”Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit either.”
~ Elizabeth Zimmerman
Doubtless, we’ve all received those wonderfully knitted sweaters from our grandparents as we were growing up, but things have changed in the past decades. Knitting is no longer the province of the elderly but has been taken up by all ages as a way to create something lovely, to promote social change, and to spend some time peacefully meditating as they knit one, purl two their way to higher consciousness. Alright, that may be a bit hokey, but it is a relaxing practice often best enjoyed with a bottle of wine.
History of Worldwide Knit in Public Day
The world has knitter Danielle Landes to thank for World Wide Knit in Public Day (W.W.K.I.P.D) – and to say that the world’s knitters have turned out in their droves to support her quest to show that knitting is not just for grannies is something of an understatement. Each event – known as a KIP and brandishing the slogan ‘Better Living Through Stitching Together’ – is run by local groups and despite its reputation as a single day often takes the form of a week-long celebration of both knitting and alternative fiber art forms. The popularity of these KIPs continues to grow, with groups often choosing a theme for their particular event. Popular themes include knitting for hospitals, community art projects, environmental concerns, and premature babies – all of which are worthy causes to benefit from those with a love of yarn.
How To Celebrate Knit In Public Day
Well, the solution is right there in the name, you can celebrate Worldwide Knit In Public Day by knitting in public! You can share all the wonders of knitting with the world around you, and start practicing a new hobby. You can also participate in a little hobby called ‘yarn bombing’ where public places are beautifully adorned in colorful swatches of knitted fabric. What exactly? Everything you can imagine from bike stands to light poles, to trees! Everything can be covered in a beautiful array of colorful yarn.
WWKIPD can be a great adventure, heading out to the yarn stores and gathering with others of like mind to join in the celebration of this ancient practice. Just think of all the wonderful techniques you can learn, and trust us, if you ever wear a pair of hand-knit socks, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.