Somewhere between sitting in a cafe with a group of fellow yarnies and super-formal occasions like weddings, christenings, job interviews (unless you're coming to work for us!) and meeting the Queen, come the events that make up 90% of socialising and which you may or may not want to take your knitting to – particularly if you're on a deadline!
Many non-knitters won't realise that you can follow a conversation – or even watch TV, or read a magazine – while knitting, and may think you're not listening or not interested in what's going on and be offended. Of course, plenty of others will be genuinely interested in what you're doing, and start talking to you – or even pull out their own pins – so it can be a difficult call to make.
How to decide
- Can you fully participate in the activity while knitting? For example, if you're playing a board game, can you stop mid-row to roll the dice?
- Will you get in anyone's way? Even a small project can be cumbersome if you can't move around with it, or quickly stuff it in your bag.
- Will you enjoy the event more or less if you've got your knitting? If you're feeling shy, knitting can help give you something to do, and provide a talking point to break the ice.
- Will it be safe – and clean? Crowds, rollercoasters and motorsports are bad places to lose your concentration, while mud, spilt drinks and half-chewed baby biscuits are all bad for your WIP!
- Finally, and most importantly, what's the event all about? If it's a celebration such as a birthday or a leaving party, would the special guest mind you knitting? If you're supporting your partner by spending time with their family or colleagues, would they prefer you to leave the pins at home?
