Art Friday: Knitting

Google imagines

She looketh well to the

ways of her household,

and eateth no the

bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:27

I thought this photo was delightful, but sums up an earlier age where women were always busy. 

Busy in both "work" but also when relaxing.  Their hands were rarely idle. They knitted, embroidered, made lace, patchwork, clothing . . . whilst some were for decorative purposes, much of what they made were for everyday wear. Women didn't see these activities during their relaxation in the evenings as toil, most enjoyed these quiet moments of creativity.  My great-aunts worked on their farms during the day, but in the evenings made the most beautiful lace work and embroidery, with the finest of stitches in what we would consider very poor lighting. 

Whilst many women no longer do these types of craft activities any more, many still do and this is evident by the number of craft stores, quilting groups, books sold etc...  Lets hope the next generation of women continue this tradition. 

And these activities are not only for the evening. We have a group of women at work who meet at lunch time and knit and chat.  Its a scene that could have been played in any century throughout history.

As a result of the above photo, I thought todays Art Friday would pay homage to all the knitters throughout history. 

Happy knitting!