and then, surprise, something is creates. And I’m continually intrigued when a pattern says knit this do that and then something magical appears. It makes no sense to my brain but I love that it just blindly loves to follow directions
My ‘go to’ is socks…always have a pair on my needles for the moment I need to have something meditative, relaxing and useful to knit.
Knitting calms my soul.
I love exploring new techniques and creating beautiful, useful items
Oh gosh, this is a toughie! My favorite things about knitting are the friendships I’ve made, how absolutely Zen the process is and project bags!
I turned to knitting when my children were tiny. Dishes and laundry were never DONE but if I could knit a row it was complete. And it was something I did just for me. Until I gave away the finished object, of course!
I guess I should start at the beginning with this Skill Set book!
I start my mornings with a cup or two of coffee and my knitting. I end my day with knitting. And when I take a break during the day, I knit. (Luckily, I’m retired, because often those “I’ll knit a few rows” end up being several inches long.)
Knitting is my security blanket, I feel better even if I’m just holding it.
I like small projects, so I get that jolt of satisfaction from finishing much more often
It’s calming, creating and multitasking all in one. I can create while listening to an audiobook or watching TV.
Knitting has always been a way for me to relax and channel all that fidgety energy (probably undiagnosed ADD). I love how you end up with something you can use or gift at the end.
My mom taught me to knit. Every time I pick up the needles I think of her.
My favorite thing about knitting is making actual useful pretty things out of sticks and string! It still feels like magic to me.
I love that I continue to learn new techniques and that you can choose the colors to make even the most popular patters unique to you. Not to mention how soothing it can be for the mind.
Somehow I’m not able to describe why I love knitting so much but I suspect…..it’s because knitting connects me to a community of kind souls, beautiful colors and patterns, and a long legacy of generations of makers. I am a maker at my core.
I love to knit for relaxation. I usually choose fairly straightforward patterns and depend on the choice of yarn to make them standouts.
This past school year, I taught 34 middle schoolers to knit, 18 of whom were boys. Of the group, I’m relatively sure that 10 or 12 of them will continue to knit through their lives.It was humbling, hilarious, and occasionally maddening. I was so proud of every single one of them.
I think that’s now my favorite kind of knitting.
The meditative and instant calming effects are what bring me to my knitting so often but the creative process of watching a project grow into a beautiful wearable piece of art is a thrill that never gets old. I’m always looking to learn something new as well.
so many things~the companionship of other knitters…or the quietness of knitting alone…peace..contentment…accomplishing something…don’t waste time since my hands have something to do waiting for a train or appointment..even the frustration of correcting mistakes…
I love knitting shawls and making things for new babies.
I love the simplicity of the craft and yet the infinite intricacies it spawns. It is so much fun to see the creative human mind at work: a never ending series of “aha!” moments.
Favorite knitting thing—just about everything: new patterns, color work, myriad of different yarns….
I LOVE gansey patterns … so much you can do with just knit and purl stitches and a yarn that has superb stitch definition!
I love all kinds of craft but have stuck with knitting because of it’s portability. Take it with you, work on it here and there, and presto! An FO!
My recent test knit was off a giant cone of yarn (bought at the MN Textile Center Garage Sale for $2, it was thousands of yards of 80/20 wool/synthetic yarn from a defunct mill in Woonsocket, RI). I missed the portability.
I love so many things about knitting, that it’s hard to pinpoint just one. But if I had to pick one, I would say that it’s continuing to learn new things, even after so many years of knitting.
My favorite thing about knitting is that it’s never boring. There are always new patterns, techniques and yarns to try. The combinations are endless!
I love the calm knitting brings me and the people I meet.
One of my favorite things about knitting is that you can take it with you pretty much anywhere. I love that.
I knit to sit down, to relax, to produce something useful and beautiful. I’ve almost completed my MDK Modern Log Cabin for Grandbaby #5 and what beauties (both the baby and the blanket!) they are.
What gives me most satisfaction in knitting is the creating of something that’s useful or pretty. I’m not a crafty person but knitting gives me that outlet. Knitting lace gives me the most pleasure, the pattern that is revealed through simple stitches. I’m thankful for knitting and being able to make things from myself and others.
My favorite thing about knitting is the knitting!
I love knitting – it relaxes me. It puts me in a good zone.
I loving mindless knitting where I can watch an entire movie at the theatre, in the dark, and I can knit the whole time.
Also Iove color changes.
I love trying new thing patterns and making shawls.
Knitting always soothes me. It’s a friend!
I appreciate the way knitting keeps my hands busy, while freeing my mind to engage in conversation, or concentrate on a lecture. Love to knit while attending lectures in Chautauqua every summer!
I love making garments, sweaters, vests, tanks.
I love that even if 2 or more people make the same thing they are different. I love to look at yarn and ask it what it wants to be when it grows up. Of course I do have some say in it.
Knitting is extremely meditative for me. It can always set my mind right.
There’s always something new to learn, and to teach!
Favorite is socks !!!
I love the focus and sense of calm knitting brings to my life. Even with the most challenging knit, the thought of the friend who taught me to knit and of all of the knitters who came before me gives me a sense of pride, of peace, and of community.
Knitting sort of puts me in a meditative mindset as I work on a baby blanket, cap or mitts for someone special. I think of them with every stitch.
Learning something new, problem solving. The anticipation of planning a new project. The satisfaction of completing a project. The colors, the textures.
I like that I can sit and enjoy a TV series or audiobook and still be “productive”. I also love the many wonderful people I have met and taught how to knit and the people who have taught me how to knit things I never thought I would be able to master. Their wonderful companionships, developed through our shared love of knitting, have seen me thorough many tough periods.
I love its zen. It calms me and helps me focus.
I like to have several projects on the needles so I always have something that fits my mood.
I love that knitting is slow and calming. It is also full of new things to learn.
The way the yarn feels in my hands!
My favorite kind of knitting is the shiny new project!
I love cables and twisted stitches but any knitting is good knitting.
I love being able to pick up my needles and yarn and just knit away on a large project (like a blanket) without thinking too much about it. But I also love new projects where I learn new techniques or require my full attention! I just love to knit!
It’s relaxing and challenging, and you can do it anytime, anywhere. Sweaters are my favorite thing to knit. But anything, really.
Knitting is magic. Those who don’t knit think it’s actually a magic trick, but knitters know when you mix materials, intention and skill, a sort of alchemy happens that produces a fabric in your hands, and a particular state of mind that combines peace, flow, excitement and anticipation. Sometimes there’s surprising challenges to overcome that add extra spice to the mind mix. I’ve done a lot of crafts, and they have their charms, but knitting (maybe crochet too) state of mind is unique.
My favorite thing about knitting is the calm and relaxation it brings about when I pick up my current fave project! Although I am calm, I am also impatient, so the type of projects I tend to favor feature heavier yarn – more FO’s that way!
I love watching as colors and textures paint a fabric. I also love feeling the connection to my mom who taught me how to knit.
I like small portable projects that can go with me…
My favorite part of knitting is planning a project followed by the satisfaction of casting off.
I am a relatively new knitter, so my projects have been simple so far, but I love the meditative state knitting leads me to, and the sense of accomplishment when I have created something useful.
My favorite thing about knitting is the feeling of peace and comfort it gives me. (Even when I am screaming at it, because I made a mistake 10 rows back. I like to say I am screaming at the knitting, because it sounds better than screaming at myself- because that is what I am really doing.) And I like the fact that I can immerse myself in a project and tune EVERYTHING out. Finding a quiet place to knit has always been a joy to me. And most times the finished project is not even that important.
Knitting keeps my mind and hands busy, and as a bonus…I love wool. Soft or scratchy, thin or thick. All of it makes me happy!
Depending on my mood, I can knit something easy like a dishcloth to de-stress or I can knit something hard to challenge myself and grow my skill-set.
It gets me out of my head, and be in the moment. Not is the stress and crazy.
My favorite thing about knitting is casting on a new project. The excitement of creating something new never gets old.
My favorite thing about knitting is the endless possibilities you can make with just a ball of yarn and needles. My favorite kind of knitting is lazy weekend knitting outside watching nature.
New puzzles to solve. And COLOR!!
Love knitting lace but it takes me forever to get it done
I love the knowledge I gain from sitting with a group of women fiber lovers, knitters spinners weavers.
My favourite things about knitting? I’m always being surprised by the ingenuity and creativity of pattern designers and the people who plan, source, spin and dye the yarn. I began knitting about fifty years ago, drawn by the endless possibility (I an still see some of those patterns and yarns in my mind’s eye), and it’s only gotten better. The choices, the availability, the educational opportunities for knitters are all so much improved thanks to the Internet, and I can so much more easily see, read, watch and be inspired by the work of so many talented people. It’s knitting’s golden age!
I love the generosity that comes with knitting. People are generous with the most precious commodity that exists…..time. It takes time to teach people how to knit. It takes time to select the right pattern and time to select the correct yarn and ultimately, it takes time to create an item to gift to yourself or to someone else.
The community of knitting. I was knitting my way thru a very long layover in Istanbul Airport, an ocean of travelers around our coffee shop island, construction clanging from behind a nearby wall, more clanging from the other side from a boy in costume churning ice cream with a metal palette in a large metal urn. Paused knitting for a sip of coffee and caught the eyes of a group of Asian women 2 tables away, grinning back at me, thumbs in the air.
I love being able to focus on something other than what is going on in the world. Knitting is my escape. It is comforting to focus on my knitting while the world falls apart.
It has to be that there’s always something new to learn, even after a long lifetime of knitting. Lately, friends have been giving me their unloved or leftover yarn, so my favorite thing to knit is whatever I can find that will use exactly that amount of that yarn.
My favorite thing about knitting is I can knit anywhere. I knit in the car, visiting friends, waiting in long lines, even on long trips riding on the back of my husband’s touring motorcycle.
I am a self-taught knitter since I didn’t know anyone who knit almost 25 years ago when I started. I have definitely developed many “unique” ways of doing things on my own (before the days of video tutorials) and the fact that I persisted through all the frustrations of of learning by experience shows how much I was (and am) dedicated to the art! Mostly, I need knitting to keep me going sometimes when, more often than not, life seems so destructive and ugly and I can steal 10 minutes here and there to create something useful and lovely. Those intersecting lines of yarn are really my life lines.
My favorite kind of knitting is all of them!
I love learning new things, and like to try them all!
I love how knitting evolves. Every day I learn something new about knitting and I have been at this for nearly 65 years! And yes, knitting is calming and centering for me.
My favorite thing about knitting is the meditative quality and the process. It’s thrilling to see garments start to “appear”.
It is hard to pick a favorite thing about knitting. The feel of the yarn, the accomplishment of finishing a project and learning a new skill, and the knitting community. Perhaps my favorite thing is giving a gift of my handmade knitting to someone. In this fast paced world of buying gifts at the last minute, it brings me great pleasure to give a gift that I created stitch by stitch.
I love that I can make beautiful things from string and I love choosing what to make next!!
I love a new project that teaches me one new little thing. A new way to cast off, a try at brioche, a kitchener stitch connect, a new sneaky way to make a little cable. My husband looks at me with a little pity, and maybe more than a little concern, when I get so excited about something he has absolutely no concept of what I’m talking. I return the favor when he talks about the electrical wiring in our house…..
My favorite thing about knitting is the moment when I learn that new “thing”, when it clicks, when I suddenly get on the next stitch as well. It’s truly magical to learn something new, lean back, get comfortable and practice, practice practice.
Favorite Thing about knitting is having my cat play with my wool when I am working on a project ( he likes to play withj my needles or make sure the wool has no knots in it 🙂 a good cup of tea great company and a fun pattern ! Love to learn new techniques especially reading through MDK articles and challenging myself – my grandma use to tell me take your time and enjoy – that’s what I do
Knitting keeps my hands from putting snacks in my mouth
Right now my favorite kind of knitting is hats for my friends charity project. It isn’t much in the face of the world, but I figure a bit of warmth can’t hurt.
It’s difficult to choose my favorite thing about knitting or my favorite thing to knit. I love the learning, I love how meditative knitting can be, I love the creative solitude and I love knitting in community, I love the variety of textures and colors…I even love my mistakes and the occasional knotted yarn ball that takes over an hour to unravel.
Of the things, my favorite thing to knit is the thing I give away which brings joy and comfort to another person, dear friend or a stranger.
I love knitting. Completely.
Love exploring new adventures with 2 sticks and a ball!
I love The hunt for the next little work of art. I’m always searching for a pattern -something a bit different. I hope that my next project will not only be fun to make but special in some way and that I will also learn something new.
When times are tough, I love to knit dishcloths. Nothing very fiddly, just get in that zen mood and knit. My hands are busy but my mind is calm.
I knit so I don’t murder people, or at least choke them! Detailed, lace are my favs
I love playing with color and the always learning nature of it.
My Grandmother taught me how to knit when I was about 10. Now that I’m retired I always have something on my needles. I think of her often and still miss all the pleasant time we spent together.
Apart from the relaxation knitting provides, my favorite thing is being able to make things that fit.
I knit so I don’t murder people or at least choke them. Love detailed patterns and lace
Knitting for me is usually a relaxing time-dinner is done, kitchen is cleaned up, time to sit and watch a movie and knit. I like the different kinds of fibers, and the beautiful colors of them all. I like creating a beautiful garment and when complimented on it, I get to brag that I made it! My mom taught me to knit when I was very young, she passed away when I was 16. I had no desire to knit anything in my youth but when in my 40’s a nurse co-worker gave me a copy of an easy sock pattern and I picked it up again. Amazing how my brain remembered how to cast on and knit and purl! It’s such a lovely hobby! Now I enjoy cables and lace patterns-so many different things to create!
I enjoy the quiet time where I get lost in my thoughts and memories while creating something beautiful.
There is something about knitting that completely soothes my soul. I love the feel of wool on my fingers. And then there’s solving the puzzle of all those knitting symbols that really do mean something and result in a stitch pattern filled with texture and grace.
Knitting provides me something to do with my hands that then takes me away from all my daily stress. The feel of the yarn and motion are mesmerizing.
I love the camaraderie of knitting with friends–challenging each other to learn new skills and being there to offer support and advice. When Covid-19 shut everything down, within 24 hours our knitting group had figured out how to zoom knit together.
I love making knitted items for my family and I love knitting for my self as I love wearing sweaters! But my favorite part of knitting is the people I meet through knitting, it has expanded my circle of friends so wide!
I love knitting socks. Endless possibilities for playing with color and stitch patterns Plus they are always useful. I love knitting because it relaxes me. I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and when I am very anxious the act of knitting and counting stitches helps relax me.
My favorite thing about knitting is getting into the flow of it. The zen, the meditative aspect of knitting. There is nothing else like it. And at the end of the meditation you have created a something, a sweater, a square, but something.
I love, love learning new things. I’m just now branching out into trying to use different techniques to “design” my own things, but I’m certainly not good at that. I don’t know that there’s a project I’ve done more than once because there’s always something new to try!
The calming rhythm & the connection to my ancestors who knit.
I love the creativity that knitting and crocheting ignites in me. I love all the things – the yarn! The bags! The stitch markers! The needles! Mostly, I love the people I’ve met through knitting – my knitting group, those whom I’ve met while traveling, and those brought to me through Zoom or YouTube. Inspiration everywhere!
Patterns. Love them. My mother taught me knitting by making pattern sampler squares. I knitted dozens of them. I wonder where they went …
knitting is theary for me, plus I have something to wear when I done.
I love the motion of knitting…the feel of the yarn, the movement of the needles, the progress toward a finished project. Knitting keeps life in focus.
Getting out of my head by using my hands to create something wonderful
I enjoy knitting. It’s relaxing and creative.
My favorite thing is that there is always something new to try. Safiyyah’s socks are next up.
It’s just something I do – wherever I am, every day, always. It’s who I am. And P.S. I already have the skill set bundle, would love Altas yarn though. I already have the first 3 skeins, just haven’t finished the project yet.
There are so many possible favorite things, but one of the best is that knitting is portable. I love being able to have a project in my purse, one in my car, anywhere at all. It means that knitting can always be there.
I love knitting. It is through knitting that I have met a wonderful group of knitters in the Benton Harbor Tuesday group. We all have different skill levels but at times we have chosen the same pattern. Love seeing the variety created by different knitters using different yarns I love Tuesdays,
Beanies!
I am a self taught knitter – started knitting by watching You Tube videos 7 years ago. Now I can’t imaging not having a project to work on in the evening or sitting in a waiting room. Still have so much to learn!
knitting brings a calmness to my mind….perhaps it is the repetitive movement of the needles, or seeing a project come to life. Then there’s the possibility of how the yarn feels or the mixture of colors. Not sure why, only know the effect it has.
Calm, creative, peaceful, joy! That’s knitting for me
I love that I have made close friends through knitting, friends I would not have otherwise gotten to know.
love the process of knitting and learning new things
Most of my knitting consists of smaller pieces like accessories and most of those are gifted. I have never met anyone who didn’t love and appreciate an item handknit just for them!
Choosing a ball of yarn and turning it into something magical. A garment I can wear, with texture and color, made with time and love into a creative creation I can wear with pride and a big smile.
My favorite thing about knitting is that I can knit while watching tv, listening to music, meeting with my knitting group and if the pattern isn’t too complicated, taking part in the conversation around me. My knitting now consists of making hats and cowls for Christmas at Sea out of Newark, NJ, blue hats for “antibullying” schools who give them to students as a reminder, and childrens’ hats for our local hospital.
I’ve come far enough in my knitting journey to forgive minor ‘stuff’ in projects! I don’t have to rip back inches/hours if something isn’t perfect. Blocking works wonders and honestly, if someone’s looking that closely…..
Love yarn, feeling it, knitting it, holding and dreaming of what it can be! And love that I can knit everywhere.
learning something new
I love seeing myself make stuff, and getting better and better about it!
What everyone else said! And more eloquently than I can! What’s not to love? The feel of the yarn in my hands, learning something new, creating something that someone will love somewhere, keeping my brain occupied, the boost of joy when I see what my hands have made, etc, etc….Into infinity!
My favorite is sock knitting. I knit my first pair of socks in 2004 and – hilariously – thought, “I don’t know – I’m glad I did it, but I don’t think I want to do it again.” Of course, I couldn’t stop thinking about those socks, and about maybe giving it another try, and – well, here I am, probably a hundred pairs of socks later. Now I feel like I will never be done knitting socks!
I find knitting very relaxing, especially when I am able to knit uninterrupted. And I also love being able to create useful items by knitting here and there, when I have a spare few minutes. I love seeing the joy on other people’ s faces when I give them something I have lovingly made just for them.
So many things to love about knitting! Projects are portable. The yarn is colorful and comes in all kinds of fibers. The community is warm and welcoming.
Learning a new craft to pass down to my daughters.
I love that you can take knitting anywhere. It passes the time wherever you are. Some people say they aren’t patient enough to knit. Knitting makes me patient-dr’s waiting room, car ride, etc. Hands are busy and something productive (more or less) comes out of it.
My favorite thing about knitting is that there is always something new to learn. And with the help of the Internet and my LYS The Knitting Cup in Georgetown TX there is nothing I can do if inadvertently the patience
I have many favorite things about knitting that I love: feeling the smooth needles and texture of the yarn in my hands, watching the textile that is created, marveling at the change in stitches after wet blocking. After trying many different stitches and yarns, I have said good bye to a few that annoy me: brioche and fluffy yarns. Life is too short to knit unpleasant things.
I have so many things that I love about knitting, but if I have to choose one, I’d say that I find it so relaxing. I love my knitting community and know to whom I’d gift each of the items in the giveaway.
I have been knitting a very long time. There have been only a few days when I have not knitted, even when I broke my arm I found a way. I held the large knitting need with my knees and knitted a bulky scarf.
I love that I can take knitting wherever I go
I love knitting hats
I think my favorite thing about knitting is the meditative aspect and the fact that I learned to knit at age 19 about 55 years ago. I have always loved cables and am hesitant about colorwork. Now I like easy things to knit while watching tv and am slowly in spurts working on the Kaffe Fassett striped shawl. And for some reason I just love love love yarn.
Oh mercy! I love so many things about knitting but perhaps my favorite is the no questions asked immediate connection to knitters everywhere. Across this country and in other countries I have seen a person wearing a handknit and walked right up to them and said “that’s lovely, did you knit it?” and blammo an easy connection with a stranger!! Every time.
What I love about knitting is how it connects with people. It doesn’t matter where I am, someone always comes over to start a conversation when they see me knitting. So many of friends I have met thru knitting.
Knitting helps me remain calm and reduces anxiety. Plus you get something when your done
I can’t draw, or paint, but I can knit. Knitting is a creative expression and a meditation for me. It was just like playing the clarinet for years and years instead of singing off key. I also think of my mother and grandmother who knit out of necessity, not for fun and meditation. I feel blessed to have the ability to explore this creative way of making beautiful fabric.
Knitting is very calming for me, and I like to make things
One of my very favorite kinds of knitting is brioche, flat, one color. As a Continental knitter, I find the stitch easy to do, and knitting it puts me “in the zone.” So I’m eager to see what Nancy Marchant has come up with for your new Field Guide. I already possess two books and one Craftsy class by her.
If I win the Skill Set set, I will give it to my tax accountant, who is teaching himself to knit so he can make himself a hat. He says that’s all he wants to do, knit himself a hat, nothing more. Ha ha ha, that’s a good one!
My favorite thing about knitting is the way it keeps my mind engaged. I may look like I’m just moving my hands, but my mind is also moving, counting, looking forward in the pattern, problem solving, and thinking about next projects. I’d love to be able to share knitting by gifting someone with this kit – maybe my daughter-in-law?
I love all kinds of knitting, but mostly simple things that I can just pick up at 5am and continue onwards without too much thought.
I learned to knit in Brownies, way back in the dark ages, and never really stopped. I am a process knitter, love to knit anything, all the time, anywhere and am always up for passing it on. And it may lead to weaving, spinning, dyeing, felting, even crochet- endless possibilities!
Where to even begin? I love, love, love knitting and have ever since I learned from my mother when I was four years old (and that’s 76 years ago). My mom died at 93 in 2007. One of the things I love about knitting is the connection I feel to her when I knit. I have her needles, many of her tools, and some of her often knit and well loved patterns There is, for example, that ten cent mitten book which she bought (with me in tow) in Spooner, WI when we were visiting Dad’s parents. Those are the best mitten patterns ever. I have knit many, may pairs from that little booklet over the years.
She and I did not always see eye to eye, but we could always put our differences aside and enjoy knitting together. Thanks mom for teaching me knitting. I love it and I love you.
I love lace knitting!
The thing I live about knitting? There are 2 things: the calm that comes with the repetitive movement and seeing my wonderful squishy goodness(aka yarn) become a beautiful item to share with others
I love creating something unique! Even if I use the same pattern and yarn, maybe it’s a different color. Or sleev length. Or a different size front and back. No 2 are ever the same!
My favorite thing about knitting is how very we doable it is… I haven’t had projects I’ve completed and have hated the result and I can rip all of it out and do something different with the yarn. A bit frustrating but satisfying at the same time
I love playing with fibers and patterns, watching fabric emerge from strands. I also like that if I don’t like the product, I can just frog it. Magic either way
I’ve had a dozen different obsessive crafts over my lifetime, but knitting just clicked. The first day I learned to knit, I stayed up until 3:00 am and figured out how to make a keyhole for my scarf. That joy of discovery has bouyed my knitting for over 18 years.
Knitting is my calming activity that is there for me anytime I need it. While “mindless” knits have their place and I do them, I prefer to make shawls and explore new ways of making them.
There’s always something to learn, even after 70 (gulp!) years, always another pattern/yarn/technique/color combo to try.
I love Everything about knitting -the creativity, making, its contemplative nature. My favorite thing to knit is sweaters -color work and fair isle, but shawls, socks, and hats are also fun!
There’s always something new to learn! There’s knitting for every occasion, it’s portable or stay-home-able, and is the most constructive way to keep my hands busy! Should I mention the tactile qualities… or the colours?
My favorite thing(s) about knitting: simple mindless/tough going, little gray cells pumping iron; portable/humongous (Kaffe’s throw); screaming colors/neutrals all the way; fun/exasperating; love/hate/ambiguous ……….
My favorite thing about knitting is the ability to customize all the things with any project. Color, fiber, style, fit, sleeve length, hip length, ease…however I want it. It’s liberating!
The things I enjoy most about knitting is how it keeps me focused, provides me a creative outlet, AND I produce something handmade! Knitting has made me many friends, and has kept me learning and using my brain.
I love to knit with my friends. Its a great way to connect to others who love the fiber arts.
Knitting is always a calming companion even when I have to fix mistakes. Love combining colorful arns and creative stitches into shawls.
My favorite thing about knitting is that it can be done anywhere. I have knit waiting in lines, at Dr.’s offices, in cars & boats, indoors & out doors, in parks & on beaches. I haven’t found a place that I can’t knit and that makes me so happy!
I love color work and pattern knitting in which I need to focus just on my knitting. Everything else fades away for a few moments while I count stitches or repeats.
My favorite thing about knitting is it allows those of us who fidget to keep our hands busy. Plus it can be a quiet meditation or a community party. It can also be simple or complicated. Color choices can be bold & bright or soft & subtle. It is an art form that varies with your mood & lifestyle.
My favorite thing about knitting is that my grand twins think I’m magical. What gets better than that?
Ooohhh… favorite thing about knitting…… I don’t wiggle in my seat anymore? I actually pay attention in lectures and meetings because my fingers are busy? I end up with something pretty I can show off when I’m done? (better than my fancy bubble and block letters anyway…).
I love socks because I knit them vanilla and they are great for conversation time. I love lace because it’s always so pretty when it’s done!
My favorite thing about knitting is that it keeps my hands busy and makes me feel productive when I would otherwise just be “wasting time.”
My favorite thing to knit is detailed shawls in some of my favorite fibers!! As soon as i finish one, I am looking for the next!
Color and the process of knitting are what I love about knitting!
I love the variety about knitting. It can be simple garter stitch when I need soothing stitches or delicate lace or fun color work when I want to engage more of my mind.
I love that there is always something new to learn. Maybe someday I will learn all the things – but I seriously doubt it! Some knitting genius is always bringing new ideas to the world.
Someone asked me recently what I do when I am bored. This seemed like a strange question to me because with knitting, I am NEVER bored.
I love the challenge of learning a new technique. And I also love beinjg able to knit while I watch tv, and have accomplished something at the end of the night!
All this, the community & creativity & perseverance & joy.
I love that no two knitters moves their hands exactly the same way, yet we’re all knitting! The end results are the same, but we all have a very unique finger dance to get there.
I like that knitting can be suited to your mood or attention level. Sometimes you need a plain vanilla sock, and other times you want a complicated colorwork or lace chart.
Knitting for me fills up the empty spaces where my hands would be idle otherwise and as I silently plug along, I have an object that has captured time so nicely.
What I love most about knitting is discovering new stitch patterns to create interesting textures and expermenting with colour combinations. I mostly knit small things so I can move onto the next project quickly 😀
I love how knitting eases my anxieties in these trying times and it also takes the opportunity for mindless snacking since my hands are otherwise busy.
i love knitting shawls (although a florida girl can only use so many). i must say though i want to be able to knit socks quickly and well. was that too much info?
My favorite thing about knitting…you can do it anywhere any time. It’s something new each project, and you can knit while you socialize. It’s even better when you get together with other knitters. What’s not to love!
I love all things inherently contained and connected to the craft of creating with fiber.
What I love about knitting is there is always something to learn, to admire, and projects to dream about. It’s just an awe-inspiring craft !
I think my favorite thing about knitting is how many cool things there are to knit-things so beautiful that you can’t buy them at the store, the best kind of homemade.
And if I can add a second, it is that once you sample that, all the “How did they make that?” queries lead you to enjoy a infinite number of techniques.
My favorite thing about knitting (and it has changed over the years) is that ,when I can’t sleep, and it is 3:00 in the morning, I can pick up my knitting without waking anyone in the house.
I love to knit because it relaxes me. I am by nature a nervous person but never while knitting. I love sock knitting most of all.
It fills my creative soul,I just have to make! I also like the community aspect of knitting, I feel at home with other knitters.
The best, best, best thing about knitting is that I can roll it up and take it anywhere with me!!! I love to knit in the car when my husband is driving. Planes, trains and ferry boats are also great for getting in the groove with some portable knitting.
My favorite thing about knitting (lately) is that it makes waiting tolerable. Even the DMV is a pleasant spell of useful time if I have my sock or mitten in progress in hand.
My favourite thing about knitting is that no matter how long you have been knitting there is always something new to learn. New techniques, new methods of doing something you already know, new stitch patterns new designs and styles – the list is endless. Its like a mathematical puzzle – there are so many ways to reach your desired outcome that you are never bored. Its a constantly evolving journey.
I do love the fact that there is always something new to learn! I’m a sample knitter and have been happy to have acquired so many new skills with the projects that I’ve made.
i don’t worry about waiting at the doctor’s office or for my flight to take off. Always have my knitting to keep me company.
Profound meditative relaxation with the bonus of FOs.
I love the Dragoness pattern.
Knitting is my favorite way to relax. And I love to watch my Knitting projects evolve.
Besides keeping my hands busy ( a bonus in all those Zoom meetings!) my favorite thing about knitting is the community it creates. If two people are in the same place, bot Knottong, there is instant connection.
My favorite thing about knitting is: it IS my favorite thing. To see others do, to do myself, and to imagine what could become next on my needles
Most everything i make, i give away. Scarves to friends, baby blankets to coworkers , and now, the children of my friends. i love the feel of yarn. i love using a blanket as a leg cover when it is cold and i am knitting a baby blanket gift.
I love the sense of excitement when starting a new project but even more I love the calming effect it almost always gives me. Good day – knit some. Bad day – knit more!
After 42 years there is still so much to learn AND do. I never get tired of it!
I love seeing the fabric come to life!
Thank you for the opportunity to win this fabulous prize! My favourite thing to knitting is, well, knitting . I love the peace it gives me, the yarn colours, learning new techniques, I could go on. I can’t imagine not knitting!
My favorite thing about knitting—at the moment! it changes—is how it connects the generations. I remember being taught to knit at age 7 by my ever-patient grandmother, who not only reminded me as often as I needed where I was in the stitch but was also happy to finish any of my abandoned projects for years. And now I am doing the same for my grandchildren, who wore sweaters as infants knit and put aside by my grandmother for the babies she knew she would not live to see. So I am the link between my grandchildren’s great great grandmother, born in 1887, and the grandchildren of their own I imagine they will be teaching to knit in 2087 and beyond.
I love matching colors and fiber to a cool pattern. Stitching and stitching away, often with an audible book as the soundtrack. Preferably outdoors. My lovely escape and creative outlet.
Favourite thing about knitting; the challange of matching a pattern with yarn from my stash.
Learning new sills – every project has something new
There is so much to love about knitting the relaxation of it, the history, the community of knitters from around the world that unite for the love of all things squishy! Knitting has brought me so much joy it helps with my anxiety keeps me sane and helps to distract me from my chronic migraines. I love to knit items for friends and family to me there is nothing more special than getting something made by hand. Knitting is brings people together from all over the world to a happy place of squishy delight and friendship.
Meditative.
I love mostly all kinds of knitting, but I’m particularly partial to two-handed color work like fair isle.
Still not wild about double knitting
I love the excitement of casting on a new project! Such desire and fun!
There’s always more to learn, which is exciting and energizing. Or I can just knit a plain sock and relax.
I love the calming of my mind, when I knit the world and it’s problems just melt away, I enjoy knitting simple sweaters and small blankets,
My favorite thing about knitting is shamelessly knitting for myself things that suit me. It feels a little selfish (so.. still working on the shamelessly), but I find knitting for others stressful at times.
Knitting…it’s the connection to my grandmother who taught me with cotton string which became bandages for packages to Africa. It’s the tiny sweater and leggings remembered while the size 13 men’s sock grows on my lap for that same baby. It’s a pause for humanity and for care.
I’m pretty much self taught – my Danish niece taught me the basic knit stitch 13 years ago and then I bought the original MDK book while I lived in Sweden (had it shipped to me!!). Over the years I’ve learned a few new tricks and love trying new skills. I’ve signed up for the field guide subscription and I’m being very adventurous trying these!
After the past week I don’t have to tell you what A peaceful meditative skill knitting is! Look at all the posts here that are praising the calming effects of knitting. It has been A blessing to me and I have passed it on to my two granddaughters and soon to my great nephew.
I started out crocheting and moved to knitting for the pattern options and skills. Knitting has given me new friends and communities to enjoy.
I really enjoy knitting period. I do enjoy a good zen project for TV viewing, but also enjoy something challenging too. Right now I’m knitting the Campside Cardigan for my oldest granddaughter. It’s a fun pattern. I follow your blog all the time and find it inspiring.
Knitting relaxes my mind. I learned during the pandemic when my son bought me a knitting book for my birthday. I was a crocheter but he thought I was a knitter. So I got out some old inky needles and tried. And I was
I must agree…always something different to knit I finished a night shift recently and gave it away to my favorite niece and am almost done with my first shift and am combing through my stash for yarn to make another shift. I have my Bang out a Sweater (Daytripper still on needles with a long happy way to go). I am never bored of knitting and will love it always!
I love that knitting calms my brain when tings get rough. And right now I’m in the midst of mitten-palooza, creating fair isle mitts for Christmas gifts. I’m on the third of a planned 12 pairs!
My current very favorite thing about knitting is the friends I have made doing it. Life has changed since I started. I also love the feel of the yarn and the colors I have to work with.
I love the portability of knitting, and that I can knit something simple and repetitive during times of stress and something lacy, intricate or complicated when I need an escape. I particularly enjoy knitting hats and shawls.
My favorite part of knitting is turning a heel. It’s like going to a magic show. Every time you say okay I’m going to watch real close this time and figure out how it works, and every single time it just appears. Or a cable, now that’s a metaphor for life.
I love knitting because it allows me to be creative and productive and is very therapeutic. I love the mobile factor of knitting – I can take it anywhere.
I love the relaxing benefits and creative outlet of knitting. I love the gorgeous tonals and color combinations in hand dyed yarn.
My favorite part of knitting is it is my way of meditation. Therapy for the mind and soul while making something along the way.
I love knitting when I get together with my fellow knitting friends and we stitch and Bitch. I love it becuz I enjoy seeing the face of the person I have made that special project for. I love it becuz it reminds me of my Nonna who taught me to knit as a child.
Knitting is comforting and relaxing for me. Just the process of picking up my needles and settling into my chair initiates a feeling of peace.
There is something about knitting that simply feeds my soul; it brings me peace.
Knitting in the round… I’ll never forget the day I learned to knit in the round… the clouds broke and the sun came out – unicorns and rainbows and fairy’s showed up – and life was never going to be the same!
Knitting is the expression of my creativity. I love the process and the finished product. I love the endless new patterns to make.
Been knitting since I was 10. It’s my companion, my de-stressor, my creative outlet and my comfort. I’m never without it! Love all kinds of knitting — style depends on the environment — car knitting, challenging knitting, donation knitting, it’s all in my WIP pile! My favorite is knitting without pattern — lots of life-lines, try on as you go, and then at the end perfect fit.
knitting to soothe the soul
Sport or fingering yarns are my preferred yarn weights, for tops and sweaters. Cotton (I’m thinking of Summerlite 4ply) and Tussah silk are great for Florida weather!
One thing? Impossible. Of course I don’t really know why I love the actual knitting. I love that it’s portable, that unless mohair ot sterling is involved no mistake is permanent but even if it is permanent it is only knitting so really no actual harm – at most massive disappointment. Knitting with a capital K saved me when I was unable to read or do much physically for many years – Knitting meaning the craft and the community, especially the MDK blog, books and founders. Thank you.
So many reasons to love knitting but first and foremost, it is because my Mother taught me. When I complete a project, she’s who I want to show it to … I was too busy to knit while working but since retirement, it is my meditative, calming activity. I could never watch TV if I did not knit! Sweaters are my FAV project!
I love knitting sweaters while listening to audiobooks. It is my favorite thing to do. Inside by a fire in the winter, outside by the pool in the summer, always with the dogs curled up nearby.
It is soooo calming!!!
I LOVE the feeling of soft, beautiful fiber in my hands! Color excites me! My favorite knitting is colorwork! Mixing colors and patterns makes my heart sing!! The possibilities are endless! What JOY!!
I love the texture. And that we knitters are all over the world!!! (Today, I met one in Sardinia!)
Knitting keeps me “grounded” in this crazy world!
Years ago, back when every knitter had a blog, mine was called Knitting Relaxes Me, and even though the blog has languished, knitting still relaxes and calms me. I always keep an easy project at work for those stressful times when just touching yarn helps.
Mindless stockinette on one set of needles, complicated and new or complicated on the other!
My favorite knitting is baby socks: making pregnant women happy and hopeful. Also fits in my pocket better than a blanket. http://teakat-translations.blogspot.com/2010/08/finnish-baby-socks-translation.html
I love how I am always learning something new – a new technique, or another way to do something I already know… I love seeing how much my 3-yr old grand nephew LOVES his log cabin blankies I have made (and mended) and made more for him… and I love how I never feel like I’m wasting time in a waiting room or watching the boob tube anymore. Favorite knitting has to be log cabin now (it is so relaxing, and colorful, and creative), but also lace when I have time to concentrate on something. Favorite things I want to try next: hap shawls and a gansey.
Current favourite knitting is an adult version of baby surprise jacket… Long rows of relaxing stocking stitch makes a welcome contrast to wrangling dpns in my first ever pair of socks.
I love the feel of the yarn and the joy in watching the strands become something even more beautiful. I’m always amazed at how it all works and usually mistakes can be fixed without too much pain.
I find that I’m always learning something new when I knit – sometimes I don’t even realize it!
I love how knitting can be so comforting. And the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when a project is completed whether it’s big or small. I also love that there are always new things to learn so there’s always room for growth and challenges.
I love knitting because it’s tactile, relaxing, and creative.
First learning to knit brought together a group of women experienced and willing to share their knowledge with a few of us wanting to learn. In the process we’ve all found new friendships, gained ideas and knowledge. I love that projects can go along where I go, and in public it usually opens conversations with strangers either fellow knitters or curious observers.
Knitting scratches 2 itches: Process (developing new skills, challenging myself with design and execution, the soothing and meditative mechanical actions) and Product (I MADE that!)
It is very relaxing when I am working on a no brainer pattern .
My favorite thing about knitting is community. Our LYS has made a welcoming, inclusive space for all knitters. Weekly newsletters, ZOOMING, IG and now In Person again! has kept us all connected.
My favorite thing about knitting is browsing beautiful new yarns and patterns. I read pattern books for fun (cookbooks too). Then the thrill of casting on a new project.
Knitting has always calmed my mind when it’s going in a thousand directions at once!
I love what I call “engineered knitting.” By that I mean knitting patterns with unusual construction techniques, where you just trust the pattern in front of you and do the things the pattern says, and the magic appears!
I love everything a out knitting: from picking out the pattern and the yarn to time spent with the project.
I love mindless knitting, most of the time, but love it when it looks complicated and is not. 🙂
My absolute favorite thing about knitting — sharing it with my daughter.
My favorite kind of knitting is done at the end of the day, relaxing on the couch in my cozy nook! It really helps me unwind.
My favorite kind of knitting changes with what’s going on in life. Overwhelmed? Knit simple stuff. Time on my hands? Sweaters requiring concentration. Waiting in the car for kids? The car scarf.
Knitting is a relaxing stress release to me even though I am draw to knitting with techniques like Marlisle and brioche.
The yarn, the fiber, the colors, the texture…
I love how knitting leaves me with something finished. Even though I’m always knitting, once something is done, it stays that way (usually). Also I make beauty in otherwise wasted time.
My daughter is going through a stressful time and was worrying herself sick in the evenings. So I’m teaching her to knit. You can’t worry while trying to remember how to form stitches! She is loving it! I got her the book already, which she finds very helpful but I told her the other day we need to get her a bag, this one would be great. Plus, I told her about Knit in Public Day and she is so excited. You’ll find us at the park….
My favorite kind of knitting is Saturday afternoon with my regular knitting group especially when it’s sunny and we’re outside. Unfortunately that’s about the only knitting I get to enjoy regularly lately.
Right now my favorite knitting is something that doesn’t require constant checking in with the pattern. Socks. Hats. Certain scarf/shawl.
i love the calm it brings to me. knitting is the best.
I learned to knit in a Meetup group a few years ago. I always worked with large needles (10 and above).
The group leader taught us to knit socks with DK weight yarn on a size 7. I made a pair of socks. My knitting buddy never completed her team. I still have mine – I take them out to marvel at what I created. I also learned to make a baby sweater.
I have met so many people from different walks of life because of knitting.
I have traveled from the East Coast to Pacific Coast for a knitting/fiber convention. The people I met there were amiable and willing to let me ask questions, touch their work and even try their needles.
I still consider myself a beginner. I am always learning. And the yarn…..the needles…..the patterns….oh, my ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love learning and knitting makes that happen for me. I search out projects that stretch me and allow me to learn new techniques and methods.
Choosing from practically unlimited colors and textures and then regardless of skill level actual create something. And have the freedom to do it anywhere – perfect
I love doing the color work shown to us by Kaffe Fassett, using the wonderful Rowan tweeds! I also love knitting baby blankets for new mamas.
I love that i can take string and sticks and make something. I can make a blanket to keep a friend warm or welcome a new baby. I can make socks to keep my aunt’s feet warm. I can make a sweater to keep warm in the winter months. Oh and I like the amazement in friends’ faces that I made that.
I love creating a beautiful (I hope!) something for me or another to enjoy.
It is something I can do even egen Im feeling useless
After trying many different hobbies over the years, knitting is the one I always return to. It continues to bring me joy. It just makes me happy.
My knitting can go with me wherever I go!!
Knitting = Creating + Calming + Gifting + Learning + Challenge + Finding friends + Love
I love knitting socks!
So many things to repeat, and so many more to learn.
I love learning something new all the time. New skills are fun and productive but even making something again and again teaches me!
I love how relaxing knitting is. I enter a meditative space when I am knitting. The creativity of using two sticks to turn some string into fabulous patterns is pretty magical too!
I love knitting in general. But stranded colorwork is my favorite followed by cables! Knitting relaxes me so much! It is my meditation activity!
Knitting takes me away to my space. Could be a simple baby hat, or more complicated project.
It gives me such pleasure.
My favorite things about knitting is that I can take it everywhere and knit pretty much anywhere, I’m rarely bored or impatient when I’m knitting (so it’s great for waiting or for being around I’d rather not be around) and I always end up with something useful (or weird or cute which are useful in their own way). My favorite things to knit are hats (which I never wear unless there is a real danger of my earlobes freezing off since they never stay on my head), mittens and socks (definitely wear those!), dishcloths and little creatures (animals, gnomes, dolls, teeny cabled with toothpicks pines trees, ‘shrooms).
Nothing better than knitting for someone else! My evenings are spent needles in hand ! What a better way to stay on a diet!
Knitting gives me comfort, knitting gives me connection, and knitting gives me peace.
I once heard the question of process vs product knitter, and I instantly knew where I fall. I’m most certainly a process knitter, every step of the way- from understanding and experimenting with fiber to swatches for the fun of it, to planning projects and practicing skills… The joy for me is in the process! I think wherever ideation shows up is my favorite part about knitting.
The beginning the middle and the end..I love knitting cardinals the beginning where I knit bottom up and dream about how the neckline is gonna end up being..the middle where I know I chose the right pattern and knowing how the neckline is gonna end up being..and the end very satisfied with the end and the neckline I have chosen..everything from beginning to the end of a cardigan
I love the serenity that knitting offers as well as the community surrounding the craft!
Knitting is my “fidget spinner” — and has brought me so many new friends in real life and virtually — it keeps me feeling productive in waiting rooms, on airplanes, on road trips…
Knitting is as challenging or as easy as I wish it to be at the time. I love to challenge myself and just as much love to coast. I enjoy the texture and color of all fibers and it is such a treat to create with them.
I love knitting shawls, although now that we live in Florida I am transitioning to summer tops in cotton and cotton blends.
Knitting is a reminder that your life can change, beyond recognition, taking small steps, until it gradually dawns on you that all is well, and all will be well
My favorite thing about knitting is watching yarn on my needles become something whether that’s a hat, a shawl, or even a sweater.
Knitting uses your senses… what fun to walk into a yarn shop, look at all the lovely colors, touch the different textures, sniff the yarns ever so lightly.. then you purchase and you have in your bag the best of all those pieces.. Put the new yarn onto your needles and listen as your project grows with each knit, purl yarn over knit two together….Creating a project unique to you! A reward system… knit a bit then do the chores of life a bit….
Love to discover new ways to knit gifts for friends, family and strangers.
My favorite thing about knitting is playing with color combinations in different yarns and patterns.
My favorite kind of knitting is soccer-sideline knitting. The project cannot be too complex … but it gets done while watching soccer.
I’ve been knitting more than 50 years(!) and am only now diving deep into how yarn colors interact, fight and make friends.
My previous passion was quilting, but with new babies in the house I needed something that didn’t involve lots of stray pins and needles. My first attempt at a baby sweater was a mess – my cousin who was mentoring exclaimed “Have I ever told you what a great quilter you are?”. But it didn’t matter. It wasn’t the end product that interested me, it was the process. So, my answer: the process.
I love the endless possibilities that knitting and crocheting give us!
I like having something that keeps my hands busy while I’m doing something else, that challenges me a little when I try a new stitch or series of stitches and voila, a clever thing results, and I like the beautiful endless colors and tactile textures of yarn.
I love being able to craft clothing that fits perfectly- extra long sleeves and boost for my tall self!
Beautiful fabric from a string.
All the colors and textures! I love knitting cables…
I love that I can knit anywhere!!! So relaxing and enjoyable.
Car knitting is the best when you have a husband who loves to do all the driving.
Endless creativity from two simple stitches.
My favorite thing about knitting… is knitting.
If I’ve had a very busy day, knitting is relaxing. Then it’s a mindless pattern! If it’s been a mindless day, then it’s a pattern that I have to concentrate on. This skill set would be perfect for my granddaughter who Is trying to learn to knit with a little help from me when we see each other. I love snippets.
Knitting is my meditation!
I love the sound the needles make when they sometimes hit together. I am at awe to see yarn being transformed into a garment or a useful item. I am able to knit beautiful gifts for friends, family and strangers. I love to knit items for the homeless and babies. I am a beginner knitter and I truly enjoy this craft.
My favorite thing about knitting is being able to make gifts for people! Keeping them warm especially. And knitting w friends!
Knitting to me is a little bit of a respite from the day. The steady rhythm of the needles clicking as you knit it stitch is like a rocking chair. It also brings back memories of my Granny who taught me to knit and sew among so many other things.
My favorite kind of knitting is Lace. Doilies. Thread. 0000 needles sharp enough to pierce your earlobes.
My favorite thing…making gifts for the people I love…
My favorite thing about knitting is how calming it is while challenging at the same time! I enjoy immersing myself in a pattern to relax!
I love knitting intarsia, stranded and cable knits. They keep the knitting interesting and really fun!
i love the endless variety!
my new fave kind: half fisherman’s rib–squishy as brioche, but less fussy.
Knitting is nirvana for me. It assists me to relax, unwind and simply enjoy the sensuous road before me.
There is knitting for many emotions – sequence knitting to meditate by, lace when my mood is light and airy, marling when I don’t know what I want and new colors pop up to entertain me, and a Stephen West formula when I wish I was an artist and that artistic desire evolves with his help.
I just love to relax, watching movies in the evenings while knitting. Currently I have been knitting baby surprise jackets and baby socks for a charity
My favorite thing about knitting is the chance to play with color and texture with the added bonus of something to wear or wrap yourself up in when your project is finished.
I love yarn, fine and chunky, bright colors and calm, plain stitches and patterns, needles and tools and patterns and hand written notes on them. I’m connected to knitters in the past and to knitters today.
My favorite thing about knitting is that it allows me to create what I can imagine.
Right now I’m enjoying making a Willow brioche scarf — grateful for the lifelines when I make a mistake because I get overconfident.
I love that knitting is portable. I can knit most any time, anywhere. Although I thoroughly enjoy a great variety of knitting techniques my favorite is colorwork.
My favorite thing about knitting: it keeps my hands busy and, depending on what I’m knitting, let’s my brain focus on something else or intensely on my knitting.
Knitting keeps my hands busy! I have decided to always work things not too challenging – tv and easy knit is my thing.
In the midst of a stressful point on my life ( right now, with the top 5 stressors all checked) knitting had been my solace. Finished a sweater and starting the Shakerag top. Keep calm and knit.
Color! Knitting and beautiful yarn has brought color into my wardrobe and life. So much color and joy.
Knitting is like therapy for me. I work in a mental health agency and in these days there is a lot of stress and I find that knitting is my way to unwind from a difficult day. I try to knit for at least an hour a day. It is a huge part of my life.
I love knitting for my grandchildren. It’s another way to express my love for them and gives them something tangible to see and hold (e.g. their baby blankets) that will remind them of my love even after I’m no longer here to tell them I love them.
Knitting keeps me grounded and my hands out of trouble! Mostly I make simple things—hats, scarves,etc— to give away to families in crisis. With knitting, pleasure abounds.
I love making socks. Dishcloths too!
I’m not exactly sure why I love knitting. I do know that ever since I learned to knit three years ago, it has become my hands-down favorite thing to do. I enjoy making things for family and friends (and sometimes myself). Socks are my favorite items to knit.
My favorite thing about knitting is watching skeins of yarn transform into a wearable object.
I love the feeling of accomplishment when I knit
After making scarves, cowls, mittens, market bags and a couple sweaters I have decided that I’d really rather make toys. I like bringing them to life, dressing them in cute clothes (scarves, cowls, mittens, market bags, sweaters and knickers!) and then giving them away to a child who will love them.
My favorite thing about knitting is keeping my hands busy while waiting or doing something else. I love making socks especially.
I love reading Franklin Habit’s columns. I also need to learn brioche (have been trying on my own for years), and intarsia. Would love to win this set and I will order #21.
I love to knit and crochet. I hate the blocking and finishing, so I have a basket (12?) of shawls to be blocked (I wear them anyway, sometimes). A sweater in MN and one in AZ. It’s awful! Maybe today… It’s the process that’s so soothing. If I can’t take my knitting, I’m not going.
I love how knitting helps to calm my mind at the end of a crazy hectic day. It is meditation with a soft cuddly tangible product at the end
Keeps my hands busy and connects me to a long line of crafters before me. Plus it is a great reason to seek out a yarn shop when traveling.
I like how knitting connects me to others. I recently lost my mother, who shared my love of knitting. It was what we talked about the most, and I’m having trouble getting my knitting mojo back without her. So I rejoined my local guild and joined a KAL, which has helped. Off to knit with them in a few minutes, in fact.
Knitting has been my companion and friend for over 50 years. It both soothes and energizes me. I love how various yarns feel as I work with them as well as the texture and hand of the fabrics they produce. I love the simplicity of garter and stockinette stitches and the complexity of cables and lace and everything else in between. I revel in the colours that I get to play with. I even love thinking about knitting—what will I knit next? How might I finish this edge or that? Which yarn from my stash might work for a particular pattern? I look forward to many more years of the great joy that knitting is for me.
Knitting satisfies my need to create something and it’s a portable craft.
Yesterday’s lunch with a friend who is a quilter and a knitter:
Me: So, what’s on your quilt table?
Grace: Yarn
Me: Too funny!
Of course I was expecting her to tell me about her latest and greatest quilt project. Then i was going to ask about knitting work(s) in progress!
My favorite thing about knitting is the ‘ZEN’ of it. So, I was surprised to realize that I am an ‘intense’ knitter. I knit FAST and rip out & redo a lot. So much for the zen. . . But now that I know this, I am learning what I thought I already knew, but didn’t. . . the zen of knitting. My favorite thing to make = sweaters. ESPECIALLY steek’d Lettloip, now that I’ve done the Day Tripper.
I think my favorite thing about knitting is that it feels like an old friend, after all these years of practicing it. Or a part of myself that gives me comfort, especially needed in what feels like an increasingly chaotic world. Even when I try new things–a new pattern, a new yarn, a new technique–I feel at home with my knitting. Thanks for the snippets and such good and enjoyable writing every week!
It is so relaxing. I can release the stress of the day.
I love knitting on my back porch, often with a friend who’s an adventurous new knitter, enjoying good conversation and creating new bits of beauty.
After reading the other comments and seeing that I feel just about ALL of them, I’d have to say that knitting for me is about connecting. Connecting with yourself, finding that calm creative center in the middle of a busy day. Connecting with the designer of that perfect pattern that just fits exactly the right mood and level of complexity. Connecting with the yarn, grown by the animals in a variety of environments, raised by hardworking shepherds, spun, dyed, and shipped from creative fiber artists worldwide. Connecting with our own past & the legacy of all the knitters who’ve come before, seeing and knitting patterns handed down or snuggling under a much- loved afghan from Grandma. Connecting with your recipient, feeling all the love and intent you put into their gift, stitch by stitch. Connecting with an amazing community of fellow knitters, willing to share more than just knitting advice, finding lifelong friendships along the way.
Connecting to the wellspring of human creativity & being able to create something out of sticks and string, whether out of necessity or just because (human ingenuity always amazes me! ) never stops being new to me.
My favorite thing about knitting is that I’m always learning something new, a stitch, a new method, a technique. It’s an exploration. To boldly go where no one has gone before!
So hard to pick just one thing. It allows me to be creative. It relaxes me. It gives me garments that are custom-fitted. And oh, the deep dive into color and texture. But I think the thing I like the most is the instant camaraderie among like-minded people.
I started crocheting very young, both Mom and Grandma were avid crocheted. But, as I grew older in my eyes knitting was smoother, neater…looked more professional. I just started learning to knit at 65. Finally got the hang of two needles, but 3 or more…no chance. Unfortunately none of my friends or acquaintances knit so I have been learning from books and the internet. So glad I finally took the plunge!!
Knitting is a creative outlet for me. There are some days I actually crave it. When I travel I look for local yarn stores and my stash is a testimony to the places I’ve been.
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT KNITTING IS THAT IT IS MEDITATIVE…I CAN CREATE SOMETHING SPECIAL WHILE SITTING QUIETLY OR LISTENING TO AN AUDIO BOOK OR LISTENING TO MUSIC OR THE TV.
My favorite reason for knitting is that I can wear the finished item. It doesn’t have to go on the wall or sit on a table–it can be on me! Also, it helps me justify watching TV and keeps me busy on long road trips if I’m not driving.
Knitting seems to calm and I love watching string grow into something I made.
Having a finished project to wear or gift, the whole process of knitting including peace it gives during process.
My favorite thing about knitting is the
endless variety. There’s always something different & new. It never gets boring.
I love the process—from finding a pattern to deciding in yarn, deciphering new-to-me stitches all the way to blocking the final product <3
Textures! Scarves, sharks, cokes, as long as I’m combining stitches in new ways to create fun feels!
I am so looking forward to the field guide 21 brioche. I love the opportunity to upgrade learning online and the enthusiasm MDK brings!
Wow. What is my favourite thing about knitting!?! I think the very best knitting has to offer is that it is a true, life-long skill, craft?, obsession?, occupation?. Long after the soccer players’ knees have given out, after the sailor has been beached and after the band member can no longer lug their gear, I shall sit in my chair, even if my eyes have gone dim, and draw comfort from the sock, mitten, blanket, sweater, or dishcloth taking shape under my fingers. Thanks, Mum, for the introduction to this magic when I was four. So far you have given me sixty seven years of comfort and joy.
Knitting reduces my anxiety and brings a Sense of peace to my urge to keep moving. I love knitting sweaters and now I’m into socks and I love learning new techniques.
I love color work and seeing it develop as I knit!
Good old garter stitch for me … I never tire of it!!
Knitting saves lives. It’s true. What I love most is that there is always something to learn.
“Mindless” knitting that doesn’t require counting and concentration.
There’s always something new to learn!
Knitting is relaxing and creative
Right now … Love just throwing beautiful yarn on my needles and garter stitching away … scarf? Shawl? Afghan? Pure relaxation.
Love stranded color work
I love the feel of the yarn, and watching what it becomes. I like that there is no judgement from it, just time with a friend. It’s my time.
I love the variety of fibers and colors available currently.
I like to knit in garter stitch.
Knitting is my meditation. The consistent stitches, the way to create something I like to touch and feel. Tactile and visually stunning. Knitting gives me some peace (most of the time ).
I love lace knitting because it keeps me very engaged. I knit to nothing almost all the time but sometimes I wish for some music.
I love to knit top down raglan in either dk or worsted. It brings me zen mode.
I love that I am carrying on the tradition of knitting of my ancestors, most of whom were Norwegian.
My favourite thing about knitting is the community it creates. I love meeting people and discovering that we both knit. It seems like a cool secret club with it’s own language and culture, and that once you find other members you have an instant connection.
I love knitting in the car on long road trips because I can talk to my husband who is driving. I enjoy stockinette because it is relaxing and I don’t have to count or concentrate.
I love knitting, because it makes the world go away for awhile, sometimes a long while. It’s very calming. I have been knitting for a little over 60 years, and do throw crocheting in periodically.
Knitting is a combination of so many things: creativity, calming, occasionally frustrating. I love making things for family.
Since I’m moving from Denver to the Oregon Coast from Denver I really need that bag.Alone at age 69 I’m taking my dog and yarns and as much as will fit into my Honda CR-V and that’s all. I have wanted to return to Oregon since the day I left and I’m so out of here and I can take MDK with me
My grandmother taught me how to knit when I was six so I always think of her while I am knitting. This is especially true when I cast on. She taught me an easy two-handed cast-on method for clumsy child hands that I still mostly use despite the bizarre looks during knitting classes. Initially I was embarrassed but now I claim my Nana’s cast-on with love and pride.
I love the portability of knitting and I love trying new and complicated patterns to keep things interesting!
I love knitting as a younger person, but my confidence has waned as I’ve grown older. Would love to have a guide or source to help me reacquaint myself with basic skills. Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge…
The creativity, all the colors! Love stranded knitting!
What I love about knitting is the versatility. I can make an heirloom, a garment used every day or just something fun and they can go along with me wherever I travel. I, also, love that knitting is timeless.
My favorite thing about knitting is that I am prevented from scrolling my phone mindlessly!
I love the idea of creating fabric. I love the feel of yarn flowing across my fingers and needles.
Just sitting quietly.
I enjoy knitting prayer shawls and lapghans mostly.
I look forward to reading the MDK email every Saturday. I love knitting as it’s so meditative and sometimes allows me to listen to audiobooks
There are so many things I love about knitting. It calms me, challenges me, connects me to the women in my family who have always been “makers.” My favorite knitting lately has been brioche – I enjoy the rhythm of the process and the feel of the finished fabric.
I love the fibers and colors involved in knitting. My favorite type of knitting is something I can knit while watching tv.
I discovered “knitting therapy”,( at least that’s what I call it) when my daughter was ill and spent endless hours getting IVs at the doctors’ office. I saw a woman there knitting a beautiful sweater, and knew that I had to learn how to knit. . . Knitting became my stress reducer because it all melted away as soon as I picked up the knitting needles. It still is the most relaxing, rewarding, and beautiful part of my day!
Knitting entrelac has become a favorite experience for me even though I feel the texture it creates makes it’s application limiting. All things fiber bring joy to my soul!
I,m 74 years old and every time I tackle a new project, I learn something I didn’t know before. Knitting keeps me young.
Knitting helps me calm my mind and ease my stress. As I live on a limited fixed income, it also allows me to create clothing for myself and gifts for those I love.
We have the ability to make magic – creating something beautiful with our own two hands using simple raw ingredients. There is power in the process!
There is always a new technique or new yarn to try. I love the feel of the yarn and needles in my hand. Knitting gives me an opportunity to express my creativity and be an individual. My knitting mistakes teach me patience and perspective. Knitting is my mediation.
The act of knitting fills whatever creative need I’m experiencing at the time. As a passenger on a long and monotonous road trip, I can knit something simple and portable. (Caution: Don’t knit and drive!). When my husband and I spend a quiet evening at home, I can knit a challenging lace pattern. I can knit with a group, and help those who want to learn more. Cables and lace are fun. I also enjoy learning new techniques. Let’s not forget the pleasure of stroking all that lovely yarn!
I love all kinds of knitting
I love the constant learning, the flow of a pattern, and all of the tactile experience!
I love the creativity
Knitting is endless possibilities!
I enjoy knitting lace. I especially enjoy blocking the finished item. Stretching out the lace, watching it “grow”, it’s like a magic trick. Big fun!
Creating fabric!
My favorite thing about knitting is that for thos introvert, sometimes its the type of companion I can rely on to sit in comfortable quiet together.
Have always loved the click-click sound of the needles!
I love knitting socks!
My favorite thing is the process. And the product. And what happens when I give that product to a friend.
I’m just learning brioche and really liking it … so far, at least! 🙂
My favorite kind of knitting changes with my mood! Right now I feel like knitting all the socks, but by the end of this pair of socks I will feel differently. But my least favorite kind of knitting is intarsia because I don’t know how to do it, so I want to win so Skill Set can teach me!
My favorite things about knitting is that it provides portable opportunities to be creative. During the pandemic years, I have knit about a dozen pair of handwarmers — many marled in changing colors that I think their recipient will appreciate!
I love knitting because it relaxes me after a long day of teaching middle school! Also, my husbands mother, who was Scottish, taught me. I always think of her when I’m knitting.
I love knitting with multiple colors of yarn in a project.
My favorite kind of knitting is when I can get from one needle to another without it falling off. I’ve been crocheting a lot and decided to take a break and work on my lack of knitting skills. Do I really need to learn to knit 2 together if I’m going to knit front and back in the next row? I think I really need all the help I can get.
Love knitting with mohair, for a lace scarf now!
I don’t have one favorite – but I have lots of things I love. I mostly knit projects with lots of plain, mindless knitting that I can do while I’m also doing something else (passenger on a car trip, watching a movie, etc.). But, I also really love colorwork and lace and projects that do clever things with shaping when I have a little more time and mental energy to do something challenging.
If you wish, there is always something to learn. A new technique. A new way to do something you already know.
Or, you can just kick back and and do what you are completely comfortable with.
And then there are the wonderful people you meet!
My favorite kind of knitting is short, sweet, a gorgeous result, and the kind of project which teaches me something new. I will do a longer project, here and there, but I love a hat or cowl or a pair of fingerless mitts with a new-to-me technique or stitch motif. Fun!
I like that knitting Is a conversation starter. “Oh, is that knitting (crocheting)?” “My grandmother crocheted scarves for everyone at Christmas.”
I love watching a project grow – seeing the pattern emerge! That ‘just one more row’ feeling!
So many positives! Knitting is yoga for the mind, heart and fingers. Knitting provides so many levels of engagement – from simple rhythmic stockinette to challenging laces – so you always have just the perfect fit for what your soul needs today. Create from scratch, follow a pattern to the letter or apply your creativity to modify someone else’s idea – no limits.
Knitting is something I do FOR myself. It is, for me, part of self-care. It satisfies the need to be “doing something” so I can spend time watching TV or a movie.
Knitting makes me happy! ~~ I’m always learning and enjoy the gifts of friendship, playing with color and design.
I love making things, anything. But since you can’t just weld chain mail in the dentist’s office (for some reason, they don’t like the smell and they say riveting is too loud. picky picky) knitting is more a travel project.
It’s hard to specify a favorite thing about knitting. On careful consideration, it’s the constant variety and sense of adventure. Color, texture, ease, challenge, sense of purpose, sense of humor, and chance to think about all the new possibilities while working on the current project-infinite possibility.
My favorite thing about knitting is that it takes to my own little world.
I love knitting. When I was practicing later in the day after my first lesson, I felt such a sense of presence, right here right now. It was wonderful. For me it’s all about the process of knitting. Finished products are a fabulous by-product.
I love how meditative it is.
~Creating the fabric and the garment
~Learning new things as I make something
~Giving someone something that will be used and loved
~The feel of a fine yarn running through my hands
~Accomplishing something as I watch TV or listen to the radio or relax outside
I too, have mild ADHD so knitting keeps my mind engaged and allows me to successfully multitask! I love shawls. It allows Möwe creativity without worrying about fit and gauge!
I almost exclusively knit Hats for Sailors. Because I love to knit while waiting — online at the commissary, at the dentist’s office, at the movies, everywhere! I would live to get my DIL hooked on knitting, and this giveaway would be the perfect trick!
I am addicted to glove knitting. Nothing is more satisfying than giving someone the gift of warm hands.
I love any project that includes lace elements. The ability to zen out and relax is why I knit.
When my mind is a bit frazzled, there’s nothing like mindless knitting to re-center. 🙂
Learning new knitting techniques.
My favorite thing about knitting is the way it gives space for me to escape the world and just rest. As my hands work with the yarn my stress melts away and I’m able to think clearly again.