On being 'crafty'

Before I learned to knit, I never considered myself a 'crafty' person. I didn't really draw or paint, I didn't sew or sculpt, I didn't do any of that stuff. I didn't make things; Michael's was not my usual hangout. I never thought of that as 'me'.

I might say that knitting is different from other crafts that require artistic ability or coordination, but learning how to knit has become something of a gateway drug* to other crafts, which certainly do. Dyeing involves more color theory than I had ever expected to learn. And if you don't think that spinning involves coordination... try it sometime. Whew!

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that if you don't think you're crafty, just try it sometime. Ask for a quick knit or crochet lesson from a friend, or look up how a sewing machine works, or whatever tickles your fancy. I taught my boyfriend to knit! You might be amazed at what you can accomplish.

And really, there's very little that can make you more proud than wearing something you made with your own hands. When someone compliments you on it, and you can say, "Why thank you - I made it myself!"

What a great feeling. And if I had never tried knitting, because I wasn't crafty enough, I'd never feel it.

*I'm not afraid to admit it. Yarn is my crack.

~Joyuna