Being in a new country means meeting a lot of new people. I've been knitting since elementary school so at this point I think it's safe to say that it's a big part of my life, a part I like to tell new people that I meet about. A question I often get is: 'why do you like to knit?' and I thought I'd compile a little list here and hopefully convince all you non-knitters out there to ask your grandma, your friend, your neighbor, or that girl or guy who knits in class, to borrow a pair of knitting needles and get started. 10 Reasons You Should Start Knitting 1. It's relaxing Studies have shown that knitting helps everyone relax: your grandma, to those in rehab, to inmates, so whether you're stressed about a final exam or a mortgage loan, knitting can do wonders for your mental health. 2. You look cool doing it I have never been openly laughed at while knitting, so I can only assume I look cool when I knit. Knitting in public in the park or in the subway or on a plane is a great way to look impressive/whimsical/talented (everyone has to ability to knit, but not everyone wants to try - be proud of your skills!) Sufjan Stevens knits: So does Sarah Jessica Parker: And, apparently, Russel Crowe: And we can all just pretend that Ryan Gosling loves it: Just kidding, we don't have to pretend anymore 3. You will be warm Whether knitting something so big it acts like a blanket on your lap as you knit, or whipping up a quick one-day scarf or pair of mittens, you can be sure that you will be warmer than someone else who couldn't knit themselves a hat. BIG blanket gets me every time. 4. There is no greater pride than saying that you knit the thing you are wearing 'Oh, cool scarf! Where did you get it?" "Oh, this? I knit it!" "Wow!" = your daily interactions for the next 50 years Make this easy circle scarf and get ready for that conversation! 5. There is a whole community of knitters out there to help you Ravelry changed my life. The site is full of free patterns, patterns you can download, reviews about yarn, forums to help you when you get stuck, and friends to encourage you to finish that sweater at the bottom of your knitting basket. Just breezing through the 'Most favorited' project pictures is enough to inspire you to whip out those needles. There are also knitting circles at your local yarn store or college campus :) 6. Yarn is soft (most of the time) If you've ever gone to a yarn store with a knitter, you'll notice that they basically grope every skein of yarn in sight. That's because yarn is soft: you can get silk, cashmere, wool, soft acryllic, bamboo, and many others. There are certain yarns that when you knit with it, it's like getting to cuddle a cloud (if clouds were as soft/solid as they looked). Yes, this bunny's fur can be yarn, too. 7. It's a good way to kill time On the plane, on the bus, in front of the tv, at the park, in a tree (really anywhere you could be asked to eat green eggs and ham) is appropriate to knit. Instead of mindlessly eating that bowl of cheetos during a movie, why not knit a quick scarf? Instead of staring at that creepy person across from you on the subway, why not add a few more inches to your hat brim? 8. It's a conversation starter While you're knitting in some of those public spaces (such as the subway) there's a good chance someone will ask you: a. what are you doing? (knitting a beard) or b. what are you making? (a knit beard) It's a great way to meet people, make friends, or just have someone to chat with for a while. (...often crochet is best/easiest for knitted facial hair) 9. You will give the best gifts I will only knit Christmas gifts every other year because of the time it takes, but people will begin to love (and eagerly request) knitted items from you once they see the things you make. It requires a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a lot of love so of course a hand-knitted item is the best gift ever. Knits are also great gifts for penguins after an oil spill: 10. Possibilities are endless LOOK AT THIS: AND THIS: Okay, convinced? Here are some resources to get you started: How to Knit 1. Getting Started 2. Knitting Videos Simple Projects: 1. Reading Knitting Patterns 2. 25 Beginner Projects Any other reasons to knit? Let me know in the comments below.