Once upon a time, I was a young knitter. Young and judgmental.
"Why do people buy stitch markers? What a waste of money! I never use a row counter. I ALWAYS remember what row I'm on. I even remember the row number when I haven't picked up that particular project in WEEKS."
What a fool I was. What a LOUDMOUTH. It's true, I never used markers, counters, point protectors, needle sizers and the like. Give me a sharp scissors, a tape measure, and a blunt tapestry needle, and I was set.
Then this happened!:
The universe placed our daughter in our arms, and out of my brain went row counts, pattern repeats, needle sizes, accurate gauge and the like.
Stephanie, Mia (Yang Yin Chi) and Ron
Holding our daughter for the very first time.
August 5, 2002
Nanjing, China
"Mia Mia Bo Bia"
June 2006
At home and at preschool in the San Fernando Valley.
(Left) Modeling her handknit dress for upcoming preschool graduation
(Right) A father's day party at preschool
So now I understand. Stitch markers mean I don't have to rack my brain trying to identify pattern repeats after a long day at the shop AND making sure the PJs are clean. Row counters mean I can enjoy the KNITTING without wondering why my brain is not big enough to remember
to order the Euroflax Linen AND spend 45 minutes listening to Mia read "One Fish, Two Fish."
So for moms, dads, students preparing for finals, or for anyone out there who enjoys their knitting and doesn't have to prove they are a knitting superstar, I apologize for my previous taunting about accessories. Buy them. Use them. Free your mind a bit. Unwind.
