Tote Bags 'n' Blogs: knitting

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Knitting versus reading--Kandy Shepherd

Knitting—that was the topic of conversation when I met with friends last week for lunch.

They’d all taken it up—some after many years. Not for fashion or economy—the hand-knitted garments would cost more in yarn than a purchased one. No. My friends are all knitting for pleasure and relaxation.

I can knit—after a fashion. Simple combinations of plain and purl on large needles are within my skill range—though I freak at the thought of a cable! Years ago, bedridden recuperating from an operation, I found knitting a therapeutic way to pass the time. A very nice sweater resulted.

But I haven’t knitted for years. No time! And I haven’t learned to embroider or cross-stitch either—skills I greatly admire and would love to master. My mother and grandmother were expert at both. In fact I see needlework and knitting as examples of womanly arts that have survived generation after generation.

But not inherited by me. I can sew using a machine. And I love to cook. But if I have any spare time I want to read.

Reading is my pleasure and relaxation. I want to read books—both traditional and e-books—magazines, newspapers, journals, even the back of cereal packets if all else fails. Fiction, non-fiction—I just want to read!