Welcome to the Fold

In a recent post, I mentioned that I was in the process of teaching a dear friend to knit. She has taken to the physical hand movements with grace, becoming a natural continental knitter despite the fact that her teacher, a self-taught knitter, knits in the English style. She has progressed through simple, beginner projects into those she chooses based on how the finished objects move her, jumping right into new techniques with fervor and excitement. I live a little through her as she does this, remembering what it felt like to be a new, inspired knitter. But beyond her skill, I'm most impressed by how she's found the deep joy and fulfillment that those of us who consider knitting a lifestyle all know. I'm amazed at how she sailed through the initial learning curve of the craft to get to the spiritual benefits of knitting so quickly. I'm so thankful that this was the case for her as I knew in my heart that this was the part of knitting that would benefit her the most. In seeking to help her find a constant companion of a creative outlet that would allow her portability and the quiet time her mind needed, I couldn't have found a more perfect fit. She is well on her way to becoming a Knitter.

A couple of weeks ago, I got to take my dear friend to her very first fiber festival, and her excitement was palpable (as was mine!). As she's learned more and more about knitting, her interest in fiber and how different fibers behave in yarn has been insatiable. She's seen me spin on my wheel, and I feel that it won't be long at all until she's pursuing the wonderful addendum to knitting that spinning can be. I knew she'd marvel at the variety of colors and textures available for sampling at the fiber festival. We spent the entire day at the festival, visiting booths two, three or more times and making purchases of lovelies to take home with us. I have to admit that my goal of the day was to get her behind a spinning wheel. In the first booth we came upon with wheels to sample, we met the sweetest, most patient woman who jumped at the opportunity to help me indoctrinate my friend into the fold of spinning enthusiasts. I found myself able to step back and watch her learn, and I must admit that I got a little emotional! Spinning, for me, served to deepen and enrich my love of knitting and of its many benefits in my life, and I was moved to watch that door swing open for my friend. I even had the presence of mind to snap a couple precious photos of her first spinning lesson which I'm happy to share with you here.

In giving her a gift, she has given me so many in return by allowing me to see our crafts through her eyes in so many new and beautiful ways. If you ever have the chance to teach someone to knit or spin (or any craft for that matter), please do it. Slow down and step away from the chaos and rush in our lives and take the time to enrich someones life. You'll gain far more than you give, I promise.