Knitting is Not Just A Woman's Hobby
When I first started this blog, one of the things I wrote was that knitting was no longer just a hobby for your grandmother. It was something that everyone could enjoy and have the freeing feeling of creating something beautiful with your hands. The world has changed a lot since I started this account. I have changed a lot.
When I started knitting at eight years old, I identified as a girl. I didn't understand who I was or why I was. I was just trying to get through the day and figure it all out. I think that most people can relate to that, especially teenagers. When I picked up knitting, it was actually because I was jealous that my best friend's grandmother had taught them. I saw them create cool things (mind you this was most likely one garter stitch scarf) but I knew I wanted to do just that. That's when I sought out how to knit and taught myself.
When I taught myself to knit it didn't occur to me that this was a domestic hobby meant for dainty women who stayed home all day. It was a creative outlet for me. In the same way my classmates picked up a pencil and began to draw, I picked up knitting needles. But the hobby is strongly associated with femininity and I have been told that even though I have transitioned and identify as a man now, that this is one of the reasons I won't be a true man.
Now, I'm confident in my masculinity. I'm not worried about how I'm perceived because I've learned that as long as I'm happy and thriving, the judgmental stares of strangers mean nothing. Knitting is not just a woman's hobby. And, it's not a hobby just reserved for those who don't conform to gender norms. It's an opportunity to create something beautiful and create a community. Don't let anyone shame you for the things that you love. This community is open for everyone.
Thanks for stopping by—let’s knit something wonderful together! My ask box is always open! Feel free to drop a comment.
