Have you ever watched one of those tv programmes or perhaps a meme on social media when someone is asked to open up their handbag or rucksack and decant the contents? ‘Oh, my phone obvs… some tissues, hand-cream, SPF, charger, lip balm, lipstick, small hairbrush…..’ I could go on.
I realised this morning (far too early) that I have never ever seen one of those clips and someone delves deep into their bag to grab a smaller bag of knitting. I have never seen it… how weird.
Now while I have a variety of groups of friends. But there are only a few that I can guarantee are packing a project tote. They will have on them a smallish project – enough yarn to get them through a journey, plus some planned sitting time. They will have with them a small pair of scissors, a tapestry needle. They might have a folded pattern. They might have some stitch markers, a tape measure. They might be working on an ‘emergency sock’ – don’t be fooled these are not socks for an emergency. The emergency is having some knitting to do and the answer to that dilemma is ‘socks.
Now it occurred to me only yesterday that I could really do with a few more small bags. An organza bag which I readily receive when I order wool online suits this purpose. But really a small cotton bag is far more jolly.
Yesterday I had a joyful day in the city with my pals Lucy and Christine. Both very famous yarn people and the kindest of friends. It was simply taken for granted that on a day full of adventure we would spend some time quietly chatting and crafting in company. We would never question that each of us was packing some wool. In fact, if for some reason one of us wasn’t justly occupied there might very well be a quizzical frown of concern…’you alright hon?’
As the notional host yesterday, I had a bit of a panic as to where we could find a lovely place to position ourselves, relax and get out the projects. Luckily, I remembered that the old Aviation Hall of the Museum of Science and Industry has now become an artisan market place. This is very bad news for the boys in my family who have fond memories of large aeroplanes and various motor cars. However, the new Campfield Market was really busy yesterday and we found a lovely upstairs table and some very comfortable leather chairs. Perfect simply perfect. Plus, if you want detail, the bar was very heavy handed/generous with the measure of St Germain for a Hugo Spritz. (Good to know).
We took turns to go forth and forage for provisions. The range of cake was astonishing. The projects came out almost immediately. We then got down to business. Proper catch ups, wise advice and general encouragement.
I thought this morning; I never looked up once to see anyone staring at us. It now doesn’t even enter my head that crocheting in public is weird. It would be a strange day now if I didn’t pack projects for a day out. You never know, one day I might get asked…’What’s in your bag?’… I will be able to answer, ‘Oh I am so glad you asked!’