Though you don’t knit with a partner or a team, knitting isn’t as solitary a sport as many assume. In fact, some of my favorite knitting memories are those where I’m surrounded by all sorts of knitters. Not only do I enjoy the camaraderie of knitting with friends, but it’s often essential. Which types of knitters should you surround yourself with? One of each of these, to start!
The Finisher
Her seams are impeccable. She may (or may not) complete one project in entirety before devoting herself to the next. She can graft without the directions sitting in front of her. She doesn’t dread weaving in loose ends. If you’re lucky, she’ll help with yours!
The Techie
She knows how to pick up a yarn over you dropped ten rows back without burying a shawl in a basket for six months and praying it sorts itself. She knows her cable stitches without consulting the key. She can put together her own chart if the pattern doesn’t include one. She may design, or she may relish in her confidence as she speeds through complicated patterns. Whatever project she’s working on, she’s got the technical skills to accomplish it with ease.
The Speedster
She knits like the wind. She’s your go-to pal if you suddenly realize that you promised to donate a dozen baby hats to the hospital by tomorrow morning and you’ve only got four finished at midnight.
The Old Pro
She’s been knitting for a decade (probably more). She may knit her favorites over and over again, or she is constantly evolving and trying something new. Her stash could rival your local yarn shop. She has every needle or out-of-print pattern you could possible imagine. She’s got the skills and plenty of practice. She’s seen it all, too, and won’t be afraid to tell you if that cabled cardigan is looking like a hot mess.
The Yarn Snob
This knitter scoffs at the word “acrylic.” She may see its value in society, but certainly not in her stash. She’s always trying new indie dyers, companies, and yarn varieties. She may be slightly addicted to merino, alpaca, or cashmere (or all three). She has a stash the size of my house, and isn’t the least bit embarrassed to admit it. She may be willing to share when you’re in need of the perfect color or yarn.
The New Age Knitter
She’s up-to-date on current knitting trends. She regularly checks into Ravelry. She knows about every online magazine launch and shop opening, new magazine issues, and trending patterns. She might spend more time reading, posting, or chatting about knitting and the knitting world than she actually does knitting.
Do you know one (or all) of these knitters? Which one are you?
