Slow and Steady

My in-laws were here visiting last week, and we had a lovely time. My mother-in-law, Kappy, is also a knitter (in fact, she has knit several models for A Grand Yarn), so we spent a fair amount of time knitting together. One such time was at a new coffee shop in downtown Valparaiso. I am always interested in what sort of looks or comments public knitting will provoke. My experience is that they are almost entirely ones of fascination and praise, except for people on airplanes who express their shock and dismay that I was able to carry on my needles. Do I really look that threatening? In any case, while Kappy and I took out our knitting, a couple sitting near us became very interested. They were lovely people, probably in their early sixties. Anyway, they were having a lot of fun asking us what we were making and admiring the yarn. Then, the woman said, "You know, I do all different crafts, and I am creative. But I never could get into knitting. It's just too slow for me." Kappy and I smiled and nodded.

Now, let me reiterate that these were lovely people, and I am sure that the woman is in fact creative and has crafted some beautiful things. But I don't think she realized that she made her comment with a tone that suggested, "Knitting is too slow for my fast, sharp mind. But if your mind operates at that pace, well, bless your little heart--and your little, slow brain." Of course, my simple smiling and nodding may very well have looked smug and suggested, "You just don't get it, lady." I hope not.

The truth was I probably did feel a little smug. But I also wanted genuinely to explain knitting's merits and win this woman over. Knitting is too slow? Well, that's kind of the point. Aren't our lives filled with enough speed?

Don't get me wrong. Many times I have scowled at my fingers and wished that they would work faster. And as recently as yesterday I cursed the slowness of assembling a sweater when I wanted to be knitting on another project. But I do relish the fact that amidst all the speediness of everyday life, knitting slows me down and calms me. And when a long-term project does come to a close, it is a satisfying culmination of many hours and many stitches.