This Magic Moment...

I think we've all been there.  In fact, we most definitely have been there in that it was once us who said, "Golly, I surely do think I'd like to learn to knit..."   I remember it well.  I'm sure you do, too.

 But, I'm really talking about that moment where we witness the beginning of the conversion.  That instant where it becomes clear that we are in the presence of Creation.  It is a deeply profound sort of thing and one that calls for a certain amount of reverence.  It is that moment when another announces their intent to take up the needles.

Sometimes you can predict who is going to go through The Change.  There are those who just give off a Fiber Vibe.  You can spot 'em a mile away.  They show great interest in mittens and are often heard to rhapsodize over how wonderful life would be if only they could knit a sweater.  This is usually followed by a fiscal statement regarding how cost efficient it would be to create fine knitwear.  Why, one could have a closet-full of sweaters at a fraction of the cost of the department stores.  Then they mention how they would knit for every holiday and special occasion, thereby saving enough money to eventually purchase a small island for vacationing.

We try not to laugh.  We may let a little smirk slip through.  But we don't really discourage them...it's one of those things people sort of have to figure out for themselves, after all.  I've been knitting for years and I don't have a closet filled with fine sweaters nor is there an Isle Of Sheep on any map at this point.  We let it go because they are the Knitters To Be.  It is inevitable.  

Then there are those who surprise you.  You just don't see it coming.  You have been knitting away in their presence for nigh on a year with nary an inkling.  You prance about, flaunting your handknit socks and get little in the way of a reaction.  Even when you stick your foot right in their faces and demand fawning compliments they demonstrate minimal emotion.  (aside from the obvious distaste for having feet stuck in their faces)  They just don't seem to want to walk in the way of the wool.  It's all right.  It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round, after all.  We don't need everyone to be knitters.  That might impact the yarn supply and we don't need that right before the holidays, now do we?

And yet, you just never know.  All those wool fumes we've been giving off may just be having more of an effect than we thought.  There are those out there with deep, dark desires and who aspire to wield the needles.  They hide it well.  But, eventually, their passion will burn through their cool facades and the words will be spoken:

You know, I think I'd really like to learn how to knit...

And, if you happen to be there for those most sacred of words, it is an experience akin to seeing the moment a flower blooms or a wee, little babe takes his first steps.  You almost expect to hear a chorus of angels.  There usually isn't one.  I'm assuming that the heavenly choirs are a little busy right now what with all the seasonal stuff going on so it isn't all that surprising.  But a little of the harmonic humming wouldn't be out of place.

I was present for those fateful words on Friday.  And they came from one of those unlikely sources, one for whom I would not have predicted a future with the yarn.  Following the uttering of those magical words, my Cheerful Teaching Assistant, a girl who has never once shown a single bit of interest in my knitting obsession, left me for her weekend.  And during that weekend, the leap was made.  She arrived this morning fairly beaming with pride and produced that item we all know will be made public soon after the declaration is made.

The bulky weight scarf on size 11 needles.  

It is tightly knit.  It always is, after all.  The edges pull oddly, giving it something of a zig-zag effect.  The beginning is in stockinette stitch.  But it has somehow magically transformed into garter stitch along the way.  The needles from which it hangs are metal because they make that neat "clicking" sound like knitting is supposed to do.  It has been knit upon all weekend.  Sleep was lost.  The hands that created it are aching from the effort, but knitting does not cease.  

It has begun.  And yes, there are plans to finish five scarves in time for Christmas.  I'm not going to be the one to tell her.  It would just be cruel.  She is so very happy right now.  She is transformed from my Cheerful Teaching Assistant to my Extremely Cheerful Teaching Assistant With Blisters.  Or are they really, "bliss-ters?"

I'm a little weepy.  It's just so darned beautiful...

SA