• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sheep and Stitch

Knitted goodness made by you

  • About
  • Start Here
  • Patterns
  • How To Knit
  • Knitting Library
  • Blog

Fibre Philosophy

Why Bother Knitting?

Published on May 17, 2014 By Davina | May contain affiliate links (whats this?)

knitting hands

The other day someone asked me, “Why do you bother knitting?”

The question took me by surprise.

Sure, knitting is pretty unconventional. It seems out of place in our industrialised world, but when you get right down to it, knitting, like all arts and crafts, is about creating.

With some string, a pair of primitive sticks and your own two hands you can bring something beautiful and useful into the world. From the chaos of loose string comes order, neatness and utility in the form of a hat or a pair of mittens or any garment you can dream of. How cool is that?

That’s the magic of knitting. And of creation, really. With your mysterious mind and some raw materials, you can bring beauty into the world!

That, in a nutshell, is why I bother knitting.

But it’s not just me. Since the beginning of time, our ancestors have been making things. Sure, some were for necessity and survival, but flip through any art history book and you’ll see that many others were borne out of sheer joy and expression.

1st century A.D. Roman. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
1st century A.D. Roman. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Check out this incredibly elegant Roman water jug from the 1st century AD. Can you believe it’s made of glass? Scholars debate whether it was cast and carved or simply a marvel of ancient glass blowing.

Transferring water from a cistern to a cup doesn’t require this level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. I mean, any receptacle will do. And yet – look at this work of art! Beautiful and useful.

Sidenote: something about this jug feels very modern, like it wouldn’t be out of place in a surrealist still life against a cloud backdrop. Just me?

No discussion about creativity is complete without the fun, weird and surprisingly moving short film, “Why Man Creates” by graphic designer and master of the modern logo, Saul Bass. Enjoy!

“I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares.” – Saul Bass [Tweet this]

Pin
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Fibre Philosophy Date: May 17, 2014

SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES

Stay In the Loop!

Sign up for free patterns, tutorials, sales and promotions. Only good stuff. Never spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Reader Interactions

Comments 7

  1. Laura says

    May 19, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    If you don’t enjoy the process it’s probably true “why bother?” I like to make a lot of things. One time I remember I baked bread and a friend jokingly said “you can buy bread in stores, you know” hah! And with knitting, well, I’ve got some expensive taste in yarn so I’d better be enjoying the process because I’m not saving any money by knitting vs buying ready made 🙂

    Reply
    • Jill H says

      May 19, 2014 at 10:12 pm

      I love baking too and the whole family loves it! I do it because it’s so yummy and because i love the process of making bread. i’m just started knitting and i think the two are related. they’re both slow and patient but the final results are much better than store bought.

      Reply
    • Davina says

      May 19, 2014 at 10:17 pm

      So true! You’ve got to enjoy the actual process in order for it to be worth it. In fact, that’s probably the whole reason why we make things, right? As crazy as it sounds, sometimes the process is more satisfying than the end product!

      Reply
  2. Amor says

    May 20, 2014 at 10:21 am

    I’d have to say that, for me, the end product is more precious because the process is personal and satisfying. When I see something in the store that I like for myself or someone I care about, I am thinking of them in that moment, which is nice. But when I make something for someone, so much more intention is going into what that gift (to self or other) will mean. Not just, “this was pretty, thought of you.” It’s more like, “You mean enough to me that I want to put my time, my energy, and my talent into creating something that reminds me of you every moment that I’m making it…and that I hope will remind you of how much I care every time that you wear (use, eat, etc.) it. How wonderful is that…

    Reply
  3. LeeLaBasicCable says

    September 15, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    I just love creating and I find it helps me express my love to the people in my life. What’s a better way to say “I care about you” than spending hours and hours on something you made with your own two hands?

    I think knitting also teaches you that good things in life take time so you have to be patient. 🙂

    Reply
    • Davina says

      September 19, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      Amen to that!

      Love your response, especially this: ” knitting also teaches you that good things in life take time so you have to be patient.”

      So, so true! From relationships to aged wine to taking time to get into a good novel (ahem, War and Peace, ahem), the good stuff requires time and patience.

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Most Popular

  • 3 beginner knitting mistakes 3 Beginner Knitting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
  • how to knit a scarf for beginners How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners
  • egyptian knitting The History of Knitting Pt 1: Mysterious Origins

Categories

Footer

Navigate

  • About
  • How To Knit
  • Patterns
  • Blog

Support

  • Privacy and Affiliate Disclosure
  • Technical Support
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Instagram

Follow Us On Instagram

Say hello to the Blank Slate Hat! It’s a simple Say hello to the Blank Slate Hat! It’s a simple design that can be decorated and embellished to suit your personality!

This chunky hat is knit on straight needles and seamed together with mattress stitch. If you can #knit, purl, and cast on, then you’re ready to knit the Blank Slate Hat! 

This version is made extra cute with two pom pom ears. But purists are welcome to add just one centred pom pom 😊

Grab the #freeknittingpattern and video tutorial in the profile link. Happy knitting! #knitting #knitstagram #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration #knittersgonnaknit #knitknitknit #knittingaddict #knittinglove #knittingforbeginners #chunkyknit #chunkyknits
This chunky lace scarf is a great introduction to This chunky lace scarf is a great introduction to lace knitting! 🕸 

In this tutorial, you’ll learn basic lace stitches like the yarn over (YO), which gives lace its open airiness, and two decreases (K2tog and SSK), which slant to the left and right respectively.

You’ll also learn how to block your scarf (a must for all lace patterns) and attach a fringe. Click the profile link for the #freeknittingpattern

Yarn is @lanagrossa Ragazza Lei from @lovecraftscom 

#knittersofinstagram #knitstagram #knitspo #knitspiration #igknitters #knittingpatterns #laceknitting #laceknittingpattern
This beanie takes inspiration from classic watch c This beanie takes inspiration from classic watch caps. Fun fact: these hats got their name from Navy sailors who wore them while keeping watch in the night.

My take doesn’t stray far from the original caps. It’s knit in a beginner-friendly 1×1 rib and has a sleek decrease that keeps the rib pattern intact.

It can be worn cuffed for a fisherman’s look or un-cuffed for a slouchy modern feel.

So knit up a piece of history with this #freepattern at sheepandstitch.com

#knittersofinstagram #knitting #freeknittingpattern #beanie #watchcap #knitting_inspiration #knitstagram #knitspo #knitknitknit #knittingpattern #hatpattern #knittersgonnaknit
Want to add a cuff to your chunky slippers to turn Want to add a cuff to your chunky slippers to turn them into booties? Well, I’ve got a tutorial for that! Find it in the profile link and get knitting! #knitting #knittersofinstagram #knitstagram #knitspo #knittingpattern #knittinglove #freepattern
If you’ve got cold feet these slippers will keep If you’ve got cold feet these slippers will keep you warm all winter long! Knit in chunky weight yarn, these slippers come together in no time at all - and they make excellent gifts! They come in three sizes, so make one for every member of your family! Yarn from @lovecraftsknitting and free pattern in the profile link #knitstagram #knitting #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit #knittingpattern #knittinginspiration #freeknittingpattern
A twisted headband is the perfect gift for the hol A twisted headband is the perfect gift for the holidays! This headband is knit in fisherman’s rib - a classic stitch with a dramatic stretchy rib. Grab the free pattern and tutorial in the link in the profile and cast on! #knitting #knit #knittersofinstagram #knitknitknit #knittersgonnaknit #knitting_inspiration #knitstagram #freepattern #freepatterns #headband

Search The Site

Stay in Touch

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

2022 Copyright © Sheep and Stitch Limited

Pin
Share
Tweet
Let's Stay
In Touch

Sign up for new patterns, sales and exclusive giveaways. 100% good stuff!



no thanks

{"cookieName":"wBounce","isAggressive":false,"isSitewide":true,"hesitation":"","openAnimation":false,"exitAnimation":false,"timer":"","sensitivity":"","cookieExpire":"30","cookieDomain":"","autoFire":"40000","isAnalyticsEnabled":false}