Utilitarian Knitting

I subscribe to many knitting blogs and knitting magazines that feature finished objects with intricate stitches and patterns. While I admire the lovely lace shawls, cabled gloves and hats, and the airy scarves and the skill that it takes to make them, I prefer to spend my time on what I call "Utilitarian Knitting."

I knit for charities with yarn that was either given to me or recycled. This yarn is a distant cousin of the fibers, used by so many other bloggers, but I doubt that someone in need of a hat, slippers, or blanket is going to examine the fiber content of the items that they receive. Using my resources and simple patterns, the quantity of items produced can be increased.

The need for warm items is far too great to spend time on what I call a fussy pattern. Even the socks that I make for myself are plain, ribbed cuffed socks because I like the fit and the warmth. Have I ever knit any lovely laces patterns? Yes. I've knit lace socks, but I do not like to wear them. I have knit a lace doily and may make more another time, but doilies do little to keep people warm. Presently, my knitting is focused on the basic needs of others.

The finished objects posted on this blog may not be fancy, but they are functional and, hopefully, fill a need somewhere in the world. For now, I will continue working on my Utilitarian Knitting and admire the lovely projects made by other bloggers.