It's been six years since planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York City, and the Pentagon. For most of four days I sat with my attention glued to the TV, knitting and thinking, wondering what would happen. We were reminded of how precious life is, and how harmful is hatred.
It is important to remember that one cannot know what is in another's heart by the color of their skin, the way they choose to dress, their religious beliefs, or their accent when they speak.
For months afterward, the events of September 11, 2001 were always at the back of my mind, while trying to get back to my normal routine. Much of daily life can seem trivial during a crisis, but that routine is also comforting, and imparts a sense of normalcy and control.
The knitting guild to which I belong had been gradually growing in membership, but after September 11th, that growth seemed to boom. Americans were reminded of the value of home, family, and friends, and wanted to do things more close to home. Increased interest in handwork was a natural outgrowth of these feelings.
If you work with your hands, then you know how keeping your hands busy can calm the mind. Knitting simple things lends itself well to being in company. You can knit and carry on a conversation at the same time, and if the company is made up of other knitters, it is even better.
The interconnected loops of yarn that are knitting, are also a metaphor for life. It stretches and eases back. It may wear thin, but it can be mended. It may be cut, but it can be sewn together. It may unravel, but it can be knitted up again. Knitting is a product of creative energy, and the act of creating expresses faith that life will continue, that life is good, that there is hope. While knitting, our hands can express our feelings. Express love.
Parts of the above appeared in an essay I wrote for the Rochester Knitting Guild's newsletter of October 2001. (C) 2001, 2007 by Jeanne Eaton Hoffman
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