In praise of boring knits

“This is a great sweater,” I overheard a knitter say in the shop last week, “but it’s sooo boring to knit. Miles and miles of stockinette.  Gah!  I could never do it.  I’d be so bored.” 

“I don't mind miles and miles of stockinette,” another said, admitting sheepishly, “I like boring knits.”

Standing at the register, I couldn’t stop myself from butting into the conversation, “I like boring knits too.” I offered.  The stockinette-lover beamed at me.   It’s true though.  I do like boring knits.  I get it though.  I mean, knitting has been hailed as the best way to stave off dementia, and all sorts of ills. So has crochet, as have all sorts of fine craft serve the same purpose.  The point is that if you want to stay sharp, you need to challenge your brain, learn new things, and knitting is an excellent way to do that.  

But here’s the thing.  I don’t need knitting to challenge my brain.  My brain gets all the challenge it can handle running a business, a family, and a home. I don’t look to knitting to learn new things.  That doesn’t mean I don’t learn new things in my knitting. I do, all the time. It’s just that knitting is not where I turn for a learning experience.  I get plenty of learning experience trying to figure out the myriad software tools I and social media platforms I’m supposed to be using.  Honestly, running the shop, getting food on the table, and training a rambunctious puppy, occupies every gram of gray matter I have, and then some.  

Rather, I need knitting to calm and center me.  Knitting is my solace.  It is the place I go to relax into the familiar movements where I can breathe with the rhythm of the needles.  Knitting is where time loses conventional meaning - measured instead by stitches and rows offering a tangible result in return. Soothing stockinette is my fabric of choice.  

There is much to be said for boring, or as I prefer to think of it, unassuming and reliable. I like boring stitches because they create wearable fabric for me.  You know that I am all about helping you creating a handknit wardrobe - a collection of wearable garments that reflect your taste and personal style. For me, those are soft sweaters with clean simple lines and elegant details.  Boring?  Maybe, but I see them as garments that I will love for a lifetime and never get tired of wearing.  

Instead of thinking of certain stitches as boring, I prefer to think of them as steady. They work in the background and allow the yarn to shine. A brilliant example is Rowan’s latest collection for their new yarn, Felted Tweed Colour.  Nine designs in simple stitch patterns that highlight the yarn’s lovely subtle gradient effect. Not only simple stitches, but simple shapes that let the 

yarn take center stage.  I’ll be sharing this collection with you on the podcast this week, as well as some garments I think would do this yarn justice.  I hope you will join me Wednesday at 7pm Eastern time.

I look forward to seeing you in the shop and around the table, or on one of our many membership coaching sessions.  Whether in person or virtual, you are always welcome here.