5 Excellent Reasons to Start Selfish Knitting
In a previous post some time back I mentioned that I wanted to spend more time knitting, and for me. It’s a skill I learned from my gran and my Ma and I feel like it’s time to pick it back up.
Much like sewing clothes, knitting for ourselves is a great way to make something gorgeous that will fit our measurements.
I have some great knitting patterns in my stash that my Ma inherited from my Gran and I from her, so I think it’s time to dig into them and see how I get on.
Why Start Selfish Knitting?
There are always reasons for putting ourselves first and the same is true when it comes to knitting. Here are my five reasons for knitting only for me!
Guilt & Obligation
We’re all aware that most knitters (and crocheters too for that matter) knit with other people in mind. Whether it’s from an unselfish kindness or having been asked, knitting by knitters is rarely done for themselves.
And when a knitter is asked to knit for someone else, it can be really hard to turn such requests down, especially when it’s someone you love dearly. The feeling of guilt when you try to say no can be overwhelming.
This is not the case with strangers of course. You know the ones: they admire something you’ve knitted, ask if you can knit one for them and baulk at the cost if you feel brave enough to mention it.
Relaxation
I made sewing and design my career so it goes without saying that it often feels more like work than relaxation. Knitting on the other hand is different.
Keeping my knitting just for me means that I am not filled with anxiety about it not working out for someone. I can take my time, enjoy the process and feel calm after a selfish knitting session.
Self Care
A hobby is supposed to be something that we do for ourselves. Sewing used to be my hobby until I trained in fashion design. Painting and drawing is another hobby I enjoy.
And knitting is a hobby that also fills my cup in a self-care way. Is it self serving to only want to knit for me? Perhaps. But what about all the stamp collectors, crosswords-doers, sour dough bread makers all doing so for themselves?
Unique Style
Much like when I sew for myself, knitting for myself is about my personal unqiue style. I love wearing something that I spent hours creating to hear someone say “I love your trousers, where did you buy them?”. I reply with joy that I made it myself.
And the same will be true for my selfish knitting any time someone asks “I love your jumper, where did you buy it?”!
Avoiding Rejection
Spending hours crafting something from scratch for other people can often result in rejection. They don’t know the time it takes, or the love poured into it, and so spending time knitting for others is for me a silly idea. Let me get my skills back up and then maybe I’ll knit for someone else. Maybe.
Will You Be Selfish Knitting This Autumn?
If you are someone who has been feeling obligated to knit for others, please consider this your permission slip to tell them no. It’s time to take up your needles and cast on a project just for you, and the relief and enjoyment you will feel will be worth it.
This is where I should tell you I have a knitting course for you to join and learn from, but I don’t. It truly is just a personal hobby of mine that I’ picking back up to get some relaxation time in during the upcoming colder months.
