Because of my Mom's physical proximity, she sees much of the stuff I make over the days and weeks. She often admires it politely, rarely even touches it and then invariably asks, "What in the WORLD are you going to DO with it?" This comes up most times when I show her my yarns.
There is often eye-rolling accompanying the question. I have other relatives who kind of do the same thing.
It's clear they don't understand what I am doing. They certainly do not understand that there is joy in the making. That for me, it's all that really matters. If it gets made into something else, well that's fine. But if it remains as yarn in a skein, and I had a good time making it, that's fine too.
They come from a time when everything needed a purpose. And I suppose my hobby seems frivolous to them. My Mom thinks I should be selling the yarn and knitting to make money. Otherwise, she thinks I am wasting my time.
I've arrived at a place where when the question is asked, I reply, "Oh, am I supposed to DO something with it?!"
10 comments:
Hahahaha....apparently our moms are quite similar. She never understands why I make things. She thinks I have too much time on my hands and needs to fill the void. Whatever. That's why I have a blog to show the things I make.
ah - one of the biggest distinctions between groups of people: makers vs non-makers. my husband and step-daughter (non-makers both) watch me spin and ask in bewildered tones, "are you doing that because it's cheaper?" they smile with bemusement as i sit on the couch, knitting. they simply don't get it. but my own three children, who grew up with me, are makers and they get it.
i've decided that it cracks me up when people don't get it. it's much nicer for me that way. :)
That spinning is so pretty, it doesn't need any other purpose. A lot of people tell me I should sell what I make, too, which also misses the point: I knit because I love it and only knit for those I love. You're right: it's the making.
Love the response! Maybe they need an explanation of the word hobby? In a home full of men they just know that it makes Mama happy and if they Mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy.
The other comment is, "you could sell that, you know." To me that implies that it is only worth doing if I can sell it. What they don't realise is that no one will pay what it really is worth, monetarily.
Your spinning is lovely!
For some reason, my immediate thought was, "Shove it down your bra and tell them, 'THIS is what I'm doing with it!." I think the heat is getting to me, but then again I may be onto something :)
i like mick's suggestion. but yes -- it is about making. the value of process, the importance of the tactile, the meaning we create through the time we spend and the care we take. so sad that more people don't have something that allows them to understand what we do. and can we hear more about that bobbin of deliciousness, pretty please?
What are you going to do with it all? Admire it. Be proud of it. Make something pretty for yourself perhaps.... Know that you did something original. Those things are all worthwhile. Even if you can't put a price on it.
Just tell people what I tell them. I don't know it hasnt told me yet what it wants to be!!! These things must be admired and just enjoyed for a bit. But since yarn doesnt go "bad" I can wait for it to let me know.
That yarn is just great!!! Love the colors, what is it exactly??
A spinning friend of mine once said "I don't care if I have to EAT my own yarn, I'm not going to stop spinning". :)
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