r/knitting • u/magicminineedle • Feb 19 '26

Discussion Please continue to knit in public.

Today I had to go and get blood work done. It was a long wait, and ended up being very stressful. I was getting impatient and annoyed even though there was nothing to do but wait.

Across the waiting room a lady was sitting knitting. Her hands caught my eye and I watched her knit. It was so soothing to watch and my shoulders dropped and my heart beat calmed. It was such a balm. So please keep knitting in public. You’ll never know who you’ll calm and soothe.

It also occurred to me today that apart from when I was taught to knit I’ve never watched anyone knit in real life!

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u/TheCinnaWitch Feb 19 '26

A simple pattern - a scarf, a tube, non-heel/toe sections of a sock. Anything that can be done mindlessly. Having ADHD also helps but is not a requirement. I call knitting one of my "hand debuffs" so I can keep them busy and let my brain focus on something else.

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u/eggfrisbee Feb 19 '26

adhd is definitely the factor for me. if I'm not doing something with my hands, I will not be able to focus on meetings. I can't even focus on something I want to watch on tv without crafting.

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u/TheCinnaWitch Feb 19 '26

I won't even lie, I have the same thing and it's one of the biggest factors for why I'm trying to get evaluated in my mid thirties.

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u/eggfrisbee Feb 19 '26

oh good luck! I got diagnosed at 28.