Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook

Thursday, November 03, 2011

Knit One, Purl Two for Occupy: Not for Women Only

Occupy Knitters - Sfgate

Okay, you guys - don't you dare sign off until you've heard what I have to say. You too can do "it" - or, at the very least, you can find a substitute for "it" while still making yourselves useful. Just hear me out, alright?

Most of the folks who stop by here are pretty smart, so it's no surprise that we support Occupy Wall Street and all the other Occupies around the country. For legitimate reasons, however, many of us can only  participate in spirit and not in body - even when our own community is being occupied. Sure, we can support the movement on our blogs and on social media, but preaching to the choir doesn't seem to be as meaningful as doing "it."

Here's a way to make a significant contribution, especially now that inclement weather is already making it pretty miserable for those out there in the trenches. Grab your knitting needles or crochet hooks and start making some neck scarves, hats, leg warmers and mittens. You too, fellows. Yeah, you can do it, or you can cheat. See below.

Don't worry about fancy designs or expensive yarns; this ain't a fashion show. UFOs (unfinished objects) and leftover yarns in whatever colors that have been stashed away at the back of closets for years will keep a lot of fingers and tootsies warm. So, you drop a stitch or two. So what? The protesters won't care - they'll be thrilled to have a warm hat or scarf and touched that someone made the effort to knit or crochet it.

Facebook has several pages up that are calling for knitters and crocheters: Knitting for Occupiers, Knitters for Occupy Boston, Knitters and Crocheters for Philadelphia, Knitters for the 99%. There's a page for LA, Denver, DC and Detroit. If you can't find one in your area, start one. You might not get a lot of followers  but you should give people the incentive to just do "it."

Okay guys, so you've never held a pair of knitting needles in your life or you eschew the very idea of big stud muffin like yourselves being seen knitting - despite the fact that men have always knitted and may even have invented it. There's even a book called Knitting with Balls.

Granted, if you have to learn how to keep your tension consistent before next spring, you'll just end up getting tense. So cheat. If you don't know someone who knits or crochets and is willing to help, just go buy the damn things. You'll feel warm and fuzzy on the inside while keeping others warm and toastie on the outside. Heck, cut off the label and pretend you made it. Who cares?

HINT Use wool or wool blends that can be washed and are warm.


18 comments:

  1. If Rosie Grier can do needlepoint, I can knit.

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  2. @There ya go. Rosie was a hell of a needle pointer, btw. A lot of seamen knit.

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  3. It all seems so alien to me.

    But anywhere here is a good related photo: click here

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  4. That's a very nice idea, and
    I know some men knit or crochet. I might have to come up with an alternative way to help out, though. I've seen these skills in action, and not once did I see anyone practicing them with as many thumbs as I have. ;)

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  5. @SW: Hah! That's why I offered a cheat sheet. As much as I distrust anything Jane the Hamster has her fingers in, FDL does have a way to help. Personally, I'd get more satisfaction out of knitting up something or going to a store and delivering it in person. EVERYTHING HELPS, though.

    https://donate.firedoglake.com/weatherize/contribute?rc=gearwidg&recip1=2297&amount1=20&recip2=1961&amount2=0

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  6. Going to see the Occupy Columbia group tomorrow morning before my family gets up. Knitting just ain't for this redneck but I have some old army blankets I will donate.

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  7. What a neat idea.. I love it. You can pick up scarf's, gloves and and hats at the Dollar General or Family Dollar store for very little some for even a buck each and the postage would be minimal if you can't crochet or knit. The arthritis won't let me crochet anymore. I can barely type much. But I can afford to buy some things and send off. Thanks Leslie.. You are an inspiration to us all.

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  8. @BB: Rednecks Unite! What a cool idea. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to get them.

    @Annette: Another great idea. I don't know why but knitting doesn't seem to bother my hands as much as crocheting - even out here where the humidity is always high, hot or cold. Gals can cheat too, by golly! Thanks a bunch.

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  9. Went to join the occupiers here in Baja Georgia and it turned out to be more visit than occupation but still, one old man does his part.

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  10. @Mr.C: Oh my. No doubt this is the case in smaller communities, especially in that neck of the woods. At least you gave it a good try.

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  11. Jane Fonda would not have altered her terminology if Frodo had replaced Henry Fonda in "On Golden Pond." Given that truthiness, would it be OK if Frodo just sent somebody a check? He hates needles.

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  12. Oh and menz, if you don't want to use knitting needles like the wimminz, you can get yourself one of those loomer kits you just wrap wool around and around and pretty soon you have a knitted object.

    Probably find one in a craft store for about 20 bucks. Here is the kind of thing I am talking about in linky goodness. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=knitting+looms&id=D330C5D0712E1E670FDD31864034EE43DD6524F4&FORM=IGRE3

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  13. You should stick to knitting you dumb cunt

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  14. Sorry for the tardiness. Was out of commission last weekend and had a few things to do of a personal nature.

    @Frodo: You can do whatever you want. I'm sure money would be appreciated - as well as a big pot of homemade stew or some other vitals and needed supplies.

    @Jess: Neat idea and I bet some "wimminz" would dig this. Thanks for the link.

    @Tom: "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.." - Oscar Wilde

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  15. @Leslie, I got one as a gift and use it all the time, when the mood hits. It is so very easy to use for a non knitter like myself and you don't have to keep up with how many rows did I do, or did I mess up and knit instead of purl.

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  16. See http://www.birdsonawireblog.com/1/post/2011/04/knit-one-purl-two.html
    for proof that men can knit, even if they do it the hard way.

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  17. This is such a great idea, Leslie! I have tons of leftover yarn, yearning for usefulness. Hope they don't mind baby blue. By the way, I knit the old fashion way, sans cranes.

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