FAQs

If you knit in public, you've already experienced this - these are the most frequently asked questions and comments that I've gotten since I started knitting again in 2003. If you print this list out and fill in the blanks, you can just hand it to your questioner and save time:

Basic FAQs

1. What you are doing? (see #2 for the alternative question)
2. Is that knit or crochet? (this indicates some basic understanding)
3. How long does it take you to make _______? (everyone asks this one)
4. Is it hard? (also a universal question)
5. How did you learn? (or who taught you?)
6. How long did it take you to learn? (What's this deal about time? Are we on a deadline here?)
7. Will you make me _________? (Usually from co-workers, relatives, or acquaintances, sometimes from complete strangers)

More advanced FAQs (indicating a technical nature or true interest)

8. What was that you just did? (usually while turning a heel or making a cable)
9. How did you get all the colors and designs in there like that? (while looking at my Fair Isle)
10. It looks like you're doing the same thing over and over, but it comes out looking different (from a very observant man that followed with 'Oh, I see, you're moving the yarn differently there'). I've got to get that man some needles and yarn.

This is usually interspersed with anecdotes about an aunt, grandmother or other female relative that used to (or still does) knit, crochet, quilt, sew, or engage in any other type of craft.

There's also the usual -
"I could never learn how to do that" or "I've always wanted to learn but it's (too hard, time-consuming, expensive) (choose one or more excuses/reasons). Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has a great piece about this in her new book.

I rattled all of these off to my husband one day several months ago. I don't think he believed me until he and I were out together and a stranger saw me knitting. That person asked questions #1 through 6.