Lockdown Knitting

In the days before Internet, Playstation and general instant connectivity, I was a lonely teenager growing up on a smallholding in rural Kinross-shire. The bus came every 2 hours and nobody my age lived nearby. During the day I loved to get outside, exploring the woods and rivers in the area. At night there wasn’t a lot of choice. Even the telly came to us later on. I devoured every ancient hardback in the house. Sometimes I played board games with my siblings. But for at least a couple of very long winters I found myself knitting…

When I was about 14 I knitted a very elaborate ‘bobble’ jumper with glorious colours, (deliberate) dropped stitches and intricate patterns. I probably ended up wearing this massive garment about five times. But the mindfulness, and even the repetition, kept me going through many long, otherwise boring evenings. The satisfaction of admiring my work regularly, and noting my progress, spurred me on to keep on knitting till I was finished.

A few years ago, when I was recovering from injury, I took to knitting once again. Having the focus of the piece I was working on took my mind off other things, giving me a comfort and purpose. When I started getting out and about more, I looked for cheap wool bundles in charity shops, and when on holiday treated myself to the occasional ‘special’ ball of pure naturally dyed wool. It became a bit of a ‘thing’.

Now, during Lockdown and this semi-restricted world we are living in, my knitting has taken off with a vengeance! I started in March with a beautiful skein of Uist wool – unsure what to turn it into I began on a very long ‘lace’ scarf. I finished this a month or so ago (just in time for my first real-life work meetup in months!) It now adds a splash of colour to otherwise dreary Zoom meetings.

I’m actually taking ‘orders’ from my family now – a headband for my eldest (I mastered cable!), and now onto a complicated Fair Isle circular scarf for my middle girl (might be ready for next winter!). I have also knitted random daft things – a teacosy which evolved into a plant-pot cosy, a pot-holder for opening up the woodburner, ‘jester’ slippers (only suitable for dressing up!)

I have to say I am the world’s slowest knitter. Thankfully, or it would cost me a fortune! The vision of what will be produced at the end is only a part of the process – you find yourself lost in the moment. My girls tell me I come out with ‘knitting chat’ and maybe it is a bit like the old days, people sharing stories and anecdotes while sitting knitting.

I can still hear my grandma asking ‘Can you turn a heel?’ – well, now I can, and a few other things besides! As long as your hands allow, I’d recommend knitting for all ages. It will be a long winter for everyone, it’s a matter of finding enjoyable ways to get through it.