Menial??
The Freakonomics guys ask: “Isn’t it puzzling that so many middle-aged Americans are spending so much of their time and money performing menial labors when they don’t have to? ” And by “menial labor,” they mean knitting, cooking, and gardening. I have to tell you, that stuck in my craw a little bit. It seems so… belittling. The related article is more even-handed though, so I’ll chalk it up to an unfortunate turn of phrase. And besides, this is an issue that seems to amaze non-knitters. Why would you spend twenty hours and $100 in wool to make a sweater when you can buy one at Target right now for $25? For me, it all comes down to making art, creating something beautiful and useful and tangible. I live in my head so much of the day – meaning all the hours I spend staring at a computer – that it’s a joy to really make something.* And it’s funny how the money issue comes into it. I’ve found in the past that when I did works for hire – scarves, sock monkeys – it really was harder than when I make things for myself. I guess I’m also a special case in this whole debate, given that I work in a knitting shop. As I admitted to Andrew at SSK last weekend, sometimes I just get a little “knitted out” over the course of the week. I guess it’s hard to maintain your interest in anything if you’re surrounded by it 24-7…
* I’m proud to say that our new meal plan is also having a big difference in how I view cooking. Now that I know which nights I’m responsible, I find that I’m more interested in making an effort. Tonight it was grilled lamb sausages from the butcher alongside Creamed Cabbage, Carrot, and Cauliflower. (I also threw in a leek. Go creativity!)
3 responses
I think the first commenter got it right without taking offence – I knit because I feel disconnected from the act of creation when I sit in front of the computer all day. I knit because I want a tangible result of my labours that won’t disappear when the server crashes, or be eaten in 5 minutes. Knitting may not be forever, but it does hang around for a while.
Hey Kris!
You know, if I spent $100 in yarn, MY sweater would not look like anything in Target for $25.
I think the point here, is enjoyment and accomplishment. You can work your butt off on a job, and still get laid off, for no fault of your own. No one, can take the sense of accomplishment away from something you made. Don’t get me started. In fact Kris, I’m going to Target today and photograph $25 sweaters. Let’s see what you get.
Oh, I know there’s a difference, Sahara! But sometimes the layperson doesn’t. In fact, I’ve occasionally heard tales in the shop of handknit gift recipients who – *horrors* – actually would have preferred something with a “real” label in it. There’s no accounting for taste!