moving right along

Knitting has occurred. Since I can read and knit simultaneously, if the pattern is simple enough, I did a green silk scarf while reading "Rampant"
It's not really my best color, but the texture is all-season wonderful.



It's more of a red-head's scarf. Any redheads out there want a nice silk scarf? I'm thinking of sewing beads along the edge.




And then, because I can occasionally drop my eyes to count rows, while I'm monitoring people taking their tests, I made myself a pair of ever-so-easy garter stitch gloves.


I got tricky, and knitted the fingers together, rather than knitting the things flat, then seaming them up.

Then I got even MORE clever and left the ends open so I can push them down when I need dexterity, and pull them up when I want warmth. I LOVE these gloves!

Bells was remarking today how her boss discovered that she was a knitter and was flummoxed. And several folks weighed in about how they aren't "Out" yet with their knitting. I don't get this. If there's a stigma about being a knitter, I missed the memo. Is this just because I'm clueless and don't get the non-verbal signals, or is it because some folks are shy and don't want to be noticed or is there something about knitting that is actually wierd and/or shameful?

Several people then weighed in with how bosses had made demeaning comments about their knitting, treating it as a dear-little-ladies sort of thing. If someone has cooking as a hobby, do they conceal that from their co-workers? Do you avoid potlucks because you don't want to out yourself? If you're a gardener, do you keep this shameful secret hidden from your co-workers, and get your seed catalogs delivered in a brown paper wrapper so the neighbors won't find out? What could possibly be wrong with knitting as an interest that someone might want to conceal it? Sure, there are idiots in the world. If it's not your knitting, it's your shoes or the color of your skin or your size or whatever. Idiots can always find something to diminish you. Don't let them. Laugh at them for the narrowminded, insecure wizened little souls they are, andcontinue to enjoy your life.

I'm really on a soapbox here. If it makes you happy and doesn't hurt someone else, do it! wouldn't it be a splendid world if people who loved to sing felt free to sing out loud as they walk to work? If people who love to sew could claim their work with pride? IF dancers could practice a few steps in the grocery line? If we could let go of our own troubles enough to rejoice in someone else's happiness? Why is judgement and criticism so natural and accepted, and simple genuine pleasure so remarkable and rare?