Vlogtime: Comfort Knitting in Uncomfortable Times

[@KimDenise0000]

There's something about your voice and manner of speaking I find incredibly soothing. And then you're funny and highly skilled on top of it! Thanks for turning to vlogging.

[@laurajantek2562]

Thank you, please continue!

[@donnatritz7865]

I too find Franklin’s voice incredibly soothing. And what he says is always interesting.

[@venialee8372]

I agree!

[@masuganut2082]

Yes! I could not agree more! What he’s saying rings so true to my heart.

[@sbean8968]

This is lovely. This is like you came by and dropped into my office for a moment and chatted with me. Please do more of these, Franklin. It was lovely to have you, do call again. I'll put the kettle on.

[@sprboston]

Yes. Exactly

[@wspell]

I concur! I couldn’t have said it better! Perhaps someday post-covid, we can all meet in a park and KIP....Nattering away! Stay safe, and keep knitting...I am!

[@melaniesbuchanan1759]

Perfect way to put it! Exactly how I feel... And funny and cute 😘

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

A year later: still touching. Still speaks to me. I'm very glad I found your channel.

[@laurawalters7973]

“We’ll repeat from asterisk.” Perfect.

[@spitfiresnc]

Nice post. I kind of love the background sounds. it's a reminder that life is happening outside my house. :)

[@lisapetrilli9929]

I agree. Ambient noise the sound of 2020!

[@maggiefish79]

Agreed ,

[@orrinepryor1770]

I just assumed Boxe&Foxe were arranging the shelves😄

[@karenmathieson7170]

Your first vlog was exactly right. Exactly as some of the other commenters have stated, it's like you've just dropped in for a chat and a cuppa. Please do more!

[@lenabreijer1311]

After almost 60 years of knitting, when the pandemic closed everything down I knitted garter stitch shawls for several months. I knit lace too when dad was dying. But not now. I have done a bit of lace and some colour work socks but a lot of it was garter stitch since March. And most of what I watch is vlogs, archeology documentaries, or house hunting or renovations. It is nice to hear your voice.

[@nadiavoun7137]

Franklin, my brain fell out of both ears months ago. My comfort is spinning & plying. And simple knitting on a garter blanket. Nothing makes sense for me. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@erj1230]

I read Panopticon!

[@MadCarlotta]

This format suits you. A six minute video felt like 30seconds, and I was left wanting more. Looking forward to see what this evolves into.

[@conley1205]

I don't know where you came from, but you are awesome. Like having a friend pop in amidst all the chaos. Good luck with your channel.

[@cabinboyknits1816]

So happy to see you in KZbin land. Looking forward to many more episodes. Sending you hugs from the cabin.

[@twoforflinching]

Hearing your lovely voice and seeing your friendly face is such a balm in uncertain times. I do hope you continue these. As for rewiring your brain, I think everyone has sort of rewired themselves in this year. but I also suspect that as things improve and troubles ease (hopefully, I'm almost always something on an optimist), that we'll go back to things we used to do and love. Just, right now, in this moment there is so much anger and grief and pain that we need something different.

[@kestendavis8753]

Every time I listen to the very beginning where you talk about the -og things, I want to make a shirt that says *waiting for the next -og thing* ❤️❤️❤️

[@sf9168]

I have a good friend who lost her mother suddenly a few weeks ago. She’s not a totally novice knitter, but not really a Knitter, either. She mostly sews and does beading and a number of crafts. Last week, though, she splurged on a gorgeous skein of sick yarns and cast on a mostly garter shawl with a simple lace edging. She needed comfort knitting. ❤️

[@candyclouston1412]

I can identify with changing comfort habits this year. I especially like your post-production comments written on the wall. Perhaps Dolores or Roz might want to add to those.

[@osmia]

I too enjoyed the overflow thoughts :)

[@officewife1]

This is fantastic. It really feels like you invited us into your workroom to sit and have a cup of tea with you. Thank you.

[@patriciaphythian1425]

This is so warm and genuine-like a visit with a friend. Please keep posting. My comfort knitting has been plain, stockinette socks with self-patterning yarn.

[@mlw4407]

This is the first time I've watched you. I'm a crocheter but I enjoyed listening to your voice. It was as though a friend stopped by for a chat. You put into words what I have been feeling for months. I've been caring for my husband who became an amputee in March. He is very high risk, so I've been only going to work and home again. Please keep vlogging and who knows...I may convert to knitting.😊 Thank you for making my morning brighter.

[@kestendavis8753]

I'm already longing for the hypothetical next episode. 🦇

[@debbieretzlaff2912]

Please vlog & natter, you are just so charming!

[@mariannerobinson8436]

Well done, Franklin! You put a smile on my face for all those nearly 6 minutes. I love that linen stitch as well.

[@CharanSachar]

Yes please, we want more of this. Comfort knitting with Franklin Habit

[@cassafrass2650]

I'm so happy you're dipping your toes in vlogging! KZbin has been a huge comfort to me this year, and this is exactly the kind of thing I'm thrilled to consume in the never ending search for comfort.

[@raymondaschwartz8501]

This was lovely; hearing from you is always like unexpectedly running into a much-missed friend! And thank you for reminding me that I made the Winter Sapphire scarf with you - I go out so rarely now, that I don't worry about changing mine out :( Since I am still self-isolating, I am trying to work through some more complex projects I had put off - but always need a comforting, mindless knit going as well. I knit those the way a toddler fingers their lovey. Looking forward to another visit with you!

[@eileenhousteau7890]

I appreciate this more than you could know.

[@samrobbins6829]

I am grateful you are here. Nothing about this last few years, let alone 2020, approaches business as usual, so it only makes sense that our comforts reflect that. Knit on...you know the rest.

[@andcauldronbubble3060]

I've been a big fan of your blogging for years now, and I know I'm going to be a big fan of your vlogging :) Thank you for a very soothing 5-6 minutes; I think we'd all be very glad if you popped by for a chat again soon :)

[@cdobrev]

I have missed your blog and love the return of your voice, this time with your actual voice. From a real life person whose real life day was, in fact, better than expected.

[@melaniegudgel1]

I love being a hypothetical person. I’m ill today and all I can manage is watching KZbin. I had forgotten about your channel,Franklin, I m so happy to find it again.❤

[@ButterflyLane]

I look forward to more hypothetical vlogs. This was a charming first episode.

[@susannmathews7020]

Yes, please continue. As one of your many, many hypothetical people, I thoroughly enjoyed your first vlog. I was comforted, amused, and just happy watching and listening to you.

[@annalarsson5662]

Yes please more please! This was lovely. Signed, a hypothetical person

[@ancientspinner9755]

Thank you for being a sane voice in the wilderness! Having a cup of tea with you and ignoring the world!

[@lugardacappetta1674]

I love this kind of “knitting get-together.” It takes the place of my monthly knitting group that hasn’t been able to meet since February. And there couldn’t be a nicer person to “drop by.”

[@Rop6ckc]

I took up sock knitting in March to keep myself sane. The sheer joy of successfully turning a heel and mastering the Kitchener stitch has created a "comfort bubble" so greatly needed at this time. Thank you.

[@yengis1a]

Your vlog style is so down to earth. I look forward to sitting with you for a chat again soon. I will bring chocolates.

[@jerrimichael499]

Franklin, I didn’t realize how much comfort your chat would bring me. Please come back. 💕

[@alicemerray]

This was a truly lovely surprise! Yes, Franklin, just talk to us. I know I'm not alone in totally being here for you talking about anything you want to talk about. Thank you!

[@kl8132]

The unique thing I find about this year is how everyone collectively is asking "what the hell happened? Where is my life?" Hearing you voice what I am feeling as well is very very comforting. I used to Knit when I worked in Hospice and it was very helpful with stress. I recently picked up Crochet and have really enjoyed it as well. I find afghans to be my favorite and those are a real challenge with knitting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@kendram7511]

I've grown fond of knitting vlogs during the pandemic, hadn't been into them before. Now, spending some time knitting with hypothetical people has somewhat filled a void. Nice to spend some time with you today!

[@krisspurgeon1666]

Thank you for sharing this vlog, Franklin. I’ve been struggling with my knitting not feeling comforting as it has in the past. I thought it was just me, relieved to know it’s not. I appreciate your vulnerability and know this hypothetical person is grateful for your words. Please continue.

[@hollyscott8772]

Yes, please! Easy stitches and knitting podcasts are lately where I turn for comfort. Thanks for adding your voice and I look forward to future episodes!

[@sunnyw4148]

Yup these days I do best with plainer knitting, though Cat Bordhi's last pattern was quite fun and stunning.

[@teamgrumblecakes6619]

Thank you very much for posting this - you are real and genuine and speak what you feel, and that is a great comfort. Please keep it up!

[@mjr7378]

There is nothing hypothetical about you, Franklin. When I met and had lunch with you between your classes in Wisconsin at the Midwest Fiber Fair, I knew you were a very genuine and talented person. I was right! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your talents with all of us.

[@sprboston]

Oh, Franklin. I forgot how calming your voice and speech are. I was a big fan of the Panopticon - it was how we met, I think. Conversations over a teddy bear. Thank you for this. It was wonderful hearing you and I look forward to this community. By the way (I hope I am not repeating the question), is the scarf you are wearing available on some public format like Ravelry. It’s so handsome. I love it. Looking forward to future episodes.

[@jojogiannino6974]

So happy to find this vlog. I knit and crochet. Sometimes I do these too much that I hurt my hand, wrist and elbow and then I have to take a long break. Thank you for reminding me of why I do these handcrafts. They feed my soul. The doing. The gifting. The color creating. All of it. Blessings!

[@daniellepicone2599]

Welcome and please do continue. I felt like I was sitting down with you to knit and chat and, right now, that is something we all need.

[@spearsda1107]

Thanks for stopping by. Very soothing on a day filled with anxiety. Please sir, can I have some more?

[@theresehoney199]

Hypothetical person here: Watching this video made my day better. Thank you.

[@janash5644]

This is fabulous Franklin! I could have spent an hour just listening to you talk about all your interests. I love the things you do on vintage crafts. I have loved every class I have been fortunate enough to take from you! Thank you for sharing with us all.

[@DawnEdwards]

Franklin, you are a natural. Felt like I was sitting down with an old friend and chatting. You are very calming and lead me to believe that everything is going to be okay. Keep up with the vlogging please.

[@melaniegudgel1]

I’m just a hypothetical person who needed to hear your calm voice today, I came to KZbin looking for you. And in finding you I’ve now remembered that there are some new walks in Paris on your Patreon that I can go watch while I spin.

[@tinae4455]

Thank you for the lovely visit via vlog- please do more! You really understand how hands, minds and hearts are all bound together- the making of something is therapy for souls. As a maker of things, I find sanity in my moving hands.

[@mistymcturtle355]

Thank you! Listening to you for a few minutes was a comfort to me. It helps to know that I’m not the only one who is struggling with my usual knitting and turning to simple comfort projects. I look forward to more chats!

[@brandy2599]

You articulated exactly how I've felt during this year! I've lain "challenging" knits to the side in favor of comforting "I can DO this, no problem" knitting. What a lovely conversation, and what a lovely linen-stitch scarf! I look forward to another visit with you, and certainly more knitting. :-)

[@maggiefish79]

You can natter at this hypothetical person all.day.long.

[@deathbyabsurdity]

Thank you so very much for sharing this piece of yourself with us! It may not have been your intention, but I felt a little less alone, a little less overwhelmed, a little more myself as I watched. 2020 and my C-PTSD are not getting along but being able to see that I'm not the only one whose coping has changed is *everything*. Thank You!

[@sandcipr30]

Hello, Franklin! This is my first time "meeting" you and I truly enjoyed your Vlog! I so related to your topic of knitting simple projects/patterns specifically this year. I have several opportunities to pick up projects a little more intricate and that need a little more attention and I find myself picking up the projects that don't require a lot of thinking. It is quite comforting!

[@spinningbuddy376]

Your voice is very comforting! The pandemic has many fiber artists reaching for their knitting more for comfort. I usually enjoy more complicated twisted stitch, cable knitting, and lace as well to keep my brain busy. I have been knitting so much that my hands hurt. I am still able to knit, but I am using larger yarn which is new for me. No socks for awhile. I would love to hear more about how you are keeping your creative mind engaged during this time. Thank you Franklin!

[@smonakey]

I don't generally do vlogs & podcasts, but I will watch & listen to you anytime & anyplace.

[@loristorm400]

Franklin! So nice for you to drop by and say hello! Hope you stop by again soon

[@lisam8756]

Oh thank you ,thank you for saying out loud exactly what so many people are feeling right now. We take comfort where we find it this year and there is great comfort for me in knowing I'm not the only one creatively challenged, to say the least. Vlog on, yes please!

[@andrewstiller1662]

It's great to find another guy (of a certain age) who likes to knit. I find the process very therapeutic in these trying times.

[@loisgeer3907]

I am so with you! Thank for this. I started quarantine with an Estonian lace shawl. Months later my knitting has evolved to the comfort of the endless simple repetitive long long long scarves.

[@lightbeingform]

Omg this is speaking to me! I totally have been working some comfort projects, this headline popped up in my suggestions and it made me feel so much less alone!! I like the vibe and personality, it’s a good place to start and i am sure the rest will work itself out as you post more. Stick with it!

[@MGAnotts]

Thanks for the video, it brought a big smile to my face despite the announcement of a new lockdown in the UK from Thursday. Keep safe and here's to more of your videos 👏👏😊

[@MegaGeekMom]

Thank you Franklin! This has been a hard day

[@marjoleinedewaal8730]

You, as usual, rock my world. I subscribed ofcourse.

[@ej075]

I honestly liked this better than many vlog-style videos. I love just having you chat with us for a few minutes. And thank you for the sentiment “I hope your day was better than you expected.” That’s a really helpful perspective and I’m going to start using that!

[@Mourning_Dove]

I'm a crocheter and just discovered your channel. I felt the same way during this year and found repetitive stitch patterns comforting and less stressful than following a complex pattern. So, yeah, I get it...as long as I'm working on something, I feel better.

[@thereseann424]

Franklin, thank you. I started 2020 determined to learn to knit. Little did I know... I've knitted and learned and knitted again. I've been making dish cloths, learning stitches and techniques. It's become my mantra, my meditation. I look forward to more of your posts. They are soulful and heartfelt.

[@fiberterian]

So soothing to hear your voice and hear some random chatting about knitting. I hope you do more of these!

[@shannonvincin8048]

Now it has been better. Thank you Franklin.

[@wheeltrish]

Sio glad you’re here! I’ve been knitting one of those sideways linen stitch scarves for 7 years. I am cutting for fringe every row. Not that it needs fringe, but by doing this I can push it back around to the beginning and knit the right side again. I find the wrong side of linen stitch a little harder on my eyes so this is working well. I’ve been doing mine out of mini skeins and scraps. And you are so right. It is very soothing. I call it my “mad knitting.” As in, when my other knitting is frustrating me, for whatever reason, I can grab this and just keep knitting. It makes me happy. Size 4 is also my favorite. It is so versatile. Thanks for blogging!!

[@saritawitherspoon8816]

Please keep posting, you are a comfort, you are wonderful

[@cdm7529]

Keep going. As you find comfort in the linen stitch, you should hypothetically take note that this hypothetical person find comfort in listening to genuine people who speak intelligently, and also a knitter, so bonus.

[@mblinn3236]

I'm a real person in Belfast. Please repeat from *. I'm glad you are trying this new 'go thing and appreciate another way to conceive of the difficulty of finding comfort in 2020.

[@blou5598]

You are amazing, Franklin! Thank you for this--so real, so authentic, so comforting.

[@roxanemurray8445]

So good to see and hear you! I agree--not only do I want simpler knitting, but I have become more of a minimalist in most areas of my life, not just knitting. I want to wear simpler, more classic clothes, and eat simpler comfort food.

[@aheapofbrokenimages9747]

I don't even knit but this brings me so much joy and comfort. Keep up the content!!!

[@katecolwell4179]

Very, very cute! As we try to breathe our way through this time you are a comfort. Yes, do more.

[@noragree]

Franklin, you are so cool. I am enjoying all of your VLOGs. Thank you for showing up.

[@amandaallison5185]

Just stumbled across this video, and it put such a smile on my face. Knitting makes me calmer my kids say, and I find comfort in it every time I pick it up. Thank you!

[@carolynshull4841]

Thank you for this, Franklin. Please keep vlogging. Knitting is so soothing, once relaxed I throw a little something into the straight knitting to mix it up a little. Yes, here we are.

[@GLAMTHATFACEWithLALAxoxo]

I’m so blessed to have come across your video , I just loss a pregnancy and I was looking for something comforting to watch as I finish my nursing cover for my baby . really enjoyed the entire video. Thank you for sharing sorry doe the loss of your Mum.

[@benaball5866]

More please! ❤️ Love knitting with you! Comfort knitting at its best!

[@elysethompson6663]

I agree with others here, there is something friendly and comforting about you. I like listening to you speak, please continue vlogging!

[@knittingchick50]

As I try to go to sleep on the night of Election Day , your soothing voice brings a bit of peace to the chaos. Please continue and I will subscribe to your vlog.

[@pegpage8618]

No - don’t stop!!!! We need someone to help distract us from the things today ! I follow you on Twitter - and always look forward to your wise words of wisdom. 👊

[@Amy-br7ch]

I can't put the words together right now to say how beautiful this was to me. I needed something to bring me back up from a very frightening incident today, and somehow managed to find this. I've been to a few of your classes and loved and learned from them. Thank you for that. But somehow listening to you talk about comfort knitting was a gift of comfort to me today. Thank you.

[@ralac71]

Until now it was only hypothetical that knitting and nattering calmed and comforted me. Thank you for confirming that it is so. :)

[@floraposte3869]

Yes, please more! And I love that you are knitting and talk about the emotions around knitting. Keep them coming , soon!!! Thank you for this one, Franklin!

[@dobarah2695]

Mindless knitting is very comforting during the current upheaval. Also...I wore my version of your shawl today! It received many compliments. You wear it VERY well!

[@ufos101]

This was so nice to watch, you are not alone in your feelings and it was so nice to hear that others use knitting as a way to just zone out and take some self-care time!

[@erinlynch258]

What a lovely pause in my day - thank you for sharing your comfort knitting story!

[@rachaellefevre1957]

We are not hypothetical people. We, like you, a good real people muddling along. Keep going, I think you are going to be good at this.

[@ruthannlitterick2013]

Perfect, as they say start where you are. I too am finding comfort in simple knitting - odd, suddenly I love garter stitch and simple ribbing. Thanks for sharing. ☮️

[@micheleheaton9894]

A lovely post...thank you. A friend of ours delivers food and bits and pieces to the homeless. My comfort knitting has been knitting mittens and hats for him to distribute. It's amazing how much yarn one has when you start digging for it in your own house!

[@loobielou6965]

I plan on listening to you fir hours Franklin. You have a very soothing voice sending love from Bonnie Scotland xx