Knitting doesn't really have the grandma image that it had a decade ago. Knitting has become super popular with the millennial generation in particular. I think there are many reasons why - see my previous posts about the relaxing, meditative qualities of knitting. With this surge in popularity with a younger crowd, seeing a knitter with teal hair is not unusual.
Go to a place where knitters (and other fiber enthusiasts) gather and you will see all types of people. Knitters are not this conservative "librarian" group anymore. And certainly, we are still working on inclusivity and giving space to minorities, but I love seeing diversity and artistry that is continuing to grow in our fiber community.
So why am I a punk knitter? It certainly isn't the vivid hair colors. I feel like I still buck knitting tradition in a few different ways.
I knit with acrylic yarns OFTEN. There is definitely this view by some in the fiber community that synthetic fibers are verboten. But acrylic today isn't your mom's acrylic. It is soft, it is durable, and it is easy to care for. It is vegan friendly (though there is certainly some debate, as it isn't the most eco-friendly). It is great for people with different fiber allergies (wool being the most common). It is more affordable and accessible and there is no shame in using synthetic yarn.
I use massive knitting needles. My size 19s get the most use. I feel like these gorgeous shawl patterns all call for fingering weight, meanwhile, I'm over here finishing a scarf in 45 minutes.
My patterns are simple. More specifically, most of my patterns feature the knit stitch heavily. I have a short attention span and I detest a pattern that is overly complex. I can't work on a project for 40, 50, 60+ hours. Let's get this thing done and move on to the next!
So in some ways, I still fight against the knitting establishment. That's me, the punk knitter, knitting a chunky scarf with $10 in yarn in half an hour on massive needles. I still appreciate the delicate lace of a fine shawl made with $200 of hand dyed merino. I know we both share a love of knitting, and that puts us in a community together.
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