Never Underestimate the Power of a Knitting Group.

Yesterday while we were knitting, Lois got a call from her son who was traveling home for his sister's graduation. His plane was delayed and he wanted to know what to do. Lois called out to us that she needed the group's advice.

There was something very satisfying in the way all of us jumped into action. Michelle got on the Internet with her phone to look up alternative sites. Diane and I threw out one suggestion after another.

I often find there is so much to be gained in a knitting group (or potentially any shared womens interest group). There is a deep feeling of kinship I get by being surrounded by women who share my passion for knitting. Whether we are sharing stories, looking for advice, laughing, networking, or just quietly knitting - there is a connection between us. Some of the most interesting things I find about this connection is that we come from different backgrounds, our ages vary, we are married/unmarried/divorced/single, some have kids/some don't, our strengths and weaknesses compliment each other within the dynamic of the group setting. Best of all, there is a genuine sense of interest and caring.

It puts me in mind of 2 books that I read a long time ago. We are our Mother's Daughter's by Cokie Roberts and The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Both books revolve to some extent about the "bonds of sisterhood through the centuries" and the "traditions of ancient womanhood".

Later on a Russian woman came over to ask what we were working on. She told us that when she lived in Russia, she knit, crocheted, and sewed everything they needed. Now, she told us (part proudly and part glibly) "I am a rich American now, I can buy my things". Then she said in the same proud and incredulous tone (if you can imagine that) that she has her own car. She said in Russia these things were not possible for her and that we (American people) need to be grateful and appreciate what we have. She was very enthusiastic and sweet and I agree that we are lucky to have possessions that those in other countries do not. But for me, some of the things that I value and appreciate the most are the intangible things, like my lovely knitting community.