Letters to the Editor

No idle hands here: Gifts of expression

Once upon a time, before the Industrial Revolution, which was not so long ago, all women and children were taught out of necessity and practicality how to knit, crochet and sew. It was an essential survival skill that was passed down within families and from each generation. What happened?

With the Industrial Revolution came mass produced clothes and gifts. We have become dependent upon a few designers that dictate to us limited styles and colors that don't always flatter us or our figures and don't represent who we are.

Knitting and sewing and other life-long skills can bring our families together once again. Adults, parents and children can knit together in the long dark winter evenings and make warm and cozy unique creative one of a kind gifts as well as learning a very useful skill. These skills can also become profitable avocations and it can give one a sense of purpose and pleasure for a lifetime.

No more wasted idle time watching TV. Get those fingers going! These skills are portable and can be whipped out anywhere and anytime (except when you're driving) so that your hands are never idle.

So consider buying yourself and/or your kids a set of needles and send them down to Carol's at the Witty Knitters in Bigfork for free lessons and you will be inspired to make fun and fashionable projects.

Cheryl Palmer

Bigfork