Things that make you go Hmmm. Very long post!
I loved that song when it came out. It is true, there are things in life that make you scratch your head and go, Hmmm. One of those Hmmm moments for me is in the knitting realm. With all the blogs, forums, "commuknities" and such, there is a lot of information disseminated about knitting, it's techniques, methods and styles. One part of this issue are the claims of certain techniques, styles and methods being the "proper" way to knit. Another truth that most hold to be valid is the "bevy of bosom buddies" mentality among knitters. We are all so nice and kind and polite. When I see the divide these issues create I just have to say "Hmmm".
Proper Way to Knit
You may be able to separate the knit from the knitter, but you can't separate the knitter from her knitting. Huh? We can separate the knit item from it's creator. The knit item stands alone, no matter how it was created. I challenge anyone to glance at an item and determine how it was created. Sometimes a hand knit machine knit* can be discerned from a hand knit hand knit, but most of the time it's only when comparing store bought fine gauge knits to the average sweater. But if 2 knitters made the same item, one by machine and the other by hand, I doubt anyone could tell the difference.
So, our first bust the myth item is: machine knit is less proper than hand knit. Who cares? Once the sweater is done and being worn, it's construction method has no bearing. Now, if we are only knitting for competition at the fairgrounds, then that is a valid issue. Otherwise, it holds no weight in the scheme of daily living.
Then we have the Continental vs English vs Eastern Crossed/Uncrossed, Western vs Eastern, Circs vs Straights/Dpns, Back Stitch/Mattress Stitche....or: You can't take the knitter out of the knitting. You know, all those ways and means that make us knitters.
The biggest argument is the "speed" issue. Which method makes us faster knitters seems to be a big thing. And I admit, once upon a time I was sucked into that argument. I thought I had to try and learn Continental** because that was the only way to get more done. Hogwash! My method of knitting had nothing to do with what I accomplished with my needles. The time I gave to knitting was the only thing that controlled the production of my knitting. I fail to see of what use it is to convince a knitter, who is comfortable with her method, to change to ANY other method to increase her "speed". There is more to developing speed than which hand holds the yarn. But that thought is for another day.
Next argument is: Cast ons, Bind offs and everything in between. For example, one knitter's cast on is a another knitter's Purgatory. The only time I try to change someone's cast on method is when they are doing the e-wrap, that most basic and in-elastic of all cast ons. I just feel it is not the best way to start your knitting. Others may have valid reasons for using it, but I find it unforgiving. And here we see that opinion is the basis for all of these issues. Again, once the knit is finished you cannot tell, at a glance, the method of beginning, or end, or what they did in between. So, how does the techniques used have any weight in the matter?
The only weight any of this has is during the knitting, and that's where the knitter comes in. The methods the knitter uses to create and complete her item is personal choice. They are chosen based on reasons and beliefs the knitter holds to be true. She was taught that way, she was told this was the "proper" way, she has found it be good form for her, she has determined it fits her knitting style, "well, so and so knits this way and she is wicked quick", and a host of other reasons. So, we can't take the knitter out of the knitting. Each knitter will expound on the virtues and "truths" about her knitting. Some even dare to claim that their method is the only way to achieve perfection, speed, or yada yada. Horse Feathers. There may be one true way to Heaven, although there are many religions and few of them agree on what that method is. But there are truly endless ways to achieve perfection in knitting. You may very well find the methods and techniques useful to your style, absolutely fantastic! But don't go telling another knitter that she can only do well if she adopts your method of knitting. Show her, explain it and even help her to learn it, but allow her to determine for herself that it is true. In teaching knitting I always preface my instruction by saying "This is a Chrisknits rule". They understand that I am only explaining how I find the following technique helpful or pertinent to MY knitting. I am always willing to show them alternate methods.
Bevy of Bosom Buddies
Ah, yes, that belief that all knitters are nice and kind and compassionate to others. Bull Sheet. With all the blog groups, forum groups and other venues, we see knitters identifying themselves by regions, causes, methods or sects. Not a problem with this. But it reminds me of the way some claim their nationality here in America. Which only separates us. I guess I could claim to be an Irish/Scottish/German American, but the truth is I am an American. And I am a Knitter. I am not a Fair Isle Knitter, although I love Fair Isle. I am not an Aran Knitter, although I adore Cables. I am not a Garter Stitch Knitter, because I hate knitting garter st. I am a knitter.
But to some I am a hated creature because I am a Conservative voter. Excuse me, what does that have to do with my knitting? Some knitters scoff at me because I am not a Feminist. Wait, isn't it the mantra of the Feminist that women should be allowed to be what they want to be? Who knows what else prevents a knitter from enjoying another's company. When it all boils down, the knitting realm is no different than any other sector of our life. We cleave to what we are comfortable with when it comes to knitting friends. And we sometimes disparage knitters because of personal opinions that have nothing to do with knitting.
Now, could I be comfortable in the midst of a liberal group of knitters? Yes, as long as knitting was the subject. Once the political views are "cast on" I would find little enjoyment in the gathering. Would I feel comfortable in a group of knitters from other religious persuasions? Absolutely, unless religion became the subject at hand. I guess my thoughts are, how sad that some of these great knitting commuknities are often divided into groups. But it's only human nature to try to find like minded persons to share your passion with. I just wish we were all knitters who could come together over the knitting, instead of being pulled apart by the groupings. I am sure we are passing up being around some wonderful people, all because of the perceptions we create based on their dress, size, race, knitting methods, or opinions. But we would never divide ourselves based on our fast-food, soft drink, house style, or Crayola color*** preferences.
So, what does all this have to do with anything? Nothing. It was just heavy on my mind. Will I find myself bridging the gaps I perceive in the groupings? I don't know. I can't imagine they want me in the group expounding my beliefs, anymore than I probably want to be reading/listening to theirs. Too bad we can't just come to share the knitting. You know, stay OT in our interactions. But then, maybe it isn't really the knitting that brings us together. Maybe it is the shared background, views and beliefs that really are the reason we knit together. But maybe we can tone down the vitriol against each other in knitting blogs, forums and commuknitites. And maybe realize that when someone posts something about a method or belief, it is their opinion and is not a condemnation of the other view. And maybe I can start by understanding that some people just love Acrylic, if you will understand that I absolutely do not.
* A non-mass produced item
** I am too right-hand dominate to execute Continental well. I also knit with more speed in English than some of my Continental friends. So what?
*** Screamin' Green please!
