Knitting Myths and Lores

Lessons from the history of knitting, CraftDoodling Designs News, other updates.

Knitting is a craft that has been passed down through generations in many different cultures worldwide. The art has been shaped by various civilizations over different time periods. It's no wonder there are many myths and lores associated with the craft, and I believe these give us a little peek into the past. 

There is a sense of wonder and deeper perspective that comes from looking into the past through the lens of knitting. 🧶 I believe there is value in closely examining the available historical and cultural details.

Lesson 1: Cure for perfectionism

In Ireland, it is believed that you work a part of your soul into everything you knit or crochet, so you have to leave a mistake in your project for your soul to escape.

Knitting is a labor of love, and many knitters strive for perfection, especially when it is intended as a gift. In a way, they truly tie their souls to their projects. I can see how this little tradition gently removes the pressure on the knitter to be perfect.

This idea is echoed by traditional Amish quilters and Navajo rug weavers, who always include an intentional “mistake” to avoid competing with God, as only the Creator can be perfect.

While the myth part of these practices may not be true, we can't help but notice the subtle nudge to accept our humanness and make peace with our mistakes. 

Lesson 2: Be Patient with New Relationships!

Perhaps the sweater curse is the most popular knitting myth. It is the belief that giving a hand-knit sweater to one's significant other will end the relationship.

Is it a myth? It definitely is. But if you turn it around a little, I think it is also practical advice.

Do not get too invested in a relationship before you are sure. The investment here is knitting a garment. We all know the effort, time, and cost involved in knitting a sweater for someone. In other words, make sure the recipient is knitworthy.🧣

I am also reminded of a family practice (I am sure many others might have some version of this) where we dress a newborn in hand-me-down baby clothes from older cousins. My grandmother would not allow any significant baby shopping until the newborn was at least a week old. 👶🏻

It might look superstitious, but I see the practical wisdom from the times she lived. Miscarriages and stillbirths were not uncommon in her days, and women from that era learned to tread much more cautiously. Besides, the used and worn clothes were probably much softer on the newborn's skin than the stiff fresh ones.

Lesson 3: Originality/Uniqueness is Overrated

Ganseys were knitted with unique patterns so that a drowned fisherman could be identified by his sweater. However, there is no historical evidence to prove that this actually happened.

I found a few articles debunking this myth, but this one stood out by pointing out that "fisher lassies" often got together 🎣 and copied each other’s designs as they pleased, like any bunch of knitters would. :) 💗

http://www.ganseys.com/ganseys/popular-gansey-myths/

Is there a knitting superstition or myth that intrigued you? Please share your thoughts in the comments. 💜

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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES

1. Thank you for participating in the Nasha Shawl poll 📊 last week. There seems to be a lot of interest in the one-skein version. :) I will keep you posted on the release date, which is likely to be in the last week of June.

2. I have been knitting on these socks during my walks. 🚶‍♀️

   

   A pair of ankle socks for my 11 year old

   3. Fluens Tee, my next design is looking promising as of now. :) You might recall my earlier mention of this design with an older sample here. I am using a 50% Merino, 50% Silk blend for this one and love the ‘hand’ of this yarn. Please excuse the mirror shot! 😅

   

   Fluens tee in progress

   4. Lastly, for better housekeeping, I have set up CraftDoodling Designs Ravelry Group. It will be the place to discuss patterns, find out about test calls and pattern releases, and general knitting chatter. I am planning to start separate threads for walk & knit, read & knit related conversations. Please check out the group if you are interested.

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OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE

1. While researching for this week’s essay I also came across some stories of knitting from World War I & II times. Here is one https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/knitting-spies-wwi-wwii

2. This article from Tin Can Knits about Grafting a.k.a Kitchener Stitch is also noteworthy.

   https://blog.tincanknits.com/2013/10/03/kitchener-stitch/

3. Just finished Reading 📖

   1. Oversubscribed - David Priestley

4. Currently Reading 📖

   1. The couple at Number 9 - Claire Douglas

   2. Show your work - Austin Kleon

      Until next time,

      Kavitha. ♡

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