World Wide Knit In Public Day
takes place June 14-June 22 this year. Now, you might think, “Why do I
need a holiday to knit (or crochet) in public?” The reason is that in
many peoples’ brains, knitting and crocheting still reside in a section
labeled “old fashioned.” Believe it or not, 10-15 years ago, people
were actually ridiculed for pulling out their yarn, needles and hooks in
public and they hesitated to do it.
We’ve come a long way. But we’re not there yet. I was knitting at an
airport a couple of weeks ago and a man watching intently spoke up
after a while and said, “I haven’t seen anyone do that since my
grandmother.” The man was in his 60s! I wanted to ask him where he’s
been but obviously, he hasn’t been anywhere where he has seen people who
don’t look old fashioned knitting or crocheting in public.
That’s where you come in. Make your presence known. Promote your
hobby on the train, the subway, the airport, the doctor’s office, the
beach, the park, the hockey game, the local coffee shop or bar. You
know how great it is that you have this craft. It helps you relax. It
offers you the opportunity to give meaningful gifts. It allows you to be
creative and productive in a tangible way. Go out. Knit in public.
People will talk to you and you’ll have an opportunity to tell them what
they’re missing.
Visit World Wide Knit (&Crochet) In Public Day’s Facebook page to find or lead a group and use the hashtag #wwkipday to find information and share images and info about knitting in public.
Then, let us know how it goes. We’d love to hear your stories!
