Did Anna Karenina Knit?

Posted by
Renee Blixt
Jun 3, 2009

I make it a habit to read fiction that I avoided when I was younger.

Luckily, I’m at a point in my life that I no longer have to memorize critiques and such; hence, reading even difficult classics is a true joy. (I can barely remember to close the refrigerator door...I can't see how I'm going to do justice to a "compare and contrast in about 1000 words” essay on the meaning of __________ . ) I’ve earned my degrees, work at my career, raise my kids, keep my house, etc… If I want to read a classic and simply enjoy it, then by Jane I will! Speaking of Jane, I very recently finished all seven of Jane Austen's novels as well as Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. I was pleasantly surprised to find knitting in new places. Many of both Austen’s and Tolstoy’s characters knit and embroider. It’s so nice to be able to recognize an identical parallel activity on totally different timelines, locations, and even realities!

And, like a classic book, knitting is a staple: it will always have value, people will continue to do it for enjoyment and for self-improvement, and entire personal libraries will be devoted to the topic. I find it humbling as well as gratifying that people throughout the ages have developed, and will carry on, such a unique skill set with very little changing on the way.

Just one request, please…no quizzes…!

:o)

Renée