I was involved in an unusual situation this weekend involving another person’s reaction to my public knitting. I found the reaction of the person rather curious and quite unexpected and wondered if other knitters had run into similar situations.
I am conducting an unscientific poll among knitters in an attempt to answer some of the questions that arose as a result of this encounter. I would appreciate the help of fellow knitters by asking you to answer five brief questions in the comments for this post. The results of this poll might later be used in a future article that I will write and post on my website Tabitha’s Heart and Hands. No names, blogs addresses, email addresses or any other personally identifying information will be used in the article – only general results of the poll. Thank you in advance for your kind help.
Knitting In Public Poll
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
3. Do you find knitting at one of these events (a)distracts you from what the speaker is saying, (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying or (c)doesn’t effect your concentration on the speaker?
4. Did your knitting distract the speaker in any way? If so, please explain the circumstances?
5. Did your knitting distract the people around you from what the speaker was saying? If so, in what way?
I love to knit and do it whenever I can. I don’t think that knitting is a distraction in any way, but it could be interpreted as quite rude, especially when done in public while attending a “live” presentation, such as a speaker, sermon, play, musical, or whatever. I would think it quite rude if I were performing/speaking in public while someone in the audience was knitting, reading, or whatever.
I love to knit and do it whenever I can. I don’t think that knitting is a distraction in any way, but it could be interpreted as quite rude, especially when done in public while attending a “live” presentation, such as a speaker, sermon, play, musical, or whatever. I would think it quite rude if I were performing/speaking in public while someone in the audience was knitting, reading, or whatever.
1. Most just ask is this knitting or crochet.
2. no, because I don’t get out much.
3. b and c depending on what I’m knitting, I’m sure, and if the speaker sucks or not
4. n/a
5. n/a
1. Most just ask is this knitting or crochet.
2. no, because I don’t get out much.
3. b and c depending on what I’m knitting, I’m sure, and if the speaker sucks or not
4. n/a
5. n/a
1.curiosity as to what I’m making
2.no
3.My knitting would distract me from paying attention. Type of event would be the deciding factor as to whether I would even bring knitting along or not.
4. n/a
5. n/a
1.curiosity as to what I’m making
2.no
3.My knitting would distract me from paying attention. Type of event would be the deciding factor as to whether I would even bring knitting along or not.
4. n/a
5. n/a
1.curiosity as to what I’m making
2.no
3.My knitting would distract me from paying attention. Type of event would be the deciding factor as to whether I would even bring knitting along or not.
4. n/a
5. n/a
1. Most people are really curious about what I am doing
2. Yes
3. It helps me to pay attention – I have ADD
4. No – the speaker was too far away to notice
5. No – most of them were either asleep or trying to stay awake with their own methods!!!!
1. Most people are really curious about what I am doing
2. Yes
3. It helps me to pay attention – I have ADD
4. No – the speaker was too far away to notice
5. No – most of them were either asleep or trying to stay awake with their own methods!!!!
1. most people say something like “I thought only grandmoms did that”
2. yes, to keep the mind clear while the hands were busy
3. b
4. no one ever said anything other than my mother-in-law who said she would be offened (graduate school professors are not offended)
5. no one ever commented other than to ask everytime I wear something knitted if I made it or not
1. most people say something like “I thought only grandmoms did that”
2. yes, to keep the mind clear while the hands were busy
3. b
4. no one ever said anything other than my mother-in-law who said she would be offened (graduate school professors are not offended)
5. no one ever commented other than to ask everytime I wear something knitted if I made it or not
I have KIP and the only reactions I’ve gotten are curiosity abt what I’m making. Some people comment that their moms or grandmothers knit but that they didnt have the patience to learn or they held the yarn and needles too tight, etc.
When I DO KIP, its usually something basic and small, like a sock or a blanket for charity. and when I do KIP its usually waiting for a Dr or while my kids are in their activities where I can’t be involved. I wouldnt knit in church because I feel its not the proper place for it. I can still concentrate on what is being said, but I know it would be a distraction for those around me and I also dont feel that I’m giving my full devotion to my worship.
I have KIP and the only reactions I’ve gotten are curiosity abt what I’m making. Some people comment that their moms or grandmothers knit but that they didnt have the patience to learn or they held the yarn and needles too tight, etc.
When I DO KIP, its usually something basic and small, like a sock or a blanket for charity. and when I do KIP its usually waiting for a Dr or while my kids are in their activities where I can’t be involved. I wouldnt knit in church because I feel its not the proper place for it. I can still concentrate on what is being said, but I know it would be a distraction for those around me and I also dont feel that I’m giving my full devotion to my worship.
I have KIP and the only reactions I’ve gotten are curiosity abt what I’m making. Some people comment that their moms or grandmothers knit but that they didnt have the patience to learn or they held the yarn and needles too tight, etc.
When I DO KIP, its usually something basic and small, like a sock or a blanket for charity. and when I do KIP its usually waiting for a Dr or while my kids are in their activities where I can’t be involved. I wouldnt knit in church because I feel its not the proper place for it. I can still concentrate on what is being said, but I know it would be a distraction for those around me and I also dont feel that I’m giving my full devotion to my worship.
I have done handwork in public before — some on my time (while waiting for a movie to start, or DH to finish a dr’s appt, etc) and some when I’m not considered free — at not-for-profit meetings, at church or when I was a pollworker and there was a lull in voters. I’ve not done any handwork at work really, although it’s been tempting (lots of time on the phone with idle hands), since I don’t think my employer would approve. I try to pick my projects carefully for these situations — something that’s portable, that doesn’t require much of my attention (stockinette or ribbing), and something on wooden or plastic needles that wouldn’t make a lot of noise.
Reactions to this have generally been favorable. A lot of, “What are you making?” A lot of discovered community — women who knit/croceht/whatever themselves and come to talk to me about it, or ones who remember their mom/grandma/etc. working handcrafts and will share. Only once have I ever had a less than positive reaction — one of the older women at church said something about me working during service. I honestly don’t remember what she said now, and she was being polite, but I got the impression she didn’t approve. I’ve never seen a speaker be bothered by anyone doing handwork.
In general, I’m kind of fidgety, and feel like I can pay attention better when my hands are busy. If I find that my work is distracting me from the service or meeting or whatever (usually because I made a mistake and am trying to figure out how to fix it) I have to remind myself sometimes to put down the knitting and pay more attention. Personally, I do find other people doing handwork somewhat distracting (because I want to watch their technique or am wondering what pattern they’re using, etc.), but I consider that MY problem, not theirs.
Mostly, I guess I consider it an area of personal responsibility — if I think I can knit and still participate meaningfully in whatever activity, than it’s ok. If I get there and find out I’ve misjudged and can’t both work on my knitting and pay attention, then it’s my responsibility to drop the needles and focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. And other people’s reactions are other people’s problems. I can’t control other people.
One more quick story — I had a friend who would knit in her classes in med school. Same as many of us, she thought it helped her concentrate better. She got a bit of flack about it from other students — mostly along the lines of “How come you get better scores than us when you’re spending all of your time in class knitting?” Her instructors didn’t seem to care. And she got a lot of beautiful work done during her years here.
I have done handwork in public before — some on my time (while waiting for a movie to start, or DH to finish a dr’s appt, etc) and some when I’m not considered free — at not-for-profit meetings, at church or when I was a pollworker and there was a lull in voters. I’ve not done any handwork at work really, although it’s been tempting (lots of time on the phone with idle hands), since I don’t think my employer would approve. I try to pick my projects carefully for these situations — something that’s portable, that doesn’t require much of my attention (stockinette or ribbing), and something on wooden or plastic needles that wouldn’t make a lot of noise.
Reactions to this have generally been favorable. A lot of, “What are you making?” A lot of discovered community — women who knit/croceht/whatever themselves and come to talk to me about it, or ones who remember their mom/grandma/etc. working handcrafts and will share. Only once have I ever had a less than positive reaction — one of the older women at church said something about me working during service. I honestly don’t remember what she said now, and she was being polite, but I got the impression she didn’t approve. I’ve never seen a speaker be bothered by anyone doing handwork.
In general, I’m kind of fidgety, and feel like I can pay attention better when my hands are busy. If I find that my work is distracting me from the service or meeting or whatever (usually because I made a mistake and am trying to figure out how to fix it) I have to remind myself sometimes to put down the knitting and pay more attention. Personally, I do find other people doing handwork somewhat distracting (because I want to watch their technique or am wondering what pattern they’re using, etc.), but I consider that MY problem, not theirs.
Mostly, I guess I consider it an area of personal responsibility — if I think I can knit and still participate meaningfully in whatever activity, than it’s ok. If I get there and find out I’ve misjudged and can’t both work on my knitting and pay attention, then it’s my responsibility to drop the needles and focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. And other people’s reactions are other people’s problems. I can’t control other people.
One more quick story — I had a friend who would knit in her classes in med school. Same as many of us, she thought it helped her concentrate better. She got a bit of flack about it from other students — mostly along the lines of “How come you get better scores than us when you’re spending all of your time in class knitting?” Her instructors didn’t seem to care. And she got a lot of beautiful work done during her years here.
I have done handwork in public before — some on my time (while waiting for a movie to start, or DH to finish a dr’s appt, etc) and some when I’m not considered free — at not-for-profit meetings, at church or when I was a pollworker and there was a lull in voters. I’ve not done any handwork at work really, although it’s been tempting (lots of time on the phone with idle hands), since I don’t think my employer would approve. I try to pick my projects carefully for these situations — something that’s portable, that doesn’t require much of my attention (stockinette or ribbing), and something on wooden or plastic needles that wouldn’t make a lot of noise.
Reactions to this have generally been favorable. A lot of, “What are you making?” A lot of discovered community — women who knit/croceht/whatever themselves and come to talk to me about it, or ones who remember their mom/grandma/etc. working handcrafts and will share. Only once have I ever had a less than positive reaction — one of the older women at church said something about me working during service. I honestly don’t remember what she said now, and she was being polite, but I got the impression she didn’t approve. I’ve never seen a speaker be bothered by anyone doing handwork.
In general, I’m kind of fidgety, and feel like I can pay attention better when my hands are busy. If I find that my work is distracting me from the service or meeting or whatever (usually because I made a mistake and am trying to figure out how to fix it) I have to remind myself sometimes to put down the knitting and pay more attention. Personally, I do find other people doing handwork somewhat distracting (because I want to watch their technique or am wondering what pattern they’re using, etc.), but I consider that MY problem, not theirs.
Mostly, I guess I consider it an area of personal responsibility — if I think I can knit and still participate meaningfully in whatever activity, than it’s ok. If I get there and find out I’ve misjudged and can’t both work on my knitting and pay attention, then it’s my responsibility to drop the needles and focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. And other people’s reactions are other people’s problems. I can’t control other people.
One more quick story — I had a friend who would knit in her classes in med school. Same as many of us, she thought it helped her concentrate better. She got a bit of flack about it from other students — mostly along the lines of “How come you get better scores than us when you’re spending all of your time in class knitting?” Her instructors didn’t seem to care. And she got a lot of beautiful work done during her years here.
1. Usually they ignore me or are interested and will ask what I’m doing. It usually gets past the typical British reserve and I’ve had some interesting conversations! Many have no idea that socks can be knitted.
2. I don’t normally knit at lectures or somewhere where I need to take notes. I did knit through my graduation ceremony as a protest as I didn’t want to go and thought it was a complete waste of time. I also knitted at my Lent course last week to help me concentrate on a speaker and nobody commented.
3. (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying. Especially if it’s the sort of event where you wouldn’t normally take notes (taking notes helps me concentrate too).
4. No, I only do it where I can’t be seen by the speaker as it doesn’t seem fair to potentially disrupt him/her.
5. No. I started knitting before the speaker started and asked the woman next to me if she minded (she didn’t). Nobody else could really see what I was doing.
1. Usually they ignore me or are interested and will ask what I’m doing. It usually gets past the typical British reserve and I’ve had some interesting conversations! Many have no idea that socks can be knitted.
2. I don’t normally knit at lectures or somewhere where I need to take notes. I did knit through my graduation ceremony as a protest as I didn’t want to go and thought it was a complete waste of time. I also knitted at my Lent course last week to help me concentrate on a speaker and nobody commented.
3. (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying. Especially if it’s the sort of event where you wouldn’t normally take notes (taking notes helps me concentrate too).
4. No, I only do it where I can’t be seen by the speaker as it doesn’t seem fair to potentially disrupt him/her.
5. No. I started knitting before the speaker started and asked the woman next to me if she minded (she didn’t). Nobody else could really see what I was doing.
1. Usually they ignore me or are interested and will ask what I’m doing. It usually gets past the typical British reserve and I’ve had some interesting conversations! Many have no idea that socks can be knitted.
2. I don’t normally knit at lectures or somewhere where I need to take notes. I did knit through my graduation ceremony as a protest as I didn’t want to go and thought it was a complete waste of time. I also knitted at my Lent course last week to help me concentrate on a speaker and nobody commented.
3. (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying. Especially if it’s the sort of event where you wouldn’t normally take notes (taking notes helps me concentrate too).
4. No, I only do it where I can’t be seen by the speaker as it doesn’t seem fair to potentially disrupt him/her.
5. No. I started knitting before the speaker started and asked the woman next to me if she minded (she didn’t). Nobody else could really see what I was doing.
1. People are usually curious, or they don’t care.
2.Yes, only once. Usually if I’m at a meeting, I need to be taking notes.
3. Knitting would distract me from the speaker. I need to pay attention!
4. No. I asked at the beginning of the meeting if it was alright to do this
5. No. No one said anything about it once the meeting started.
1. People are usually curious, or they don’t care.
2.Yes, only once. Usually if I’m at a meeting, I need to be taking notes.
3. Knitting would distract me from the speaker. I need to pay attention!
4. No. I asked at the beginning of the meeting if it was alright to do this
5. No. No one said anything about it once the meeting started.
1. People are usually curious, or they don’t care.
2.Yes, only once. Usually if I’m at a meeting, I need to be taking notes.
3. Knitting would distract me from the speaker. I need to pay attention!
4. No. I asked at the beginning of the meeting if it was alright to do this
5. No. No one said anything about it once the meeting started.
1. Most people are curious and want to know what I’m making.
2. No. Most events of that type that I attend are either work or career-related and specifically prohibit any activity during the event, which would include knitting.
3. a) Knitting would definitely distract me from the speaker.
4. Knitting would be distracting to the speaker, who deserves the audience’s full attention. You cannot be taking good seminar notes while knitting.
5. Knitting would distract others who might be more interested in your progress than in hearing what the speaker wss saying.
1. Most people are curious and want to know what I’m making.
2. No. Most events of that type that I attend are either work or career-related and specifically prohibit any activity during the event, which would include knitting.
3. a) Knitting would definitely distract me from the speaker.
4. Knitting would be distracting to the speaker, who deserves the audience’s full attention. You cannot be taking good seminar notes while knitting.
5. Knitting would distract others who might be more interested in your progress than in hearing what the speaker wss saying.
1. Most people are curious and want to know what I’m making.
2. No. Most events of that type that I attend are either work or career-related and specifically prohibit any activity during the event, which would include knitting.
3. a) Knitting would definitely distract me from the speaker.
4. Knitting would be distracting to the speaker, who deserves the audience’s full attention. You cannot be taking good seminar notes while knitting.
5. Knitting would distract others who might be more interested in your progress than in hearing what the speaker wss saying.
I have found that people are curious about what I am doing. I have not knit during a lecture, but have knit during waiting times and break times. I have had people ask about knitting lessons or where they can purchase supplies. I know for a fact that my LYS has gained at least one customer.
I have found that people are curious about what I am doing. I have not knit during a lecture, but have knit during waiting times and break times. I have had people ask about knitting lessons or where they can purchase supplies. I know for a fact that my LYS has gained at least one customer.
I have found that people are curious about what I am doing. I have not knit during a lecture, but have knit during waiting times and break times. I have had people ask about knitting lessons or where they can purchase supplies. I know for a fact that my LYS has gained at least one customer.
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
Just general questions about what I am doing.
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
No, I cannot pay attention to the speaker as I need to pay attention to my knitting. Only been knitting for less than a year.
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
Just general questions about what I am doing.
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
No, I cannot pay attention to the speaker as I need to pay attention to my knitting. Only been knitting for less than a year.
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
Just general questions about what I am doing.
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
No, I cannot pay attention to the speaker as I need to pay attention to my knitting. Only been knitting for less than a year.
1. Facination that I can knit without looking
2. yes, generally it’s been at my kids’ sports/music events, the movies, etc. When I was in school, I was usually busy taking notes. Oh, and I’ve done my share of knitting while teaching..while the kids are doing their own seat work. I can knit while I’m watching them. Or while they’re watching a movie–I’ll sit in back of the class and keep a close eye on the kids, without getting bored with the movie they need to be paying attention to.
3. If I’m knitting at an event, I take something I don’t need to pay close attention to, since I don’t look at it..I can concentrate on the event itself.
4. In the rare event that I was knitting at a speech/class, I never sat up front where I could distract the event/speaker/participants itself/themselves. I would sit in the back so the tinking of the needles or the movement wouldn’t be a distraction. I know when I’m speaking, movement would cause me some distraction. Therefore, I’m mindful of others. Speaking in front of a group is hard enough for me.
5. No, as I make sure when I am knitting amoungst a group, I won’t be a distraction.
1. Facination that I can knit without looking
2. yes, generally it’s been at my kids’ sports/music events, the movies, etc. When I was in school, I was usually busy taking notes. Oh, and I’ve done my share of knitting while teaching..while the kids are doing their own seat work. I can knit while I’m watching them. Or while they’re watching a movie–I’ll sit in back of the class and keep a close eye on the kids, without getting bored with the movie they need to be paying attention to.
3. If I’m knitting at an event, I take something I don’t need to pay close attention to, since I don’t look at it..I can concentrate on the event itself.
4. In the rare event that I was knitting at a speech/class, I never sat up front where I could distract the event/speaker/participants itself/themselves. I would sit in the back so the tinking of the needles or the movement wouldn’t be a distraction. I know when I’m speaking, movement would cause me some distraction. Therefore, I’m mindful of others. Speaking in front of a group is hard enough for me.
5. No, as I make sure when I am knitting amoungst a group, I won’t be a distraction.
1. Facination that I can knit without looking
2. yes, generally it’s been at my kids’ sports/music events, the movies, etc. When I was in school, I was usually busy taking notes. Oh, and I’ve done my share of knitting while teaching..while the kids are doing their own seat work. I can knit while I’m watching them. Or while they’re watching a movie–I’ll sit in back of the class and keep a close eye on the kids, without getting bored with the movie they need to be paying attention to.
3. If I’m knitting at an event, I take something I don’t need to pay close attention to, since I don’t look at it..I can concentrate on the event itself.
4. In the rare event that I was knitting at a speech/class, I never sat up front where I could distract the event/speaker/participants itself/themselves. I would sit in the back so the tinking of the needles or the movement wouldn’t be a distraction. I know when I’m speaking, movement would cause me some distraction. Therefore, I’m mindful of others. Speaking in front of a group is hard enough for me.
5. No, as I make sure when I am knitting amoungst a group, I won’t be a distraction.
1. Generally, curiosity. Fascination from children.
2. yes. I like the sense of seeing something tangible emerge from “wasted minutes”. Also, I’m a smoker, – makes my hands do something else in places where it is not allowed and cuts down on the number I smoke.
3. C. yes, I can multi-task!
4. I usually try not to be obviuos aboout it and sit to the rear when possible.
5. not that I noticed. I am glancing down at the knitting only occasionally and do watch the speaker. My knitting is usually out of their line of sight.
Sometimes have questions from others after the speaker finishes
1. Generally, curiosity. Fascination from children.
2. yes. I like the sense of seeing something tangible emerge from “wasted minutes”. Also, I’m a smoker, – makes my hands do something else in places where it is not allowed and cuts down on the number I smoke.
3. C. yes, I can multi-task!
4. I usually try not to be obviuos aboout it and sit to the rear when possible.
5. not that I noticed. I am glancing down at the knitting only occasionally and do watch the speaker. My knitting is usually out of their line of sight.
Sometimes have questions from others after the speaker finishes
1. About half stare at you like you are a weirdo, the other half comment that they have always wanted to knit or crochet, or currently do.
2. Yes, but only for a few minutes during attendance for a class. My teacher did not look too amused.
3. It would only effect me if I was working on something difficult or fixing a mistake.
4. Again, teacher looked at me very oddly. So I stopped knitting.
5. No. I was sitting in back of class.
I will say that I was flamed once at an old job for doing a crossword puzzle at a huge work conference. Never mind that older coworkers at the SAME TABLE were doing the same thing. But because the Manager who was there seemed to not like a young whippersnapper like me, I got into trouble. So if you got into trouble, you are not alone. 🙂
1. About half stare at you like you are a weirdo, the other half comment that they have always wanted to knit or crochet, or currently do.
2. Yes, but only for a few minutes during attendance for a class. My teacher did not look too amused.
3. It would only effect me if I was working on something difficult or fixing a mistake.
4. Again, teacher looked at me very oddly. So I stopped knitting.
5. No. I was sitting in back of class.
I will say that I was flamed once at an old job for doing a crossword puzzle at a huge work conference. Never mind that older coworkers at the SAME TABLE were doing the same thing. But because the Manager who was there seemed to not like a young whippersnapper like me, I got into trouble. So if you got into trouble, you are not alone. 🙂
1. Usually they are curious about what I am making.
2. Yes, but I try to do so in such a way to not cause a distraction. Why, because I was trying to beat a deadline on a project or I needed to keep my hands busy.
3. I only take “mindless” projects to knit in public, nothing I would have to really focus or concentration on so that I could pay attention to the speaker.
4. I have had this happen in the past and was asked to put away the knitting. Since it was a “games and social night” at church I didn’t feel I should have to, so I argued the point. I did lay the knitting aside while the person was speaking however.
5. Not while the person was speaking because I make a point of putting the knitting aside and paying attention to the speaker. It sets an example to those around me as well. If it is a long speech or ? I may go back to knitting but I still make a point of paying close attention to what is going on.
1. Usually they are curious about what I am making.
2. Yes, but I try to do so in such a way to not cause a distraction. Why, because I was trying to beat a deadline on a project or I needed to keep my hands busy.
3. I only take “mindless” projects to knit in public, nothing I would have to really focus or concentration on so that I could pay attention to the speaker.
4. I have had this happen in the past and was asked to put away the knitting. Since it was a “games and social night” at church I didn’t feel I should have to, so I argued the point. I did lay the knitting aside while the person was speaking however.
5. Not while the person was speaking because I make a point of putting the knitting aside and paying attention to the speaker. It sets an example to those around me as well. If it is a long speech or ? I may go back to knitting but I still make a point of paying close attention to what is going on.
1. Curious, if they notice. Sometimes they are asleep.
2. Yes, unless I’m taking notes. Beats doing beading or other crafts. Was cracking deer leg bones for awls in one meeting – that was not so good.
3. b
4. No
5. No
1. Curious, if they notice. Sometimes they are asleep.
2. Yes, unless I’m taking notes. Beats doing beading or other crafts. Was cracking deer leg bones for awls in one meeting – that was not so good.
3. b
4. No
5. No
1. About half the time people ignore me, and the other half they ask what I’m doing. The people who ask have always been friendly and interested.
2. I had one class where I frequently would get out the knitting. Often the teacher had to spend time explaining topics that I was already familiar with, and having something to do kept me from going nuts.
3. Knitting helps me pay better attention, especially during the boring bits. Otherwise, my mind wanders.
4. The teacher was unaware of my knitting because he was blind.
5. The knitting did not seem to distract the other students. Fear of distracting others is what generally keeps me from knitting in groups. In this case, I tried it out; when the other students didn’t seem to notice, I kept it up.
1. About half the time people ignore me, and the other half they ask what I’m doing. The people who ask have always been friendly and interested.
2. I had one class where I frequently would get out the knitting. Often the teacher had to spend time explaining topics that I was already familiar with, and having something to do kept me from going nuts.
3. Knitting helps me pay better attention, especially during the boring bits. Otherwise, my mind wanders.
4. The teacher was unaware of my knitting because he was blind.
5. The knitting did not seem to distract the other students. Fear of distracting others is what generally keeps me from knitting in groups. In this case, I tried it out; when the other students didn’t seem to notice, I kept it up.
1. I have had only interested curious people, who want to comment on the yarn or ask what I’m knitting or tell me about other knitters they know, like their grandma or mother.
2. Yes, I have even knit in church during lengthy announcements before & after the sermon — only something I can knit without looking at. I knit at large auditorium-type meetings. I knit during breaks in conference-type meetings. I have read around the ‘net there are studies showing you can listen better when doing something with your hands. I’ve knit at work while awaiting everyone to get to the staff meeting. I don’t like to sit idly.
3. I seem to listen better, absorb more…
4. Not that I’ve been told. They can see I’m listening. One speaker commented later only as others do similarly.
5. Again, not that I’ve been told. They can see I’m listening.
1. I have had only interested curious people, who want to comment on the yarn or ask what I’m knitting or tell me about other knitters they know, like their grandma or mother.
2. Yes, I have even knit in church during lengthy announcements before & after the sermon — only something I can knit without looking at. I knit at large auditorium-type meetings. I knit during breaks in conference-type meetings. I have read around the ‘net there are studies showing you can listen better when doing something with your hands. I’ve knit at work while awaiting everyone to get to the staff meeting. I don’t like to sit idly.
3. I seem to listen better, absorb more…
4. Not that I’ve been told. They can see I’m listening. One speaker commented later only as others do similarly.
5. Again, not that I’ve been told. They can see I’m listening.
1. In general, the reaction of others is usually curiosity.
2. No, I have not knitted at a non-knitting event. I tend to watch my knitting and I don’t want that to be perceived as being disconnected from the event.
3. I listen to lectures on my Ipod, etc., and knitting definitely helps me concentrate on the speaker.
4. I have not knitted in front of a person who is speaking to a group at a non-knitting event. As an instructor at a community college, if a student was knitting during class I may be distracted at first but as long as that person was participating I would tend to ignore the knitting.
5. I get distracted by other people, especially in church, and so I could see how my knitting may distract someone else.
Very insightful questions.
1. In general, the reaction of others is usually curiosity.
2. No, I have not knitted at a non-knitting event. I tend to watch my knitting and I don’t want that to be perceived as being disconnected from the event.
3. I listen to lectures on my Ipod, etc., and knitting definitely helps me concentrate on the speaker.
4. I have not knitted in front of a person who is speaking to a group at a non-knitting event. As an instructor at a community college, if a student was knitting during class I may be distracted at first but as long as that person was participating I would tend to ignore the knitting.
5. I get distracted by other people, especially in church, and so I could see how my knitting may distract someone else.
Very insightful questions.
1. Most people are curious as to what I am knitting and have a comment about a relative that knits.
2. Yes, I was in a lecture and sat in the back.
3. c.
4. No
5. At first, but then most wished they had brought a project to work on.
1. Most people are curious as to what I am knitting and have a comment about a relative that knits.
2. Yes, I was in a lecture and sat in the back.
3. c.
4. No
5. At first, but then most wished they had brought a project to work on.
1. Most people (where I currently live) stare at me like I’m from another planet. Occasionally people will ask what I’m making and when I say socks, they will look at me like I’m from another planet.
2. Once…at my son’s band concert.
3. I usually pay better attention…I stay awake better if I’m tired and my mind doesn’t wander.
4/5. Nobody knew I was knitting, except my husband sitting next to me. I had a plain sock with bamboo needles in my purse that I didn’t take out until they dimmed the lights – no one could see or hear it and I have the ability to stockinette without looking down. People (my husband included) make more noise unwrapping candy. I usually fight dozing off during these concerts – I’ve usually been awake 14-15 hours of a busy day, the music is soothing, the room is dark. I was really enjoying this concert because I was more able to concentrate on the music. My husband, of all people, had a fit! He said it was rude – and then later said it was distracting to HIM. And my mother sided with him – said it was an inappropriate setting to knit. I think people who don’t knit cannot fathom that someone could pay MORE attention when kntting than not.
1. Most people (where I currently live) stare at me like I’m from another planet. Occasionally people will ask what I’m making and when I say socks, they will look at me like I’m from another planet.
2. Once…at my son’s band concert.
3. I usually pay better attention…I stay awake better if I’m tired and my mind doesn’t wander.
4/5. Nobody knew I was knitting, except my husband sitting next to me. I had a plain sock with bamboo needles in my purse that I didn’t take out until they dimmed the lights – no one could see or hear it and I have the ability to stockinette without looking down. People (my husband included) make more noise unwrapping candy. I usually fight dozing off during these concerts – I’ve usually been awake 14-15 hours of a busy day, the music is soothing, the room is dark. I was really enjoying this concert because I was more able to concentrate on the music. My husband, of all people, had a fit! He said it was rude – and then later said it was distracting to HIM. And my mother sided with him – said it was an inappropriate setting to knit. I think people who don’t knit cannot fathom that someone could pay MORE attention when kntting than not.
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
I Have always had a favorable response to my knittin or crocheting.
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
Yes as it helps me to concentrate better.
3. Do you find knitting at one of these events (a)distracts you from what the speaker is saying, (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying or (c)doesn’t effect your concentration on the speaker?
It helps me to concentrate on what is being said as i get very fidgety.
4. Did your knitting distract the speaker in any way? If so, please explain the circumstances?
Not that I am aware of.
5. Did your knitting distract the people around you from what the speaker was saying? If so, in what way?
Again, not that I am aware of.
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
I Have always had a favorable response to my knittin or crocheting.
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
Yes as it helps me to concentrate better.
3. Do you find knitting at one of these events (a)distracts you from what the speaker is saying, (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying or (c)doesn’t effect your concentration on the speaker?
It helps me to concentrate on what is being said as i get very fidgety.
4. Did your knitting distract the speaker in any way? If so, please explain the circumstances?
Not that I am aware of.
5. Did your knitting distract the people around you from what the speaker was saying? If so, in what way?
Again, not that I am aware of.
1.Usually people will ask what I am making. Others will tell a story about someone they know that knit something or tell how they learned to knit.
2.I have knit at the kids choir/band concerts and their sports events. I knit while they are setting up/warming up but put it down during the playing as they (my kids) want my full attention.
3.I can knit and listen without a problem, but I need to see my kids score or they have a tendency to get mad!
4.No
5.No. In my case they came to see the kids and once the program/game starts that is where their attention is.
1.Usually people will ask what I am making. Others will tell a story about someone they know that knit something or tell how they learned to knit.
2.I have knit at the kids choir/band concerts and their sports events. I knit while they are setting up/warming up but put it down during the playing as they (my kids) want my full attention.
3.I can knit and listen without a problem, but I need to see my kids score or they have a tendency to get mad!
4.No
5.No. In my case they came to see the kids and once the program/game starts that is where their attention is.
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
I have always had a very favorable reaction even knitting on the bus.
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
I knit often at lectures, speeches and meetings as it helps me to concentrate and to hear what is being said, otherwise I fidget a lot.
3. Do you find knitting at one of these events (a)distracts you from what the speaker is saying, (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying or (c)doesn’t effect your concentration on the speaker?
I find it helps me to concetrate better.
4. Did your knitting distract the speaker in any way? If so, please explain the circumstances?
No, I have always had favorable comments.
5. Did your knitting distract the people around you from what the speaker was saying? If so, in what way?
No, as I am usually very quiet about it. People will glance my way and then continue to look at the speaker.
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
I have always had a very favorable reaction even knitting on the bus.
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
I knit often at lectures, speeches and meetings as it helps me to concentrate and to hear what is being said, otherwise I fidget a lot.
3. Do you find knitting at one of these events (a)distracts you from what the speaker is saying, (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying or (c)doesn’t effect your concentration on the speaker?
I find it helps me to concetrate better.
4. Did your knitting distract the speaker in any way? If so, please explain the circumstances?
No, I have always had favorable comments.
5. Did your knitting distract the people around you from what the speaker was saying? If so, in what way?
No, as I am usually very quiet about it. People will glance my way and then continue to look at the speaker.
# 1, either positive, or just dismissed. I’ve knit at the doctor’s and dentist’s office and the hair salon, and on a plane, once. Didn’t notice any negative reactions.
I haven’t had the opportunity to attend a lecture or a meeting, or a class, so I don’t have any feedback for you on that. I would, however, bring it, and ask, or see if it were appropriate. I can see, how if it were a big project, how it might be distracting, to some who don’t “get it”
# 1, either positive, or just dismissed. I’ve knit at the doctor’s and dentist’s office and the hair salon, and on a plane, once. Didn’t notice any negative reactions.
I haven’t had the opportunity to attend a lecture or a meeting, or a class, so I don’t have any feedback for you on that. I would, however, bring it, and ask, or see if it were appropriate. I can see, how if it were a big project, how it might be distracting, to some who don’t “get it”
I am sure that you got a negative comment on your knitting in public. Non knitters or in general non craft people have the impression that to knit takes your attention away from what else is going on. That is is rude to the person speaking that you are not paying attention because you are not Constantly looking at the person. I do not believe that is true but the non artistic person can not releate. Or they are jealous
I am sure that you got a negative comment on your knitting in public. Non knitters or in general non craft people have the impression that to knit takes your attention away from what else is going on. That is is rude to the person speaking that you are not paying attention because you are not Constantly looking at the person. I do not believe that is true but the non artistic person can not releate. Or they are jealous
Hi Tabitha – here’s my answers:
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
Positive – it’s a great conversation starter!
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
Yes, I find knitting keeps my hands busy and allows me to concentrate better.
3. Do you find knitting at one of these events (a)distracts you from what the speaker is saying, (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying or (c)doesn’t effect your concentration on the speaker?
(b) – it’s my version of an ADHD stress ball! I always work on an easy project. And I’ll ask the speaker and those around me if it’s okay.
4. Did your knitting distract the speaker in any way? If so, please explain the circumstances?
See #3 – I ask before starting to knit.
5. Did your knitting distract the people around you from what the speaker was saying? If so, in what way?
See #3.
I’d love to know what happened to you, Tabitha – it doesn’t sound pretty!
Hi Tabitha – here’s my answers:
1. In general, what do you find is the reaction of others to your public knitting?
Positive – it’s a great conversation starter!
2. Have you ever knit at a lecture, speech, class, debate or other similar event that was not related to knitting? Why or why not?
Yes, I find knitting keeps my hands busy and allows me to concentrate better.
3. Do you find knitting at one of these events (a)distracts you from what the speaker is saying, (b)helps you to pay better attention to what the speaker is saying or (c)doesn’t effect your concentration on the speaker?
(b) – it’s my version of an ADHD stress ball! I always work on an easy project. And I’ll ask the speaker and those around me if it’s okay.
4. Did your knitting distract the speaker in any way? If so, please explain the circumstances?
See #3 – I ask before starting to knit.
5. Did your knitting distract the people around you from what the speaker was saying? If so, in what way?
See #3.
I’d love to know what happened to you, Tabitha – it doesn’t sound pretty!
1. Not many comments, but once in a while. Usually I’m asked what I’m knitting (or crocheting by someone who doesn’t know the difference).
2. Yes, I have knit, but not often.
3. a – It distracts me. Mainly because I’m a visual/kinestic learner and have to take notes to remember things. If I were an auditory learner, I probably would.
4. It has never distracted the speaker.
5. It has never distracted those around me.
I would probably knit more often than I do if I didn’t need to take notes. If I don’t take notes, I’m very quickly off in some la-la land and miss everything.
As is everyone, I’m interested in hearing about your experience!
Blessings,
Karen in AZ
1. Not many comments, but once in a while. Usually I’m asked what I’m knitting (or crocheting by someone who doesn’t know the difference).
2. Yes, I have knit, but not often.
3. a – It distracts me. Mainly because I’m a visual/kinestic learner and have to take notes to remember things. If I were an auditory learner, I probably would.
4. It has never distracted the speaker.
5. It has never distracted those around me.
I would probably knit more often than I do if I didn’t need to take notes. If I don’t take notes, I’m very quickly off in some la-la land and miss everything.
As is everyone, I’m interested in hearing about your experience!
Blessings,
Karen in AZ
P.S.
I generally do not knit in church during Mass, but have knitted in the Sacristry while waiting for the priest and Lector to get ready, as I serve as a Commentator. It is very meditative.
P.S.
I generally do not knit in church during Mass, but have knitted in the Sacristry while waiting for the priest and Lector to get ready, as I serve as a Commentator. It is very meditative.
I knit everywhere I go and every chance I get. Usually I get polite inquiries about what I am knitting or a glance/smile. My family is used to me knitting and sipping my wine while we wait for appetizers at restaurants.
The only negative experience I ever had concerning public knitting came from a former boss who insinuated that my knitting at a seminar was disruptive to the speaker. Curiously, I was seated at the back of a very large room, tucked away in the corner. Of course, attendees snacking and doodling had no adverse effect on this speaker, I concluded. The attendees around me did not appear to even notice what I was doing. I was able to take notes when needed. I find i am more tuned into what is going on around me when I knit. I knit simple patterns while at the movies too!
Needless to say, I eventually left this job as the boss had some very serious personal issues that negatively affected our work environment.
Would love to know your experience, Tabitha. I bet it was a doozey!
I knit everywhere I go and every chance I get. Usually I get polite inquiries about what I am knitting or a glance/smile. My family is used to me knitting and sipping my wine while we wait for appetizers at restaurants.
The only negative experience I ever had concerning public knitting came from a former boss who insinuated that my knitting at a seminar was disruptive to the speaker. Curiously, I was seated at the back of a very large room, tucked away in the corner. Of course, attendees snacking and doodling had no adverse effect on this speaker, I concluded. The attendees around me did not appear to even notice what I was doing. I was able to take notes when needed. I find i am more tuned into what is going on around me when I knit. I knit simple patterns while at the movies too!
Needless to say, I eventually left this job as the boss had some very serious personal issues that negatively affected our work environment.
Would love to know your experience, Tabitha. I bet it was a doozey!
1) Most folks are curious. I have had young ladies on the bus ask me to slow down for a few stitches so they could see how the needles move the yarn.
2) Most of my public knitting is done on the bus or between classes or in waiting rooms. Once I knitted in class, but it was during a video presentation and the lights were down. I wouldn’t knit during a lecture as I’m usually taking notes. Besides, I’ve got one prof. I’m fairly certain would throw something at me! LOL
3) I don’t find knitting distracting if it’s a mindless pattern. I couldn’t concentrate while trying to read a more complicated pattern or doing anything that required me to count stitches, though. I do understand that some people need to be moving in some way to concentrate. My daughter and grand-nephew are like that, and so was my brother when he was a boy. For instance, my daughter had trouble learning letters until I bought sidewalk chalk and we drew huge letters on the driveway, and couldn’t remember geography until we got an inflatable globe and made a ball-game with it. She’s in college now and doing very well, keeping those hands moving. Everyone learns in their own way, and for some people learning is attached to physical activity.
4 & 5) I have not knitted in front of a speaker, but I can see where it would be distracting to some people. Just as some folks need physical activity to learn quickly, others need to be free of possible distractions.
1) Most folks are curious. I have had young ladies on the bus ask me to slow down for a few stitches so they could see how the needles move the yarn.
2) Most of my public knitting is done on the bus or between classes or in waiting rooms. Once I knitted in class, but it was during a video presentation and the lights were down. I wouldn’t knit during a lecture as I’m usually taking notes. Besides, I’ve got one prof. I’m fairly certain would throw something at me! LOL
3) I don’t find knitting distracting if it’s a mindless pattern. I couldn’t concentrate while trying to read a more complicated pattern or doing anything that required me to count stitches, though. I do understand that some people need to be moving in some way to concentrate. My daughter and grand-nephew are like that, and so was my brother when he was a boy. For instance, my daughter had trouble learning letters until I bought sidewalk chalk and we drew huge letters on the driveway, and couldn’t remember geography until we got an inflatable globe and made a ball-game with it. She’s in college now and doing very well, keeping those hands moving. Everyone learns in their own way, and for some people learning is attached to physical activity.
4 & 5) I have not knitted in front of a speaker, but I can see where it would be distracting to some people. Just as some folks need physical activity to learn quickly, others need to be free of possible distractions.
Since I’m not a very good “waiter”, I knit while waiting for appointments or on planes. I have knit in meetings for one organization where others knit or needlepoint. The usual reaction is either indifference or occasionally comments about the yarn or stitches. The sweetest reaction came during a wait at a doctor’s office. There was an elderly lady there with Alzheimers and her daughter (?) was having trouble keeping her from leaving. When she saw me knitting she sat down next to me and her empty hands settled happily to “knitting” while she crooned a funny little tune.
Since I’m not a very good “waiter”, I knit while waiting for appointments or on planes. I have knit in meetings for one organization where others knit or needlepoint. The usual reaction is either indifference or occasionally comments about the yarn or stitches. The sweetest reaction came during a wait at a doctor’s office. There was an elderly lady there with Alzheimers and her daughter (?) was having trouble keeping her from leaving. When she saw me knitting she sat down next to me and her empty hands settled happily to “knitting” while she crooned a funny little tune.
1. Everyone wants to know what I am knitting and who taught me.
2. Yes, I have. I feel that unless it is a very mindless pattern, it would be extremely rude, but I would never say anything to someone who was – I don’t know what they consider mindless.
3. If it is mindless, it doesn’t effect my concentration on the speaker.
4. no
5. no
1. Everyone wants to know what I am knitting and who taught me.
2. Yes, I have. I feel that unless it is a very mindless pattern, it would be extremely rude, but I would never say anything to someone who was – I don’t know what they consider mindless.
3. If it is mindless, it doesn’t effect my concentration on the speaker.
4. no
5. no
1. Everyone wants to know what I am knitting and who taught me.
2. Yes, I have. I feel that unless it is a very mindless pattern, it would be extremely rude, but I would never say anything to someone who was – I don’t know what they consider mindless.
3. If it is mindless, it doesn’t effect my concentration on the speaker.
4. no
5. no
1. I enjoy knitting anywhere! I am also proud of my knitting and to be able to share what I am doing with just one other person is great. If someone is bothered by it they can move along.
2.No
3. I don’t think a repeating patttern has any effect on my concentration, but if it was a pattern I continuelly have to count I would be distracted from what the speaker was saying.
4.No
5.I think knitting is only distracting to other knitters, who are kicking themselves for not bringing their knitting with them. Also knitters seem to be curious about what others are knitting so for me I am always looking trying to guess what it may be. In that case it is distracting to me! lol.
1. I enjoy knitting anywhere! I am also proud of my knitting and to be able to share what I am doing with just one other person is great. If someone is bothered by it they can move along.
2.No
3. I don’t think a repeating patttern has any effect on my concentration, but if it was a pattern I continuelly have to count I would be distracted from what the speaker was saying.
4.No
5.I think knitting is only distracting to other knitters, who are kicking themselves for not bringing their knitting with them. Also knitters seem to be curious about what others are knitting so for me I am always looking trying to guess what it may be. In that case it is distracting to me! lol.
1-They either want to know what I’m knitting or to tell me they can or can’t knit.
2-No.
3-N/A
4-N/A
Sorry I wasn’t much help. If others around you are disctacted, that seems to be their problem and not yours as it looks like they’re easily disctracted which is something they need to work on.
1-They either want to know what I’m knitting or to tell me they can or can’t knit.
2-No.
3-N/A
4-N/A
Sorry I wasn’t much help. If others around you are disctacted, that seems to be their problem and not yours as it looks like they’re easily disctracted which is something they need to work on.
Most of the time – my knitting is ignored but if anyone notices – its usually older women who comment. which include ‘I didn’t know people still knitted’ , ‘I learnt at school and hated it’. I’ve been knitting 31 years and if I do get a comment questioning what I’m making from another (usually) older knitter – (I’m 36) they feel initimidated if I’m making a complex project! I’ve knit everywhere from the cinema to public transport and even whilst waiting for an operation on my arm! I’ve never had a problem. I’ve made people uncomfortable by knitting particularly my DH as he’s very set in always be seen to do the right thing! Knitting while waiting to see the bank manager is not the right thing but I hate the idea of wasted time! Knitting doesn’t effect my concentration as long I’ve got a simple project on the go.
KIP is best way of getting others interested in the craft – I’ve even ended up teaching from it.
Fiona
Most of the time – my knitting is ignored but if anyone notices – its usually older women who comment. which include ‘I didn’t know people still knitted’ , ‘I learnt at school and hated it’. I’ve been knitting 31 years and if I do get a comment questioning what I’m making from another (usually) older knitter – (I’m 36) they feel initimidated if I’m making a complex project! I’ve knit everywhere from the cinema to public transport and even whilst waiting for an operation on my arm! I’ve never had a problem. I’ve made people uncomfortable by knitting particularly my DH as he’s very set in always be seen to do the right thing! Knitting while waiting to see the bank manager is not the right thing but I hate the idea of wasted time! Knitting doesn’t effect my concentration as long I’ve got a simple project on the go.
KIP is best way of getting others interested in the craft – I’ve even ended up teaching from it.
Fiona
1. Curious and ask me about my project, compliment me on my work or disinterested
2. I often do this. When I was in a choir, I used to knit when the tenors, for example, were going over their psrts, but would put it down when it was my turn to sing.
3. (c)doesn’t effect my concentration on the speaker.
4. I was asked not to knit during rehearsals by the director–no reason given.
5. Not that I am aware of.
1. Curious and ask me about my project, compliment me on my work or disinterested
2. I often do this. When I was in a choir, I used to knit when the tenors, for example, were going over their psrts, but would put it down when it was my turn to sing.
3. (c)doesn’t effect my concentration on the speaker.
4. I was asked not to knit during rehearsals by the director–no reason given.
5. Not that I am aware of.
1. Positive. They wish they brought their needlework to work on.
2.Yes. It was a mandatory class that did not impact my govt dept, but was required to continue to receive federal funding.
3. Doesn’t effect my concentration on the speaker? Keeps me from falling asleep. Others nod off.
4. Only when I accidentally dropped my metal cable needle and it hit the metal chair leg. I apoligized to the speaker and the class.
5. No.
1. Positive. They wish they brought their needlework to work on.
2.Yes. It was a mandatory class that did not impact my govt dept, but was required to continue to receive federal funding.
3. Doesn’t effect my concentration on the speaker? Keeps me from falling asleep. Others nod off.
4. Only when I accidentally dropped my metal cable needle and it hit the metal chair leg. I apoligized to the speaker and the class.
5. No.
1. Positive. They wish they brought their needlework to work on.
2.Yes. It was a mandatory class that did not impact my govt dept, but was required to continue to receive federal funding.
3. Doesn’t effect my concentration on the speaker? Keeps me from falling asleep. Others nod off.
4. Only when I accidentally dropped my metal cable needle and it hit the metal chair leg. I apoligized to the speaker and the class.
5. No.
1) People are usually fascinated. I tend to knit with DPN’s and they oooh and ahhh over the fact that I’m using “5 needles at once!” and marvel at my sock skills. Many times people comment on their own knitting/crafting/hobbies
2)absolutely I have knit in lectures and meetings. I attend better when I keep my hands busy – its something non-verbal to do so my mind doesn’t wander. I generally have found it well accepted. I usually explain it to the speaker and they are almost never offended.
3) B. Defintiely B. My mind wanders unless I have something to physically pin my concentration into the here and now. If I wasn’t knitting I’d be doodling. If I have nothing in my hands I WILL daydream.
4) I’ve never noticed it to. I HAVE had speakers notice my knitting and ask me about it in breaks, but I’ve never seen them be distracted during their actual talk. I’ve also never had one be offended at my knitting – most understand the concept of doing soemthing to keep my attention in the room. I usually explain it to them at the first break just to be sure they don’t take offense.
5) Early in a talk, very enar neighbors may be briefly distracted and want to know what I’m doing, but rarely past the first minute or so. This is no more or less distracting than a comment on someone’s hair or outfit, or other “getting to knwo you” chit chat. Also the progress of my knitting soemtimes becomes a topic of conversation during breaks. But knitting is a relatively repetative task with minimal motion and does not actively draw people’s attention during the heart of a talk.
I can guess where your questions are goign and it sounds like you may have had a very unpleasant experience with someone who was bothered by your knitting. They’re the exception not the rule…
1) People are usually fascinated. I tend to knit with DPN’s and they oooh and ahhh over the fact that I’m using “5 needles at once!” and marvel at my sock skills. Many times people comment on their own knitting/crafting/hobbies
2)absolutely I have knit in lectures and meetings. I attend better when I keep my hands busy – its something non-verbal to do so my mind doesn’t wander. I generally have found it well accepted. I usually explain it to the speaker and they are almost never offended.
3) B. Defintiely B. My mind wanders unless I have something to physically pin my concentration into the here and now. If I wasn’t knitting I’d be doodling. If I have nothing in my hands I WILL daydream.
4) I’ve never noticed it to. I HAVE had speakers notice my knitting and ask me about it in breaks, but I’ve never seen them be distracted during their actual talk. I’ve also never had one be offended at my knitting – most understand the concept of doing soemthing to keep my attention in the room. I usually explain it to them at the first break just to be sure they don’t take offense.
5) Early in a talk, very enar neighbors may be briefly distracted and want to know what I’m doing, but rarely past the first minute or so. This is no more or less distracting than a comment on someone’s hair or outfit, or other “getting to knwo you” chit chat. Also the progress of my knitting soemtimes becomes a topic of conversation during breaks. But knitting is a relatively repetative task with minimal motion and does not actively draw people’s attention during the heart of a talk.
I can guess where your questions are goign and it sounds like you may have had a very unpleasant experience with someone who was bothered by your knitting. They’re the exception not the rule…
1) People are usually fascinated. I tend to knit with DPN’s and they oooh and ahhh over the fact that I’m using “5 needles at once!” and marvel at my sock skills. Many times people comment on their own knitting/crafting/hobbies
2)absolutely I have knit in lectures and meetings. I attend better when I keep my hands busy – its something non-verbal to do so my mind doesn’t wander. I generally have found it well accepted. I usually explain it to the speaker and they are almost never offended.
3) B. Defintiely B. My mind wanders unless I have something to physically pin my concentration into the here and now. If I wasn’t knitting I’d be doodling. If I have nothing in my hands I WILL daydream.
4) I’ve never noticed it to. I HAVE had speakers notice my knitting and ask me about it in breaks, but I’ve never seen them be distracted during their actual talk. I’ve also never had one be offended at my knitting – most understand the concept of doing soemthing to keep my attention in the room. I usually explain it to them at the first break just to be sure they don’t take offense.
5) Early in a talk, very enar neighbors may be briefly distracted and want to know what I’m doing, but rarely past the first minute or so. This is no more or less distracting than a comment on someone’s hair or outfit, or other “getting to knwo you” chit chat. Also the progress of my knitting soemtimes becomes a topic of conversation during breaks. But knitting is a relatively repetative task with minimal motion and does not actively draw people’s attention during the heart of a talk.
I can guess where your questions are goign and it sounds like you may have had a very unpleasant experience with someone who was bothered by your knitting. They’re the exception not the rule…
I’ve never come across anyone who wasn’t curious or interesed enough to watch for a moment or even longer. Some have questions, most smile. Age wise I draw attention from babies who want to feel and watch to elderly who remember their mothers handwork.
As for #2, 3, 4 and 5, I knit in public when waiting, but give my attention to someone who is speaking, or at a meeting, church, class, etc. I feel it is rude to not give your total attention. This includes doodlers, phone messages, crossword workers, game players, book readers, magazine lookers.
Think about it. Put yourself in the speakers place. What if this was your child who was doing other things while you were talking to them. You wouldn’t want that.
It is my feeling that you need to show respect to get respect and if you expect your children to show you this type of respect you best set a good example.
1. I typically get a positive response. People like to tell me about the knitters in their family, the sweater their grandmother made, etc.
2. Yes, I have, for the reason I am a kinetic learner. If I’m not doing something with my hands, I fall asleep.
3. Nope. If anything, I stay awake. Listening to a person drone on often puts me to sleep. Knitting keeps me awake and focused.
4. I think it is nothing more than good manners to assess the situation before walking in with knitting. I went to a Multiple Sclerosis seminar last year, and I asked the people presenting it if they would be okay with me bringing my knitting. They were indeed okay with it, and were thankful I took the time to ask. I did ask to take my knitting into another seminar for nursing credits, and I was asked to please respect the “atmosphere” of the seminar and leave my knitting at home. That meant, I took silly putty to quietly keep my hands occupied while the presentation went on.
5. Sometimes. I often think of knitting like a child. If it’s cute enough, everyone wants to interact with the kid. I’ve had people actaully distract me, and the speaker, to ask what I was working on.
I think a lot of knitters forget just how many hours there are in a day to knit. It can be viewed as disrespectful to knit during another person’s presentation. I’ve had contact with a woman who loved to knit everywhere, yet found herself pissed off when another person brought knitting to her wedding ceremony! I used to knit in church (to stay awake) and I’ve found this really gets other people’s blood boiling! There is a time and a place to knit, crochet, or whatever. In the middle of someone else’s event isn’t always the appropriate place to knit. I’d love to know more about your interaction with someone else, while you were knitting in public.
PS– I make an exception to all my rules when it comes to blind dates. One must always have knitting with them while on a blind date. You need to have some insurance, in case the guy is completely lame!
I’ve never come across anyone who wasn’t curious or interesed enough to watch for a moment or even longer. Some have questions, most smile. Age wise I draw attention from babies who want to feel and watch to elderly who remember their mothers handwork.
As for #2, 3, 4 and 5, I knit in public when waiting, but give my attention to someone who is speaking, or at a meeting, church, class, etc. I feel it is rude to not give your total attention. This includes doodlers, phone messages, crossword workers, game players, book readers, magazine lookers.
Think about it. Put yourself in the speakers place. What if this was your child who was doing other things while you were talking to them. You wouldn’t want that.
It is my feeling that you need to show respect to get respect and if you expect your children to show you this type of respect you best set a good example.
I’ve never come across anyone who wasn’t curious or interesed enough to watch for a moment or even longer. Some have questions, most smile. Age wise I draw attention from babies who want to feel and watch to elderly who remember their mothers handwork.
As for #2, 3, 4 and 5, I knit in public when waiting, but give my attention to someone who is speaking, or at a meeting, church, class, etc. I feel it is rude to not give your total attention. This includes doodlers, phone messages, crossword workers, game players, book readers, magazine lookers.
Think about it. Put yourself in the speakers place. What if this was your child who was doing other things while you were talking to them. You wouldn’t want that.
It is my feeling that you need to show respect to get respect and if you expect your children to show you this type of respect you best set a good example.
1. I typically get a positive response. People like to tell me about the knitters in their family, the sweater their grandmother made, etc.
2. Yes, I have, for the reason I am a kinetic learner. If I’m not doing something with my hands, I fall asleep.
3. Nope. If anything, I stay awake. Listening to a person drone on often puts me to sleep. Knitting keeps me awake and focused.
4. I think it is nothing more than good manners to assess the situation before walking in with knitting. I went to a Multiple Sclerosis seminar last year, and I asked the people presenting it if they would be okay with me bringing my knitting. They were indeed okay with it, and were thankful I took the time to ask. I did ask to take my knitting into another seminar for nursing credits, and I was asked to please respect the “atmosphere” of the seminar and leave my knitting at home. That meant, I took silly putty to quietly keep my hands occupied while the presentation went on.
5. Sometimes. I often think of knitting like a child. If it’s cute enough, everyone wants to interact with the kid. I’ve had people actaully distract me, and the speaker, to ask what I was working on.
I think a lot of knitters forget just how many hours there are in a day to knit. It can be viewed as disrespectful to knit during another person’s presentation. I’ve had contact with a woman who loved to knit everywhere, yet found herself pissed off when another person brought knitting to her wedding ceremony! I used to knit in church (to stay awake) and I’ve found this really gets other people’s blood boiling! There is a time and a place to knit, crochet, or whatever. In the middle of someone else’s event isn’t always the appropriate place to knit. I’d love to know more about your interaction with someone else, while you were knitting in public.
PS– I make an exception to all my rules when it comes to blind dates. One must always have knitting with them while on a blind date. You need to have some insurance, in case the guy is completely lame!
When I knit in public I get alot of stares and no one really approches to find out what I’m doing. I live in an area that there is only one LYS and it’s really pathetic so I don’t really live in a knitting community so to speach. As for knitting at a lecture I personally would not because I have to concentrate on my knitting and then would not be able to listen as well to the speaker. So I leave that to breaks but usually I don’t have time because at nursing seminars you do a lot of communicating with others about nursing topics. If someone else was knitting by me at a lecture I would be distracted becasue I would want to talk about knitting instead of listening to the lecture but I have ADHD to that does not help. It would be very hard for me to not want to dig my knitting out. I personaly think that if the speaker can not see you knitting then that’s ok but if it is obvious that it is a distraction, I think the knitting should be put away. There are to many others that would be affected by the speakers destraction to the knitting individual and then I personally would be upset if I didn’t get what I should have out of the lecture expecially if I had to pay to be there. I hope this helps you out in your quest for your own answers. please let us know what happened to you.
When I knit in public I get alot of stares and no one really approches to find out what I’m doing. I live in an area that there is only one LYS and it’s really pathetic so I don’t really live in a knitting community so to speach. As for knitting at a lecture I personally would not because I have to concentrate on my knitting and then would not be able to listen as well to the speaker. So I leave that to breaks but usually I don’t have time because at nursing seminars you do a lot of communicating with others about nursing topics. If someone else was knitting by me at a lecture I would be distracted becasue I would want to talk about knitting instead of listening to the lecture but I have ADHD to that does not help. It would be very hard for me to not want to dig my knitting out. I personaly think that if the speaker can not see you knitting then that’s ok but if it is obvious that it is a distraction, I think the knitting should be put away. There are to many others that would be affected by the speakers destraction to the knitting individual and then I personally would be upset if I didn’t get what I should have out of the lecture expecially if I had to pay to be there. I hope this helps you out in your quest for your own answers. please let us know what happened to you.
1. Most of the time I am asked what I am knitting. Friends will sometimes tease me and call me granny.
2. I usually try not to. I think it’s probably not all that polilte if it’s an event I need to pay close attention to.
3. It wouldn’t bother me. I can listen well while knitting. I find it more distracting for others around me.
4. I don’t do it so can’t say if it would have distracted them.
5. Again, haven’t done it so don’t know. This is my concern though, that it would distract those around me.
1. Most of the time I am asked what I am knitting. Friends will sometimes tease me and call me granny.
2. I usually try not to. I think it’s probably not all that polilte if it’s an event I need to pay close attention to.
3. It wouldn’t bother me. I can listen well while knitting. I find it more distracting for others around me.
4. I don’t do it so can’t say if it would have distracted them.
5. Again, haven’t done it so don’t know. This is my concern though, that it would distract those around me.
1) The usual reaction is “Oh! You’re knitting?! WHat are you making?” Then if they are a knitter/crocheter they talk about what you are making… if they aren’t, they usually say how hard it looks… I tell them, if I can do it so can they!
2)I don’t take my knitting to something like a lecture/class/speech or something like that because I don’t want to appear as though I’m not paying attention.
3) Since I don’t take my knitting to these events, the last 3 questions don’t apply to me.
1) The usual reaction is “Oh! You’re knitting?! WHat are you making?” Then if they are a knitter/crocheter they talk about what you are making… if they aren’t, they usually say how hard it looks… I tell them, if I can do it so can they!
2)I don’t take my knitting to something like a lecture/class/speech or something like that because I don’t want to appear as though I’m not paying attention.
3) Since I don’t take my knitting to these events, the last 3 questions don’t apply to me.
1. Either the standard “Are you crocheting or knitting?/What are you knitting?” or not paying any attention to it.
2. No; I am not that far behind on my knitting projects, and I don’t attend many lectures/classes! 😀
3. If I am working on a simple pattern, I find I can concentrate/participate in discussion better if I am knitting; if I am working on a complicated or unfamiliar pattern, I find it difficult to concentrate on conversation, and often save these more complicated projects for home knitting.
4. In the one or two times that I’ve knitted at a non-knitting event, I’ve checked with the presenter/participants if it is okay that I knit or if they prefer that I refrain. Almost all have encouraged my knitting and have not been offended.
5. I don’t believe so; one instance we were listening to music, and one of my friends commented that I had been knitting to the rhythm of the music and he found it fascinating to watch. I gave the group fair warning that I would like to knit and if they would be distracted/bothered by it, to please say so and I would gladly refrain.
1. Either the standard “Are you crocheting or knitting?/What are you knitting?” or not paying any attention to it.
2. No; I am not that far behind on my knitting projects, and I don’t attend many lectures/classes! 😀
3. If I am working on a simple pattern, I find I can concentrate/participate in discussion better if I am knitting; if I am working on a complicated or unfamiliar pattern, I find it difficult to concentrate on conversation, and often save these more complicated projects for home knitting.
4. In the one or two times that I’ve knitted at a non-knitting event, I’ve checked with the presenter/participants if it is okay that I knit or if they prefer that I refrain. Almost all have encouraged my knitting and have not been offended.
5. I don’t believe so; one instance we were listening to music, and one of my friends commented that I had been knitting to the rhythm of the music and he found it fascinating to watch. I gave the group fair warning that I would like to knit and if they would be distracted/bothered by it, to please say so and I would gladly refrain.
1. Usually surprised that a 25 year old is knitting on the ferry or at the doctor’s office. Then they ask questions as to who taught me, how long, etc!
2. No for fear of missing valuable information. I’m a avid note taker. LOL
3. A
4. Never have done it to distract the speaker!
5. N/A
1. Usually surprised that a 25 year old is knitting on the ferry or at the doctor’s office. Then they ask questions as to who taught me, how long, etc!
2. No for fear of missing valuable information. I’m a avid note taker. LOL
3. A
4. Never have done it to distract the speaker!
5. N/A
1. Curiosity
2. Yes. I knit most anywhere
3. b
4. Not to my knowledge
5. Not at all
1. Curiosity
2. Yes. I knit most anywhere
3. b
4. Not to my knowledge
5. Not at all
1. Curiosity – I don’t care to make casual conversation with strangers so I wear my IPod and that keeps people from talking to me!
2. Regional science awards program – that drags on forever from 5th grade on up (my child was a senior so I had plenty of time to kill) – I was knitting 2 socks at one time using magic loop.
3. c – doesn’t affect my concentration
4. No.
5. No – I began before the program began and most people had assuaged their curiosity by then.
1. Curiosity – I don’t care to make casual conversation with strangers so I wear my IPod and that keeps people from talking to me!
2. Regional science awards program – that drags on forever from 5th grade on up (my child was a senior so I had plenty of time to kill) – I was knitting 2 socks at one time using magic loop.
3. c – doesn’t affect my concentration
4. No.
5. No – I began before the program began and most people had assuaged their curiosity by then.
1. positive, converstion starter
2. I won’t knit in church. But do any place else I can.
3. I’m lucky I can concentrate on what is being said and knit at the same time.
4. I don’t think so I knitted at a community meeting
5.no, I don’t think so,I wasn’t making any noise. So if they were distracted it was their problem of not paying attention, for I was listening to the speakers.
1. positive, converstion starter
2. I won’t knit in church. But do any place else I can.
3. I’m lucky I can concentrate on what is being said and knit at the same time.
4. I don’t think so I knitted at a community meeting
5.no, I don’t think so,I wasn’t making any noise. So if they were distracted it was their problem of not paying attention, for I was listening to the speakers.
1. Curiosity, folks want to know whats on the needles.
2. No, courtesy to the speaker.
3. N/A
4. N/A
1. Curiosity, folks want to know whats on the needles.
2. No, courtesy to the speaker.
3. N/A
4. N/A
1. I find that most people are interested in what I’m doing and when I explain that I am knitting they want to know what I’m making.
2. Yes, I have been guilty of knitting during a staff meeting on once or twice.
3. I find that I actually am able to concentrate more if my hands are busy. Some people doodle or write notes as they listen, I knit.
4. During a staff meeting my boss asked me what I was doing and I replied I was making his Christms present. He never asked me again!!
5. It didn’t appear to distract others because they all know that I’m a knitting and crochet nut and they are used to me knitting or crocheting every spare moment.
1. I find that most people are interested in what I’m doing and when I explain that I am knitting they want to know what I’m making.
2. Yes, I have been guilty of knitting during a staff meeting on once or twice.
3. I find that I actually am able to concentrate more if my hands are busy. Some people doodle or write notes as they listen, I knit.
4. During a staff meeting my boss asked me what I was doing and I replied I was making his Christms present. He never asked me again!!
5. It didn’t appear to distract others because they all know that I’m a knitting and crochet nut and they are used to me knitting or crocheting every spare moment.
When I knit in public places like coffee shops, etc., I get positive comments.
I would not knit at a concert or at an event where someone is speaking. Both my husband and I do speak in public and we find it disrespectful. Irrespective of the knitters motivation or concentration, it appears to others as if the speaker is not worth your time…..so you brought your knitting to at least have something interesting to do.
Personally, I cannot knit and both listen to a speaker at the same time so I am wary of those who say that they can.
When I knit in public places like coffee shops, etc., I get positive comments.
I would not knit at a concert or at an event where someone is speaking. Both my husband and I do speak in public and we find it disrespectful. Irrespective of the knitters motivation or concentration, it appears to others as if the speaker is not worth your time…..so you brought your knitting to at least have something interesting to do.
Personally, I cannot knit and both listen to a speaker at the same time so I am wary of those who say that they can.
I have knitted in public and at in-services. I didn’t find it a distration to either myself or the presenter. I wouldn’t do it in church or at a concert. I belong to a group of knitters who meet at our local library. The group was set up by the library and the only comment made was someone thought we were rather loud for the library. We are well separated from the rest of the library and are not bothering anyone unless you walk in the room. Terry S.
I have knitted in public and at in-services. I didn’t find it a distration to either myself or the presenter. I wouldn’t do it in church or at a concert. I belong to a group of knitters who meet at our local library. The group was set up by the library and the only comment made was someone thought we were rather loud for the library. We are well separated from the rest of the library and are not bothering anyone unless you walk in the room. Terry S.
1. The general reaction is curiosity, generally asking if I am crocheting :P.
2. Yes, because sometimes they are boring. Since most knittes are multi taskers we can listen and knit at the same time.
3. c. Doesnt affect my concentration, I always take mindless knitting for knitting in public that purpose.
4. No, but I use circular needles and they are kept low in my lap.
5. If it did no one said anything. I look up alot and can generally feel what I am knitting without looking down accept occationally to make sure I am on track.
Besides, it’s no one else’s business when and where I knit. If they are intently listening to the speaker, they wont notice me anyway. If they dont like it they can always move, it was a free country last time I checked ;P.
1. The general reaction is curiosity, generally asking if I am crocheting :P.
2. Yes, because sometimes they are boring. Since most knittes are multi taskers we can listen and knit at the same time.
3. c. Doesnt affect my concentration, I always take mindless knitting for knitting in public that purpose.
4. No, but I use circular needles and they are kept low in my lap.
5. If it did no one said anything. I look up alot and can generally feel what I am knitting without looking down accept occationally to make sure I am on track.
Besides, it’s no one else’s business when and where I knit. If they are intently listening to the speaker, they wont notice me anyway. If they dont like it they can always move, it was a free country last time I checked ;P.
1. My kids are used to it and sometimes they giggle, others usually just look but no one has ever said anything to me.
2. No, I don’t really attend those kind of things.
3. doesn’t effect my concentration unless I come to a fairly difficult part of a pattern or something like that.
4. I don’t see how it would. I would think others would distract them more then me.
5. Not really I can’t see why it would.
1. My kids are used to it and sometimes they giggle, others usually just look but no one has ever said anything to me.
2. No, I don’t really attend those kind of things.
3. doesn’t effect my concentration unless I come to a fairly difficult part of a pattern or something like that.
4. I don’t see how it would. I would think others would distract them more then me.
5. Not really I can’t see why it would.
1 no reaction
2 No, I think it would be disrespectful to the speaker
1 no reaction
2 No, I think it would be disrespectful to the speaker
1. Usually very interested in what I’m making.
2. Usually they just shake their heads and say “That’s Sandra for you!”
3. It could if I was in a particularly difficult part of a pattern, but only for a moment.
4. I’m hardly significant enough in a gathering to have something I’m doing quietly be a distraction. I could be taking notes for all the speaker would know.
5. Not that anyone’s ever said. It’s not like I was being paged or talking on a cell phone. As long as my arms aren’t over in the next person’s face, again it shouldn’t be anymore distraction than someone taking notes.
1. Usually very interested in what I’m making.
2. Usually they just shake their heads and say “That’s Sandra for you!”
3. It could if I was in a particularly difficult part of a pattern, but only for a moment.
4. I’m hardly significant enough in a gathering to have something I’m doing quietly be a distraction. I could be taking notes for all the speaker would know.
5. Not that anyone’s ever said. It’s not like I was being paged or talking on a cell phone. As long as my arms aren’t over in the next person’s face, again it shouldn’t be anymore distraction than someone taking notes.
1. Usually nobody comments at all. If anyone says something, it usually is to ask what I’m doing.
2. Haven’t knit at work-related seminars, workshops, or classes, although it probably wouldn’t be that big a deal if I did. I just choose not to.
3. Knitting definitely helps me pay better attention. It’s one reason I knit while watching TV at night. I used to read, but my husband said he couldn’t talk to me as I was absorbed in my book. Now I knit. I can talk to him or watch TV. If he is clicking the channels around, I can ignore that too 🙂
4. N/A
5. N/A
Although I haven’t knit at work-related events, I do knit ALL the time at my children’s activities — sports practices and games/meets, music lessons and concerts, quiz bowl meets, doctor & orthodontist appts. I have never gotten a negative response at all. Plus, I find I’m MUCH more relaxed if I’m knitting, making me a much happier mom.
1. Usually nobody comments at all. If anyone says something, it usually is to ask what I’m doing.
2. Haven’t knit at work-related seminars, workshops, or classes, although it probably wouldn’t be that big a deal if I did. I just choose not to.
3. Knitting definitely helps me pay better attention. It’s one reason I knit while watching TV at night. I used to read, but my husband said he couldn’t talk to me as I was absorbed in my book. Now I knit. I can talk to him or watch TV. If he is clicking the channels around, I can ignore that too 🙂
4. N/A
5. N/A
Although I haven’t knit at work-related events, I do knit ALL the time at my children’s activities — sports practices and games/meets, music lessons and concerts, quiz bowl meets, doctor & orthodontist appts. I have never gotten a negative response at all. Plus, I find I’m MUCH more relaxed if I’m knitting, making me a much happier mom.
1. Curious as to what I’m making. Sometime’s I’m asked why I would bother to make an item when I could buy it just as easy …
2. I knit at hockey all the time.
3. It would depend on what I was making. When I need to concentrate a bit more on the event I’m at, I will take something easy to knit.
4. Only at a hockey pratice, the girls kept coming over to see my project – lol
5. Quite a few of the Mom’s are knitting too.
1. Curious as to what I’m making. Sometime’s I’m asked why I would bother to make an item when I could buy it just as easy …
2. I knit at hockey all the time.
3. It would depend on what I was making. When I need to concentrate a bit more on the event I’m at, I will take something easy to knit.
4. Only at a hockey pratice, the girls kept coming over to see my project – lol
5. Quite a few of the Mom’s are knitting too.
I knit in public all the time; my knitting goes where I go. I have knit at lectures, I knit in the movies until they lower the lights. I have never had a negative reaction. Sometimes curiosity. Many times, another knitter asking what I am making. Many ex-knitters saying, oh yes, I used to make socks…yadda yadda. But, never anything negative. And, certainly I do not think my knitting detracts from my listening/paying attention to a speaker. In most cases, it helps keeps me awake!
Knit on, Ruth in NJ
I knit in public all the time; my knitting goes where I go. I have knit at lectures, I knit in the movies until they lower the lights. I have never had a negative reaction. Sometimes curiosity. Many times, another knitter asking what I am making. Many ex-knitters saying, oh yes, I used to make socks…yadda yadda. But, never anything negative. And, certainly I do not think my knitting detracts from my listening/paying attention to a speaker. In most cases, it helps keeps me awake!
Knit on, Ruth in NJ
1. For the most part I find that no one really pays attention.
2. I have not had the opportunity.
3. If I did, I would not find it distracting for myself, anymore than when I knit while watching a movie or chatting with friends. I have kids with developmental disabilities and learning disabilities. They are often restless and need a “fidget” for their hands in order to allow their minds to focus and listen well, a toy or something to keep the fingers busy so the head can focus. (They must get at least that part of it from me.) It’s not an unusual thing. Knitting is my “fidget.”
4. N/A
5. N/A
1. For the most part I find that no one really pays attention.
2. I have not had the opportunity.
3. If I did, I would not find it distracting for myself, anymore than when I knit while watching a movie or chatting with friends. I have kids with developmental disabilities and learning disabilities. They are often restless and need a “fidget” for their hands in order to allow their minds to focus and listen well, a toy or something to keep the fingers busy so the head can focus. (They must get at least that part of it from me.) It’s not an unusual thing. Knitting is my “fidget.”
4. N/A
5. N/A
I knit in public all the time, on the bus, plane,ships, waiting for appointments., jury selection, in cafes etc.
I have knit in public meetings, but not in lectures, (only because I have not attended any.)
First, people want to know if it is knitting or crocheting, and then what it is that I am knitting.
I even had a ship’s passenger commission me to knit him socks after watching me.
I have had people ask me to teach them, and several novice knitters join my knitting group as a result of seeing me knit in public.
I believe a lecturer, who is less confident, may see it as a distraction to the other students, but observation of the audience should determine whether that is actual or not… it might be polite to prior to the lecture or meeting, tell the individuals that it helps you concentrate on what is being said… then it might be taken as a compliment that you really want to absorb what is being discussed.
1. Usually, someone will ask what I’m knitting. Sometimes no one says anything.
2. I seem to be in the minority here – I do not knit at lectures, etc. I usually take notes, instead. My knitting in public is generally confined to waiting rooms.
3- 5. I don’t even knit at my kids’ sporting events! I think it would be hard for me to follow what was going on, and I feel like other people might wonder why I was there but not watching the game. This would extend to other events as well (the lectures, etc from question 1). I have been knitting for over 30 years, so it’s not a lack of experience, and my stash is indicative that it’s not a lack of obsession. I just don’t feel the need to knit everywhere.
1. Usually people either ignore me or ask me what I’m making. They will comment on my dpn’s. I have never run into anyone who was negative about it.
2. Yes. I attend a very casual church and knit every week. Because of it, I have 2 people at church ask me to make them something (a cast sock for a friend’s broken ankle, a knit cap for a bald head and a pair of socks). I attended a writing workshop but did not knit there, prefering to give the instructor my undivided attention. I am very selective about where I KIP, and if I think there’s the slightest chance that the leader/instructor might have a problem with it, then I don’t knit. I will, however, when I can, ask the instructor ahead of time if it’s okay.
3. It helps me to pay attention so long as I’m not working on a complex pattern. I am not distracted. I frequently have a notebook in front of me to jot down notes if I want to remember something the speaker is saying.
4. I can’t say that it did. No one has ever said anything to me about it.
5. It hasn’t seemed to.
I use a lot of discretion about KIP’ing. There are many places where, out of courtesy to the speaker as well as those around me, I would choose to not knit.
I knit in public all the time, on the bus, plane,ships, waiting for appointments., jury selection, in cafes etc.
I have knit in public meetings, but not in lectures, (only because I have not attended any.)
First, people want to know if it is knitting or crocheting, and then what it is that I am knitting.
I even had a ship’s passenger commission me to knit him socks after watching me.
I have had people ask me to teach them, and several novice knitters join my knitting group as a result of seeing me knit in public.
I believe a lecturer, who is less confident, may see it as a distraction to the other students, but observation of the audience should determine whether that is actual or not… it might be polite to prior to the lecture or meeting, tell the individuals that it helps you concentrate on what is being said… then it might be taken as a compliment that you really want to absorb what is being discussed.
1. Usually, someone will ask what I’m knitting. Sometimes no one says anything.
2. I seem to be in the minority here – I do not knit at lectures, etc. I usually take notes, instead. My knitting in public is generally confined to waiting rooms.
3- 5. I don’t even knit at my kids’ sporting events! I think it would be hard for me to follow what was going on, and I feel like other people might wonder why I was there but not watching the game. This would extend to other events as well (the lectures, etc from question 1). I have been knitting for over 30 years, so it’s not a lack of experience, and my stash is indicative that it’s not a lack of obsession. I just don’t feel the need to knit everywhere.
1. Usually people either ignore me or ask me what I’m making. They will comment on my dpn’s. I have never run into anyone who was negative about it.
2. Yes. I attend a very casual church and knit every week. Because of it, I have 2 people at church ask me to make them something (a cast sock for a friend’s broken ankle, a knit cap for a bald head and a pair of socks). I attended a writing workshop but did not knit there, prefering to give the instructor my undivided attention. I am very selective about where I KIP, and if I think there’s the slightest chance that the leader/instructor might have a problem with it, then I don’t knit. I will, however, when I can, ask the instructor ahead of time if it’s okay.
3. It helps me to pay attention so long as I’m not working on a complex pattern. I am not distracted. I frequently have a notebook in front of me to jot down notes if I want to remember something the speaker is saying.
4. I can’t say that it did. No one has ever said anything to me about it.
5. It hasn’t seemed to.
I use a lot of discretion about KIP’ing. There are many places where, out of courtesy to the speaker as well as those around me, I would choose to not knit.
1. Mild curiousity older women often smile, often asked what I am knitting or told that looks too difficult or people don’t have the patience to knit.
2.No as I think most speakers would think it discourteous, but I do dream about what I could be knitting at the time!
3. If I did I don’t think it would distract me.
4.N/A
5. N/A
1. Mild curiousity older women often smile, often asked what I am knitting or told that looks too difficult or people don’t have the patience to knit.
2.No as I think most speakers would think it discourteous, but I do dream about what I could be knitting at the time!
3. If I did I don’t think it would distract me.
4.N/A
5. N/A
1 People usually ask what I am knitting. Usually done in waiting rooms at doctors’ office.
2 No. I wanted to pay attention to the speaker/professor. Now I want to pay attention to wok related talks with complete attention as it could/would benefit me while working.
3 a
4 does not apply
5 does not apply
1 People usually ask what I am knitting. Usually done in waiting rooms at doctors’ office.
2 No. I wanted to pay attention to the speaker/professor. Now I want to pay attention to wok related talks with complete attention as it could/would benefit me while working.
3 a
4 does not apply
5 does not apply
1.Very positive.
2.Yes. I am able to listen and work on my projects. It’s multi-tasking for me.
3. (a)no (b)no (c)yes
4.No*
5.No*
*I am knitting before the event starts and anyone with a question has it answered before the start of it. Anyone who is seriously distracted from a speaker by knitting wasn’t that interested in the speaker to begin with IMHO.
1.Very positive.
2.Yes. I am able to listen and work on my projects. It’s multi-tasking for me.
3. (a)no (b)no (c)yes
4.No*
5.No*
*I am knitting before the event starts and anyone with a question has it answered before the start of it. Anyone who is seriously distracted from a speaker by knitting wasn’t that interested in the speaker to begin with IMHO.
1. I have encountered curiosity, people asking what I was making, telling me they didn’t have the patience to do that.
2. I have knit at faculty meetings, the movies, on planes and trains. I would not do it in very crowded situations or I thought I was bothering anyone.
3. It helps me pay attention and enables me to concentrate.
4. I do not think I have ever distracted a speaker. At least no one has indicated they were bothered.
5. I do not believe I have ever bothered anyone around me, at least they didn’t indicate they were bothered.
1. I have encountered curiosity, people asking what I was making, telling me they didn’t have the patience to do that.
2. I have knit at faculty meetings, the movies, on planes and trains. I would not do it in very crowded situations or I thought I was bothering anyone.
3. It helps me pay attention and enables me to concentrate.
4. I do not think I have ever distracted a speaker. At least no one has indicated they were bothered.
5. I do not believe I have ever bothered anyone around me, at least they didn’t indicate they were bothered.
If I am asked what I am knitting, I respond with “It will be a *fill in the blank* when it grows up”. Usually gets a smile. I don’t knit in Sunday meetings but I’ve knit at other church meetings. During sacrament meeting it just doesn’t seem reverent. I’ve knit in college classes but make sure I knit without looking so the instructor knows I’m paying attention. If I wasn’t knitting I’d be doodling. I doodle a lot between making notes! I can’t jsut sit there. I have no qualms about knitting at sport events, school concernts, etc. If it bothers someone else, that’s their problem. No one has ever said anything to me negative.
If I am asked what I am knitting, I respond with “It will be a *fill in the blank* when it grows up”. Usually gets a smile. I don’t knit in Sunday meetings but I’ve knit at other church meetings. During sacrament meeting it just doesn’t seem reverent. I’ve knit in college classes but make sure I knit without looking so the instructor knows I’m paying attention. If I wasn’t knitting I’d be doodling. I doodle a lot between making notes! I can’t jsut sit there. I have no qualms about knitting at sport events, school concernts, etc. If it bothers someone else, that’s their problem. No one has ever said anything to me negative.
1. Most of the time it is accepted and even remarked on how wonderful it is to be able to knit.
2. I probably wouldnt knit at something I needed to pay attention to, but one reason for that is because I cant pay that much attention to something else and my knitting at once, and because at some functions it might be considered rude.
3. see 2
4. It might in a small group.
5. It might also. After all, some folks like to watch folks knit!
1. Most of the time it is accepted and even remarked on how wonderful it is to be able to knit.
2. I probably wouldnt knit at something I needed to pay attention to, but one reason for that is because I cant pay that much attention to something else and my knitting at once, and because at some functions it might be considered rude.
3. see 2
4. It might in a small group.
5. It might also. After all, some folks like to watch folks knit!
1. In *general* people either ignore me or ask what I’m doing. Often children will stare and sometimes whisper to their attending adult “what’s that lady doing?” If they know me or are familiar with knitting, they will ask what I’m working on.
2. Yes. The less interaction there is, the more likely I am to knit or want to knit. I have a hard time just listening to someone speak. It has to be incredibly engaging to keep my attention, or I start to think of shopping lists, laundry to do, etc.
3. Absolutely “B” but when I knit in these circumstances, I choose a project that requires very little attention (ribbing, plain stockinette or garter stitch).
4. I have not had a speaker have a problem with my knitting that they have brought to my attention.
5. No one near me has complained that I was distracting to them.
Please note that I usually sit in the back, preferably on an end with a friend/family member between me and others that might be distracted, and use needles/knitting bag, etc. that are as noiseless as possible. I have even knit more slowly to avoid the click of the needles to keep possible distractions to a minimum.
1. In *general* people either ignore me or ask what I’m doing. Often children will stare and sometimes whisper to their attending adult “what’s that lady doing?” If they know me or are familiar with knitting, they will ask what I’m working on.
2. Yes. The less interaction there is, the more likely I am to knit or want to knit. I have a hard time just listening to someone speak. It has to be incredibly engaging to keep my attention, or I start to think of shopping lists, laundry to do, etc.
3. Absolutely “B” but when I knit in these circumstances, I choose a project that requires very little attention (ribbing, plain stockinette or garter stitch).
4. I have not had a speaker have a problem with my knitting that they have brought to my attention.
5. No one near me has complained that I was distracting to them.
Please note that I usually sit in the back, preferably on an end with a friend/family member between me and others that might be distracted, and use needles/knitting bag, etc. that are as noiseless as possible. I have even knit more slowly to avoid the click of the needles to keep possible distractions to a minimum.
I have not yet knitted in public, probably because I am new. I knit in the car on the way to church and as much as I would love to bring my knitting into church and knit while I listen to the sermon, I dont think it woud be looked upon as appropriate by others around me. And I guess I should be paging thru the Bible. Also, I work in a Corp enviroment and as much as I would love to bring my knitting to those boring meetings, I know there is an image there I have to conform to. So, I guess when I do choose to knit in public, it will be things like sporting events or waiting at a restaurant, where my attention doesnt matter to anyone around me.
I have not yet knitted in public, probably because I am new. I knit in the car on the way to church and as much as I would love to bring my knitting into church and knit while I listen to the sermon, I dont think it woud be looked upon as appropriate by others around me. And I guess I should be paging thru the Bible. Also, I work in a Corp enviroment and as much as I would love to bring my knitting to those boring meetings, I know there is an image there I have to conform to. So, I guess when I do choose to knit in public, it will be things like sporting events or waiting at a restaurant, where my attention doesnt matter to anyone around me.
1. Positive reactions- usually my public knitting projects are socks, since they’re small, folks are intrigued.
2. Yes, it helps me keep focus and I actually pay attention better, as long as it is mindless knitting. I wouldn’t take a complicated pattern to work on.
3. b (guess I should have read all teh questions before answering #2!)
4. No- but there have been a couple times when it was a smaller venue so I asked the speaker ahead of time if she would mind if I knit.
5. Not that I could tell.
1. Positive reactions- usually my public knitting projects are socks, since they’re small, folks are intrigued.
2. Yes, it helps me keep focus and I actually pay attention better, as long as it is mindless knitting. I wouldn’t take a complicated pattern to work on.
3. b (guess I should have read all teh questions before answering #2!)
4. No- but there have been a couple times when it was a smaller venue so I asked the speaker ahead of time if she would mind if I knit.
5. Not that I could tell.
1. either there is no reaction or they make a comment on how they like what I am making
2. yes, I am someone who can not sit still and pay attention, so if you want me to listen then doing something at the same time helps
3. it helps me and i pick something that i do not have to look at the pattern so it can stay down and low and also not having to try and focus on two different things
4. nope
5. nope
1. either there is no reaction or they make a comment on how they like what I am making
2. yes, I am someone who can not sit still and pay attention, so if you want me to listen then doing something at the same time helps
3. it helps me and i pick something that i do not have to look at the pattern so it can stay down and low and also not having to try and focus on two different things
4. nope
5. nope
1. They usually think it’s kind of cool, always want to know what it is, and sometimes relate that they know how to knit or their wife.
2. Yes so far only once or twice. I don’t feel comfortable doing it in church.
3. It depends on how hard the pattern is, I try to remember easy ones so I can pay attention to the speaker, and if the topic is something I don’t understand, I need to stop and listen to the speaker for awhile.
4. No, I sat in the back, probably it would if I sat up front.
5. I don’t think so, but if it did, no one said anything about it.
I think you have our curiosity peaked now to know what happened. A lot of people don’t understand that some of us can understand better and listen better if our hands are doing something. I have a 13yod that is like that. She has to be doing something, knitting, coloring, whatever to be able to listen to schoolwork.
1. They usually think it’s kind of cool, always want to know what it is, and sometimes relate that they know how to knit or their wife.
2. Yes so far only once or twice. I don’t feel comfortable doing it in church.
3. It depends on how hard the pattern is, I try to remember easy ones so I can pay attention to the speaker, and if the topic is something I don’t understand, I need to stop and listen to the speaker for awhile.
4. No, I sat in the back, probably it would if I sat up front.
5. I don’t think so, but if it did, no one said anything about it.
I think you have our curiosity peaked now to know what happened. A lot of people don’t understand that some of us can understand better and listen better if our hands are doing something. I have a 13yod that is like that. She has to be doing something, knitting, coloring, whatever to be able to listen to schoolwork.
peopel usually want to know what I am making.
yes, to pass the time.
no to all.
peopel usually want to know what I am making.
yes, to pass the time.
no to all.
1. When people even bother to acknowledge I’m knitting they normally want to know what I’m knitting. Usually it’s a sock. A strange look overtakes their face at that point.
2. Nope.
3. Even though I’ve not done it I can’t imagine that it would have any effect on my ability to focus on the speaker.
1. When people even bother to acknowledge I’m knitting they normally want to know what I’m knitting. Usually it’s a sock. A strange look overtakes their face at that point.
2. Nope.
3. Even though I’ve not done it I can’t imagine that it would have any effect on my ability to focus on the speaker.