What's That in Your Ears?
What sound usually accompanies your needlework activity?
Miles of Yarn, Ages of Time
When I was in my 40’s, I spent a lot of time knitting - some would say I was obsessed to an obnoxious degree. I knitted in the car, on the couch, in meetings and waiting rooms, at the sickbeds of family members, and as a hospice volunteer (they were specifically seeking knitters, because the rhythm of the needles might be soothing).
I also knit at bars. One performer, irritated with my knitting a Christmas stocking while he sang, made up a song about me on the spot. The whole audience sang along. Guy was a tool anyway; I kept knitting. I bet some of the people in that audience wished they’d brought their knitting too.
Balance
I still love an uninterrupted period of knitting; it’s soothing and satisfying. I’m not as comfortable sitting still for long periods now - a good thing, since I feel better and sleep better if I have a physically active day. I knit for a few rows, get up and do some laundry, load the dishwasher, clean the litter box, then knit some more if I feel the urge. Still the time spent with needles in my hand is significant.
Soundtrack
During those first years I knit while listening to audiobooks, which isn’t surprising given my obsession with reading in general. Sometimes I went as far as to wear headphones if someone else was in the room (only in my own home and never with visitors). I thought it was polite because I wasn’t disturbing others; my husband thought it was rude because I was excluding him. Tomayto, tomahto.
Music is often a choice now. It was never my knitting go-to soundtrack until one day, as I was knitting in a waiting room, an Enya song played overhead. The environment was cozy, and the sense of wellbeing sparked by the ethereal music was so remarkable that fifteen years later, I can viscerally recall that sense of joy.
Since that day I’ve mostly alternated between audiobooks and music. Most recently though, I’ve found pleasure and contentment knitting in silence. This is novel for me, and I find myself wondering if it’s a sign of increased mindfulness. Undistracted, I experience the rhythm of the needles and the satisfaction of completing each stitch. (I wonder if there’s a knitting-specific neurotransmitter? What would it be called? Stitchophan? Yarnotrophin?)
We Have Options.
Audiobooks might be best if you’re alone or with someone who is also invested in the book - and the same might hold true for streaming video. Music works with others in a private setting, but not so much in public areas unless you use earbuds/headphones.
Nature sounds are lovely: wind, crickets, babbling brook, rain on the roof - all very soothing, although every one of those sounds would put me to sleep mid-stitch.
Silence can be a gift - either alone or with a likeminded companion, possibly interspersed wtih conversation. Or if you’re crafting with a group, DEFINITELY interspersed with conversation.
What Do YOU Hear?
What’s your preferred soundtrack for knitting, spinning, crochet, weaving, quilting, embroidery, needlepoint, sewing, macrame, painting, sketching? I hope you’ll share in the comments - and feel free to include your favorite music or audiobook author/narrator.