Wednesday, December 10, 2008

my new hobby



When I first learned to knit from my grandma a few years ago, I never thought I would try it again after she had helped me knit a scarf for my dad for Christmas. (she did about 70%, and I did about 30%) she insisted I was too inconsistent with my rows, and was constantly unraveling my work, and secretly knitting for me while I wasn't home. It was a Christmas present for my dad that he didn't get until March. I was a slow knitter, even with my gma's help, okay?

Now, many of my girl students wear hand knit scarfs, and tell me that they are knitting for their friends and boyfriends. Two of my Mongolian students Andy and William announced they wish they had a girlfriend to knit them a scarf. "I have tried many times, but every time I have failed," said Andy of finding a girlfriend. I then instructed all the single girls in the class to raise their hands. Over 20 girls raised their hands. "Have your pick!" I said. "Your class is filled with beautiful girls."

"Yeah, choose one!" piped in one of the girls. The whole class laughed. With all the female infanticide and abandonment that happens in China, the ratio of men to women is about 120/100. This is a dangerous proportion when we think about how many men will be unable to find wives. I worry a little bit about the less attractive and less confident males in my classes, because the statistics show they will not find a girl to knit for them.

I would knit Ned a scarf, but my student Rita already knit one for him for his birthday. So, I'm just knitting for relaxation, with really no idea who I will give it to. I remembered the way my grandma taught me how to cast on the threads, and my muscle memory of how to knit did the rest of the work.


It feels real comfy to sit in bed with a cup of tea and knit in the coldest of winter afternoons and evenings.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I learned how to knit in Home Ec. My mother helped me perfect the art. It is one of the most relaxing/frustrating/rewarding things that I have ever done.

:)

The best part is finding someone to give it to.