Last night I was in a situation where some comments about knitting really kind of irked me.
Normally I don’t get worked up about things. I’d like to think that most people aren’t trying to be jerks about knitting or crocheting or any other hobby they may be commenting on. Most of the time they aren’t familiar with it or they just speak before they think (I’m guilty of this habit, so I’ll be the pot to the kettle).
Once in awhile, though, someone comes along who’s entire manner is condescending and rude. It’s okay if you don’t understand knitting, but it’s not okay to assume that it or any hobby is beneath you simply because YOU don’t do it.
First point, knitting and crocheting are not the same thing. I really don’t it when people make this mistake. It’s okay if I’m knitting and you think I’m crocheting because you don’t know the difference. It’s an honest mistake and both yarn work methods are awesome.
There are people who will be annoyed, and most people will correct you, and if they correct you, just roll with it. You’re learning something new.
Whether you know the difference or not really isn’t the issue. It’s acting like yarn work is low just because you don’t do it. We’re not going to force a pair of needles or a crochet hook and some yarn into your hands, but have respect for the fact that we’re enjoying ourselves and we love what we do. Also, if you don’t watch your tone, you might get one of those needles or hooks through the eye.
Another misconception is that you can’t knit and do something else at the same time. Knitting is a social sport/event/hobby/way of life. You can talk about anything while you knit and neither one detracts from the other. Most people can also watch TV while they knit, some can read, and I know one woman who can walk on the treadmill and knit at the same time.
Don’t assume that just because someone is knitting in a social setting that they don’t know what they’re talking about or are not actively engaged in the discussion at hand. If you’d take a second to actually listen to what’s going on, you’d realize that even when someone is doing yarn work, they are very likely still part of whatever else is going on.
Whether we’re talking about knitting or crocheting or any other hobby, everyone’s got their “thing.” Show some respect, and in the immortal words of Bill and Ted, be excellent to each other.
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