…and other ways to be supportive
Gift knitting season has begun, and with it, the pressure to complete special projects by a deadline is building. Luckily, I have a short and simple nice list of recipients, but I do find myself sitting for longer stretches, with a slightly intensified focus as I knit.
Two nights ago, I sat on the lanai with my current project for several hours. I was flowing through the stitch pattern repeat, and the fabric was slowly growing as the afternoon sun faded. I suppose dinner time came and went, but the satisfaction of the progress I was making silenced any hunger cues, so I continued with my work.
My husband, having noticed my tunnel vision, joined me on the lanai with a plate of food. Without words, he simply held a pretzel to my face, an invitation to eat without losing my momentum. In the moment, his small gesture felt grand. It was a reminder to stop for a moment and take care of myself. Ultimately, I sat the project down to eat and connect.
But, it got me thinking about all of the ways he supports my knitting addiction. Here are the top 3 things he does to support my hobby all year long:
1. Promotes my knitted items, like my personal hype man.
As knitters, we spend so much time on each item that we make. The first time I wear something I made feels like the end of a magic trick. After all, I just transformed string into a sweater! I leave the house in awe of my work, but also with a small sense of anxiety as I wonder if anyone will notice that its handmade (and whether that’s a good or bad thing…)
My husband gracefully brags on my work. He shares the parts of the process he has seen, including the effort, the challenges, and my growing skills. As a result, I get to chat about the cool yarn I chose or my favorite detail to anyone that shows interest in the topic.
2. Plans evening activities that allow me to knit while still enjoying time together.
I love a good Knit+ night, as in knitting plus a second activity. In the evenings, my husband knows that we can still connect and enjoy a variety of fun things, even with knitting needles in my hands. Watching a movie, enjoying a fire pit, going to the park, listening to a podcast together, etc. Each activity is enhanced by good conversation and the clicking sound of my knitting needles.
In truth, my husband does one other special thing in this category, especially for movie nights: he recognizes that I’m in the perfect spot with all of my materials around me, so he doesn’t mind getting the snacks and refills for both of us. 😄
3. Listens to project plans and gives his opinion on details (when asked 😉).
My mind is almost always racing with project ideas. Whether it is the finishing detail of my current project or the yarn selection for the next project in queue, he will listen to my nonstop knitting chatter. And, more than just listening, he shows interest by asking questions and offering opinions on any options I am considering. He gives me space to talk about my passion, even though it isn’t his.
If you have a knitter in your life, use these ideas to support them in their obsession hobby. I’m certain your knitter will be as grateful to you as I am to my husband.
If you’re a knitter, what makes you feel supported by the people around you?
Oh, and good luck on those gift knits! We can do it! 💪🏻 🧶
Leave a Reply