Amanda Knits

This week I ended up sitting next to one of the strangest ajummas I've ever met. Two of them, actually, though only one was a bit strange.

I was knitting and she was very curious. She wanted me to slow down so she could watch, she was chatting with me in Korean. OK, fair enough. Then she started stroking my hands and saying that they're so soft and if I keep knitting they'll get "mountains" (veins) like her hand has. Then she held both of our hands out to compare the skin color. She complained that she was black next to me. She gave me some lotion, then grabbed my hand to smell it. She forced me to take the lotion ("gift, gift!" she said in Korean). This all sounds somewhat sweet, right?

I was wearing a lightweight jacket and a v-neck t-shirt. She asked if I was wearing a shirt. I said yes and then she unzipped my jacket to check.

I so wish I were kidding.

Today I cast on and knit one row for a tank I'm making. I am using a very thin yarn, double-stranded, that has a tendency to twist upon itself. It had gotten into a tangled mess.

While at a friend's house, I started to untangle it. His wife gasped and asked me where I learned to knit while she helped me untangle it.

Afterwards, she brought out four beautiful sweaters, dresses, and outfits that her daughter has. Her mother made them. I sneaked a look at the seams—breathtaking.

Master said, "My wife mother, used make hanboks [the traditional Korean clothing]. Not now, but before."

I complimented the work as best I could in Korean and said words in English knowing the intent would be understood even if the words weren't.

This work was beautiful.