Knitting while reading: a dangerous skill

redheadrachel · 08-15-2007, 01:34 PM

Hey everyone! Someone suggested that I should try to knit without looking at it quite so much, to avoid straining eyesight. Well I've been practicing it on a pair of simple, basic socks for the past few days and I'm getting pretty decent at it, especially on endless rounds of stockinette.

But I just tried it and realized something: I can knit while reading!! Maybe I shouldn't have discovered this skill, because it's really dangerous: I'll never leave the house now!!! Combining reading and knitting, I don't think anything could get better! And this will be a great way to study at school AND get in knitting time: I can be reading about composers, study music literature, practice French verb conjugation, all while knitting sweet socks and other simple designs!!!

I'm willing to bet that a lot of people could do this, and they either already do and haven't told me about it yet, or are about to discover one of the greatest joys in life.

I still can't knit while playing piano, but let's not rule it out: Bugs Bunny played Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody #2 with only six toes...

Well maybe I can't have everything.

Anyhow, I'm off to go finish the last Harry Potter book. And a pair of socks. At the same time.

debb · 08-15-2007, 06:49 PM

I just wish I could do it, that would be the perfect way to spend my free time. Unfortunately, I'm not only too much of a klutz to do both, I tend to get so totally engrossed in my books, I lose track of most everything.

McKnitty · 08-15-2007, 07:03 PM

Oh my, you are talented! I wish I could because knitting and reading are my two favorite things.

I can't even knit and talk at the same time! My DH will ask me a question and I will say, in a very panicked voice, 'not now, I'm knitting!'

Maybe one day I'll be advanced enough to join the group of knitters-who-can-do-other-things-while-knitting.

scout52 · 08-15-2007, 07:20 PM

Do you have something to hold the book open?

Jan in CA · 08-15-2007, 07:55 PM

I can do several stitches and then I look to make sure I haven't made a mistake. I don't do it while reading though. I prefer to have my whole mind involved in the book.

lostchyld · 08-15-2007, 08:40 PM

It never occurred to me not to knit while reading. I just started knitting the first time while I was reading and then noticed that I liked knitting. Never let it be said that I'm sane. I suppose it helps that I was learning to knit from a book.

Anyways, I've progressed to the point where I put my chart next to the computer and browse the forums while knitting. Or read fanfiction. It's loads of fun.

CateKnits · 08-15-2007, 08:47 PM

I can knit and read if it's really simple knitting and I'm reading on the computer screen or something I don't have to hold open. I've tried to figure out how to hold a book with my feet, but I get frustrated.

I'm still convinced I'll someday teach myself to type with my toes while knitting.

cftwo · 08-15-2007, 09:06 PM

I can knit and read as long as I don't need to hold the book open (or I can read a computer screen). It's actually a rather restful way to do work reading.

Jess_knit · 08-15-2007, 09:31 PM

I can knit garter or stockinette while reading, but I stick to fanfiction and blogs - something I don't have to hold open. DVDs are also good for knitting.

Slim · 08-15-2007, 09:58 PM

Okay, I am literally LOL!!

You guys are too funny. You still have to put down the needles to eat, don't you? And here I thought I was doing really well because I can watch tennis matches on TV while knitting. My skill level is so far below yours I may never catch up.