Knitting is usually seen as just a hobby to kill time, something people do in their free time. But for me, it feels something more. It has now slowly become a way to relax and stay present in my day-to-day life.
I did not get any knitting lessons. Growing up, I saw many people in my family knitting regularly. They would just sit down comfortably, watch TV, and knit. My mother, my grandmother, and my aunts all used to knit. It always looked so calm and comforting. Over time, I picked it up just by watching them and trying it myself.
I am still learning, and I have not made anything significant yet. Most of the things that I knit are very small and simple. I can make headbands, mufflers, neck warmers, simple sweaters, and even coasters for cups. But for me, the size of these things does not matter. What matters to me is the process. The process is simply so relaxing and peaceful.
This short livestream shows a simple knitting session with me and how I relax while doing it.
Knitting usually helps me slow down. When I sit down with my yarn and needles, I just stop thinking about everything else. I just focus on the stitches. It brings calm to my mind. In a way, it feels a little meditative. It basically helps me stay in the moment instead of worrying about what is next.
I usually knit whenever I have some time to spare. It could be in the evenings while watching a Netflix show, or just when I am commuting, or when I am at the park. It simply does not feel like work. It feels like a break instead.
Another thing that I really like about knitting is that, at the end of it, I have something real in my hands. It may be a small thing, but it is something I made myself. It feels really satisfying. I also like gifting the things that I make to the people I care about. I usually give small knitted items to my friends or people close to me. It is my way of showing appreciation to them for existing in my life. Even though the items are small or simple, they are made with time and effort. I hope that when they get those gifts from me, they feel a little special.
Knitting has also helped me understand the value of creation. Knitting takes time, so I have learned the importance of being patient.
For me, knitting is not just about making things, but it is about how it makes me feel while doing it. It makes me feel like I am in the moment, calm, relaxed, and focused. That is why it feels like more than just a hobby to me.
