Hello, wool

Someone once said to me, "How on earth do you find time to knit while in college?  I don't have time for anything!"

With a smile, I replied, "Oh, I make time."

Knitting, you know, was not always the artistic pastime it has become today.  It was not unnecessary, it was not only for older women, it was not even just for women, it was not uncommon--when knitting became popular (just about the 16th century), it was life.

Everyone knit.  And, they knit all the time.  Knitting belts and sheaths (sticks) would be worn so that the knitter could keep the knitting steady while doing everyday tasks.  For instance, a woman might walk to the market while knitting a stocking.  A shepherd might mind the flocks while he knit a stocking.

Can you tell?  I am studying up on my knitting history.

What is surprising to me is that "traditions" in knitting, such as the common Fair Isle or Aran sweaters, are not really very old traditions.  Much of the knitting styles, patterns, and techniques that we see today developed in the 19th century.  Considering that weaving has been around basically since the dinosaurs, knitting is super modern.

If someone ever tells you that knitting is ancient, just laugh and shake your head.  And tell them that the "knitted" socks from Egypt were not knitted, for it is a nalbinding fabric.