Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Why Knitting?

Here's an article from "The Beginning Knitters Guide"

Hope you like it

Why Knitting?

Knitting offers you so much. With knitting you can

Get in touch with your inner creativity
Create heirlooms
Relax
Have activities for traveling
Burn calories
Have a topic of conversation

Knitting allows you to be creative. Even if you follow a pattern, you can use the skills you learn in this book to add your own personal touch to whatever you are making. Don’t just think of knitting as a craft, think of it as an art – art you control. Plus, you will get the immense satisfaction of knowing that you created this art.

Also, working with your hands to do something creative is a brain stimulant. It opens up the creative floodgates so that you can be creative in other areas of your life, too. So think of the repetitive motion of knitting as problem solving.

Besides being creative, knitting allows you to create items you can pass down for generations. Of course, if you are going to create heirlooms, you should probably avoid the latest knitting fad and stick to something classic. However, everyone should have that old blanket or cardigan that was passed down through the generations.
Knitting Tip for Travelers:

If you are traveling with your
knitting, do some research. Some
airlines are picky about knitting needles. Most airlines now allow you to have them, but some have restrictions.

To prevent having to unravel your work, bring a stitch holder in case you have to surrender your needles.

Also, bring a self addressed stamped envelope with you so that you can mail your needles home instead of having to turn them over to security personnel.

Finally, you cannot bring scissors on a plane, so bring a set of nail clippers. They will cut the yarn just fine.
Knitting also offers you a chance to relax. Lead a hectic life? Sit down and knit. Actually, knitting can force you to sit down and relax from your hectic day. Sometimes it is just nice to lose yourself in a knitting pattern. Of course, when you are learning knitting can be a little less relaxing, but as you get the hang of things, you will love escaping into your knitting routine.

Knitting is also a great way to pass the time when you are stuck somewhere or traveling. Waiting to be called for jury duty, waiting for your plane, sitting on the train to work…all these situations offer you time to knit.

As you read in the introduction, knitting burns about 130 calories per hour, so you can know that you are burning calories while you are knitting. Plus, you are using both your hands, so you are not eating (the knitting diet!). Even better, you can knit while you use an exercise bike. Okay, that might be going a little too far, but it does work for some people.

Knitting For Charity

Warm hearts by knitting something for charity projects | Anchorage Daily News

Warm hearts by knitting something for charity projects
Anchorage Daily News - August 1 2006

The weather has certainly been on the cool side lately. The fireweed blooms are getting near the top, and that means it's August. Jackets and warmer clothes, such as mittens and hats, are still not something I want to think about, but your favorite charity will need them soon.

Charity knitting projects are included in many a knitter's project basket. Hats, mittens, scarves and sweaters are a welcome garment to receive when the frost coats the pumpkin, especially if you do not already have one.

The First Lady Military & Family Support Initiative needs donations. Deborah Bonito, wife of Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, knows firsthand that the families of deployed military troops need support while they are holding down the fort at home. It is both supportive of and comforting to deployed soldiers to know that our community will take the time and the energy to help keep their families warm this winter. [more]

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