Yes, Virginia, Male Knitters Do Exist!

As an incurable knitter and unrepentant fiber whore, I frequently take my knitting and less often my handspinning out in public. Restaurants, car rides, waiting in lines, it's all fair game. Naturally, knitting attracts a fair amount of attention from strangers. They usually have a story about how their mother/grandmother/girlfriend/some other female relation knits. I'm still amazed, however, at how often I hear some variation of "Men don't knit" from most of my male spectators (yes, most of the curious ones are male...go figure) and their utter disbelief when I politely inform them that "Yes, many men do knit". Knitting, whatever its unknown origins, was most likely invented by men and in the middle ages was strictly a men's profession with guilds controlling the art. Other manly knitters include shepherds and sailors who used knitting as a way to pass the time. Soldiers coming back from the battlefields of World War II were taught knitting as a form of physical therapy and a way to support the war effort. This effort is firmly documented in the dozens of Red Cross knitting patterns like my serviceman's sock pattern, previously documented. Despite this history, knitting is largely believed to be "women's work" or a "girly hobby." Admittedly, male knitters are still in the minority. I've never personally met one, but I'd like to! Actually, I have this daydream of meeting a tall, handsome volleyball player slash male knitter who plays guitar and sings Elvis. Yes, I know, it's asking for a lot, but a kitsune (or is that knitsune?) can dream.

Yarn Excursion Cancelled Due to Injury

Well, not precisely an injury, but a difficulty in walking without limping and severe pain. Six weeks to surgery and counting. Perhaps I can squeeze a yarn trip in this weekend with enough painkiller coursing through my bloodstream. I wonder if its really a good idea to buy fiber while intoxicated?