Knitting woollens for near and dear ones was a common pastime in many parts of India. Until some years ago, mothers and grandmothers used to knit cardigans, socks, mufflers and other items for their families. Armed with a knitting kit, experts as well as those who knitted for a hobby used to spend hours fashioning winter wear. In recent years, this practice has gradually faded away. Orissa POST traces out a few women who continue to knit woollens to keep their loved ones warm during winter.
Talat Jahan Begum, lecturer in Central University, says, “I love knitting. I learnt this skill from my mother and elder sisters. I used to create new designs and patterns of my own. Back when we were kids, neighbours used to get together and knit.”
When asked how she manages to take out time for knitting despite her busy schedule, she says, “Time has never been a constraint for me as I cut down my sleeping hours. These days, when I am stressed, I find knitting can be a stress buster. It gives me immense pleasure also.”
Dibya Jyoti Giri of Bhubaneswar also learnt knitting from her mother. “I used to knit clothes for Lord Krishna’s idol when I was a kid. Due to academic pressures, I discontinued knitting for some time. I started again after the birth of my son. When I was a child, my father encouraged me to practice knitting and he used to bring all the required materials.”
Amna Khatoon, a homemaker from Bhubaneswar, says, “I love to knit sweaters, scarves and socks for my grandchildren. It gives me a lot of joy. I used to knit for my sons and daughters when they were young. Home-knit sweaters are fluffy and soft. They also look cute when worn by toddlers.”
Amna learnt knitting from her mother who loved knitting for family members living far and near. “My mother used to knit mufflers, caps, stockings, scarves and sweaters for her grandchildren with love. She used bright, colourful soft wool. Women were so busy with their chores that they hardly got any spare time, yet they managed to make some time to knit for their loved ones. When you get some free time, you can always sit down and knit. Winter is around the corner, so why not welcome it with some balls of wool and your knitting kit,” she asks.
SHABIHA NUR KAHATOON, OP