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collieknit
Warming Up
84 Posts |
 Posted - 06/01/2005 : 1:16:46 PM
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| I've been knitting for three years, and am still nervous about knitting around other guys. Some of them just stare, others have been jerks, so what can I do? Also, I don't get this whole ultra macho image I keep seeing on tv and the movies. Would someone explain it to me? |
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Monkachia
Permanent Resident
USA
1224 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2005 : 1:27:20 PM
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I'm nervous to knit around some women because they think it's old fashioned. Guys have made stupid comments to me too.
Is there a knitting group with guys that you could go to or even start? That would be a great way to meet people.
Screw those guys, I know it can be intimidating. There isn't really anything you can do except ignore them. Guys usually want to have the last word or want to start something. Just ignore and give them no words.
Chia
http://munkiknits.blogspot.com |
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MMario
Permanent Resident
2201 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2005 : 1:29:24 PM
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I would try - except I don't get it either...*grin*
I would say I'm probably more nervous knitting around women then I am knitting around men. Chances are much higher that one of the women will know more then I do or be more skilled.
as far as other men go - I could not care less what negative opinions they might have about my knitting - especially if they try to go the "women's work" route - since I can point to countless historical records, paintings, etc that show that men have (until recently) knitted.
MMario - I don't live in the 21st century - but I play a character who does. |
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Mike
Seriously Hooked
649 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2005 : 05:15:04 AM
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I knit where ever and when ever I want, I also have been known to carry a drop spindle around with me. In all honesty I haven’t had much trouble from any one about knitting. Oh, I guess a few of my friends have joked about it a bit but that is to be expected.
I’ve brought my knitting into the motorcycle shop I hang around at, I’ve even knitted a few rows sitting on a mechanics stool while skin fiddled around with a carburetor. The only thing that makes me nervous is all the oil and grease.
I wear my hair long, unshaven, I’m at least 40 lbs over weight, I’m scared and banged up by the road. I’ve ridden the same Harley for 21 years in the Miami area, I was one of the charter members of A.B.A.T.E. of Florida Dade Co. Chapter. I know almost all the custom Chopper builders and Harley dealers in the 3 county area. I’m known to make knives, I’m revered for my custom leather work. Most people who know me know I make my own firearms, musical equipment and reload all my ammunition. I’ve got 3 completely separate groups of friends not counting the knitting guild. I’ve been in Rock and Roll bands and Blues bands since I was 9 years old and for the last 20 years in the Miami area and know hundreds of musicians in this area and across the country, I have many biker friends and acquaintances, a few have become famous on the Discovery Channel for the bikes they build and I have family. On occasion I’ve put these three groups of friends together and we have had a great time. I don’t feel that I intimidate people, mostly because I am always being approached by strangers for directions or help. If anyone ever gave me any Sh-t about my knitting two things would be crystal clear to me; one that they are an idiot and two they don’t know me and have pretty much blown any chance of knowing me. I am not in the sh-t business I neither give it nor take it. Life is too short to give a damn about what idiots feel I should be doing with my time or my life.
I am the way I am and I look the way I do partially to separate the wheat from the shaft, I’m a grizzly lookin’ dude and in seconds of meeting anyone I can pretty much tell, by their response to me, if they are walking the world with compassion and joy or attitude and fear.
Now spinning wool in southern Florida is a different matter entirely for which I may need counseling :o)
Mike |
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MMario
Permanent Resident
2201 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2005 : 05:32:36 AM
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Mike - spinning wool in southern florida I can see - but if you WEAR it - serious consouling may be needed.
MMario - I don't live in the 21st century - but I play a character who does. |
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Monkachia
Permanent Resident
USA
1224 Posts |
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VioletB
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
372 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2005 : 07:33:30 AM
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I agree! Mike that was a great response!
Violet
I try to take one day at a time -- but sometimes several days attack me at once
http://violetknits.typepad.com/ |
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jpfuzz
New Pal
USA
41 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2005 : 07:57:06 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Monkachia
Is there a knitting group with guys that you could go to or even start? That would be a great way to meet people.
Do you folks know about www.menknit.net?
Janet |
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ladyamythyst69
Gabber Extraordinaire
372 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2005 : 08:13:07 AM
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Just knit! Whenever and wherever you want to. Life is too short to worry about what other people will think! :)
http://ontheneedles.blogspot.com/ |
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yuvinia@hotmail.com
New Pal
5 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2005 : 01:51:22 AM
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I agree that it's not exactly a gender thing, more likely generation gap. I visited a LYS with either over friendly or not-so-friendly salesperson and got ignored by all the older knitters there, and I am a girl. While I visit another LYS with younger customers, strangers talk to me often.
I knitted in public at every chance, be it in class, at work, buses or tuition. I've got various responses before, some just nasty, but some was really encouraging. What I love the most is when my friends express their interests and ask me whether I can teach them to knit.
Anyway, I've only came across one male knitter in my life. I did glance at him (okay, I was staring), but that was because I'm interested in a good way, not at all discriminating. After reading all your posts, I realise that I might be misunderstood. Next time I saw another male knitter, I'll surely talk to him. |
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midnightskyfibers
Gabber Extraordinaire
579 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2005 : 08:39:13 AM
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IMO the macho thing is just an ego thing (esp. amongst teens and young twenties) that shows they dont have the self confidence you do.
Many of my guy friends knit, albeit mostly in classes where other people are knitting as well. People did think it was weird at first, but they got over it faster than they get over ME knititng a lace shawl or socks :)
http://www.midnightskyfibers.com handspun and handpainted yarns, fibers, and kits. |
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TracyKnits
Chatty Knitter
324 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2005 : 10:49:00 AM
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| I realize by reading this that the next time I see a man knitting I need to express my admiration. I've only seen one man knitting in the open and I did stare - with delight. But to him it may have just been a stare. Next time, and I hope there is a next time I'll give him a positive comment. |
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azknitter
Honorary Angel
5539 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2005 : 3:45:00 PM
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I agree with Chia....Screw 'em!
Most of the guys who say stupid things are just threatened scared little boys anyway. Who cares what they think?!?! Ignore them. I have much more respect for the courage of a real man who doesn't define himself in terms of what a few insecure men think he should be or do.
Trish |
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fmarrs
Guardian angel
USA
9776 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2005 : 4:28:40 PM
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I can give you my take on the ultra macho image of some men. They are actors. Portraying a role because they are not comfortable in their own skin. A real man is just himself and doesn't neet to fall into any category.
fran |
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kfgardner
Chatty Knitter
USA
183 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2005 : 7:53:13 PM
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Don't let others bother you....just keep knitting. I got told just the other day by a coworker how I belong in another time period because I knit during my lunch hour.
Kimberly |
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highdesertrose
Gabber Extraordinaire
Malta
544 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2005 : 2:27:37 PM
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I haven't run across any male knitters, but when I do, I will be sure to say something positive
I may be contributing to the male knitter population this summer with my knitting *tutorial* for three neighborhood boys who are so eager to get started.
Great words, Mike |
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kanoelani
New Pal
22 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2005 : 10:04:53 PM
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| I have found that younger people are more accepting of male knitters. Four young men in my daughter's high school graduating class are knitters. Considering that there were 50 boys who graduated with her...I would say that is a pretty high percentage. I know two of the fellows quite well. Their girlfriends taught them how to knit and they are both VERY artistic. AND...they are both on full ride scholarships for college; one for acting, the other for fine arts. |
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pjkite
Permanent Resident
1198 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2005 : 09:00:55 AM
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I have to share a story. My 17-year-old son is a rower on our local team. These guys are probably the best athletes I've ever seen, and many of them are honor students. Just nice young men, and nice to have around. About eight of them spent this last Saturday night at our house, planning strategy for the fall and watching movies and eating everything in sight.
About 10:00 pm my son pulled out the hat he's knitting for his girlfriend and started working on it while watching one of the Matrix movies. Ten minutes later I was digging out practice yarn and needles for four of the other young men! They were fascinated by the hats, scarves, mittens and gloves I showed them, but the real hit was my son's 'rowing socks'. Even the guys who weren't interested in learning to knit thought those were great, and hadn't realized that I'd made them for my son. There were absolutely no 'macho' comments about knitting being for girls.
All the beginners from Saturday have been back at the house this week with double-points and worsted-weight wool yarn - we're doing a rowing sock class! Three of the girls on the team have been included. My DH was looking around last night at all the knitters sitting around the dining room table working away. He grinned, then brought his cross-stitch project and Ott lamp upstairs to join us! I haven't had this much fun in months!
Pamela Kite
East Tennessee
http://fiberlife.blogspot.com/
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Mike
Seriously Hooked
649 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2005 : 10:20:20 AM
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That sounds like a great evening, actually a couple of great evenings.
Mike |
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danspun
Chatty Knitter
101 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2005 : 7:36:07 PM
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I guess I was a bit nervous the first time going "public" with the wool and sticks, but I find that I get pretty into my work and the background noise and people get filtered out. I commute to work via the bus (one of the best transportation decisions I've made - no hassle with traffic, just time to sit back and work on a scarf or a pair of mittens) and with the bus everyone is occupying themselves with something or other and if they pay any attention to me, it's probably out of curiousity... or envy because they didn't think to bring something to work on while riding to work.
Life is too short to be worrying about what other people think of you. If other boys are jerks, well who cares... they are the ones with the problem, not you.
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SerMom
Permanent Resident
Canada
6412 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2005 : 10:19:36 AM
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Real men don't worry about what real men do. Having said that, I realize that some ppl are more self-conscious than others, and simply saying "don't be" is too simplistic. So I'll say, try not to be.
Mike, I love the answer you used to give - "It's a condition of my parole". That's bound to shut anyone up. 
Barbara
Healthy conservatism promotes the continuity of civilization, the importance
of community, the dangers of thoughtless change. It does not, or should not,
assert the right of white, Christian heterosexual males of a certain age to
limit the rights of everyone else. The past 100 years of social history has
been dedicated, on good days, to constraining the dominance of this
minority. Yesterday was a good day: J.Ibbotson, June 29/05, on the passing of the same-sex marriage bill.
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