Knitting in Public

     Today I plan on knitting in public.  It may not seem like a big deal - though for some I guess it might be.  Why knit in public?  Today is the start of World Wide Knit in Public Day.  It is actually a week long celebration of knitting and other fiber craft.  According to what I've read about it, it actually does span a week and is celebrated world wide.
You may ask the following questions:

"Why do you need to dedicate a day to do this?"

"Is it bad to be seen doing this activity?"

"Are people supposed to hide away in secret because it is so shameful? "

"Why would anyone want to do this and/or who cares?"

I suppose if you didn't actually participate in the activity itself, you may not get it and the questions are sort of valid.  Even to those of us that do participate may ask the same questions.

     Basically it is a way to gather like-minded people together to share ideas and have fun, while also raising some awareness.  There are people out there who don't know that young people knit, that it is not just a grandmotherly activity.  Some people don't know that you can make fabulous things like socks, shawls, and skirts.  They think that knitting is only good for blankets and god-awful Christmas sweaters.  There are even people out there that don't know that you can make your own custom crafted clothing, that you don't have to buy things made in China and sold at your local X-Mart.

   This celebration is a good way to get it out there, in your face so-to-speak, in public so that people can look, touch, and ask questions.  It gets knitters out of their homes and into the public eye, sharing their craft and themselves.  It tends to spark the interest of more people, some of which will now pick up sticks and give it a try when they might not have done so before.

     Knit in public.  Show off your stuff.  Hope to see you there.

*Please know that I don't just advocate for knitting.  I also crochet, sew, am learning to weave and spin, and that I do other crafty things.  So even if you don't knit, get outside with your craft and show it off.  People will be interested and you may just find a new friend.