To me, knitting has always seemed like magic. I'd watch people's fingers manipulate the needles and the yarn would contort itself into something orderly, and beautiful. Uninitiated into the secrets of the magic, I'd watch knitters on the bus. I'd stare at knitting instructional books, trying to make sense of the loops, the finger movements, the needle motion.
I taught myself because I was too anxious to join a class, and my grandma (the only knitter I knew) is overbearing and bossy. I learned from a book (Knitting for Dummies
Although I was disappointed at the time that I didn't have a wonderful story about learning to knit on my grandma's knee, I'm so proud that I did it myself! My style, my method, my knitting, it's all my own.
Knitting is creation - I'm incredibly proud of what I make... even if it looks unimpressive when I finish the next project!
Knitting is philosophy - I can create a little bit of visible order in my life. I used to create disorder by cutting myself, now I use knitting to make one thing into another. Each stitch is an accomplishment!
Knitting is relaxation - It's impossible to be stressed out and to knit at the same time. The results are awful... that is if you can manage to continue being anxious once those stitches start forming!
Knitting is therapy - I've talked to many people via Ravelry who tell me that the knitting has improved their sanity, wellbeing, outlook, relationship, etc. It's rare that you can find something so simply rewarding, soothing, and productive, that you have absolute control over.
I've seen people with tattoos of "k2tog", a knitting instruction for knitting two stitches together, and it's always hit home with me. Instead of succombing to the depression, or trying to ignore it, I'm knitting it into my life. By combining my depression and my life into one, I'm slowly improving. And it feels good!
