Don't let this craft die! (Knitting)

Member Name: dawnfrancis

Product:	Knitting
Date:	13/06/01 (140 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a great way to pass time, teaches you many skills, steeped in tradition

Disadvantages: hard to get hold of good quality wool these days..., viewed (wrongly!) as 'old-fashioned)

It saddens me so much to witness the demise of the great hobby of knitting. No more the joy of searching through huge wool shops for that special colour, or of leafing through the patterns and trying to decide which one you like best. I believe within my lifetime I'll witness the near-death of this craft.

So this is partly an op and partly a plea. If you can knit - pass on your skills to someone else. If you can't knit - take it up! You won't regret the time invested. Ideally find someone who can knit, if not, there are several good books on the market.

I actually believe that teaching knitting to kids at school would be far more valuable than some of the stuff that's taught. Read through this list and think to yourself - how many other activities could benefit children in so many diverse ways?

If you learn to knit (at any age) you will receive:

1) Improved motor co-ordination, as your brain has to learn a whole new series of movements.

2) Improved concentration abilities and the ability to follow a logical plan. Learning to read knitting patterns can be quite a challenge. Memory skills are also enhanced.

3) Psychological wellbeing. Knitting can be very relaxing and calming, and the sense of achievement on completing a garment or soft toy is indescribable. It can be very therapeutic to thrash away on the needles when someone has really upset you (and it's far more productive than tearing up a cushion!!)

4) Enhanced mathematical skills. Knitting involves counting, measuring...what a wonderful fun way to teach such concepts to kids.

5) Improved patience. Results do not come quickly in knitting. You learn that long and hard work DOES pay off in the end.

6) Enhanced creativity. You can make up your own designs when you get a bit more experienced.

I could go on but I won't. In this age of quick-fixes, no-one wants to spend time on lovingl
y creating a piece of handmade work. Please, please, let's not let this wonderful craft die.

Oh, and to ruin the stereotype....I'm not a granny, I'm 29 years old and have been knitting since the age of 13. Whether you're young or old, male or female, give it a try and see how addictive it becomes. Good luck and have fun!

Summary: