There have been a number of articles about young people having a renewed interest in community. Usually they talk about growth in churches.

Renewed Interest in Knitting Communities

I’ve been noticing much higher demand and interest in the various knitting communities, gatherings and get-togethers for a couple of years now. Especially with some of the younger crowds.

Not being a younger person myself, I’m not sure why the shift is occurring. Personally I think that many folks are getting a chance to experience the inner-satisfaction of connecting with others in a way that social media can’t match. I honestly think it’s a very natural progression as people mature. There’s a genuine yearning to be with other people. And to the extent that a space can be created that allows for and encourages deeply connected interactions, is the extent to which a realization occurs that interpersonal connections are necessary. At least they’re necessary for a fully satisfying life.

Through the men’s knitting community, I have met a number of clergy members. Years ago, I met Tim Tenclay and his family at the Adirondack Fiber Arts Festival in Greenwich, NY. We were talking about religious congregations and his role in nurturing them. He noted years ago that it really was all about creating a space for community…for communing. I think he’s right.

If you’ve read The Fabric We Make, you’ll recognize how the Men’s Knitting Retreats happened upon this inner desire for connection and have successfully nurtured it over the last two decades. I’ll be interested to see the level of interest we get with the NorthEast Fall Men’s Knitting Retreat in September when we open registration in a couple of weeks.

Current Knitting

The fortunate thing about community and connection in the knitting community, is that it doesn’t require anything draw-dropping. Because my latest knitting has been anything but draw-dropping.

These two swatches are for a workshop I’ll be delivering at the May Retreat on European Combination Ribbing.