Tools of the trade

Well… I have been somewhat preoccupied the last few weeks preparing to lead a ‘Knitwits for God’ knitting and spirituality retreat day in March https://www.wydale.org/events/2026/3/11/knitwits-for-god 

Hopefully you will hear more about this in next month’s blog. If I’m not still lying down in a darkened room wrapped in my comfort blanket. 16 ladies (possibly more), all armed with knitting needles and crochet hooks. It could get messy…

At times I’ve questioned what my preparation has to do with writing. And I’ve questioned my sanity (nothing new there) as I’ve sifted through hundreds of patterns (you think I’m exaggerating). Knitted and crocheted visual aids (Jelly babies are NOT me, and I can safely say I’ll never knit one again…). Wondered where all these half pairs of knitting needles came from. And more importantly where are their mates and are they lonely? 

However in the last couple of days two things have been so helpful. Jane Walters’ new book: ‘Bless the work of our hands’ is currently en route to my letterbox. SO excited to read it. The very same day I saw it advertised I read Emily Owen’s MTW blog post (22 Feb 26).  I was hooked (sorry, bit of a mixed metaphor here…) from the needle and thread picture at the top. She writes ‘How might knowing that we have been - and are - equipped by Jesus Himself shape our writing?’  I have a lightbulb moment. God has equipped ME with skills of writing and knitting / crocheting and speaking. And he wants me to rejoice in him, our creator God, who uses all different aspects of our lives to tell out his love for us and the beauties of his creation. 

So, before you non knitting types switch off completely, a few random thoughts on parallels I see in the tools and attributes of all our trades: 

Tools can be beautiful. They don’t have to be to do their job, but it often helps. My favourite pen (pictured above).  My favourite size 10 (old money) needles that belonged to my mother.

Tools can be dangerous. In the wrong hands. Sometimes in the right hands.

Tools can run out. Or run away and hide. 

Writers and crafters spend a lot of time researching.

It hurts, a lot, when a project is rejected. It hurts when we reject (pull out) a project which had so much promise but just doesn’t get there. Nothing wasted though. Wool can be recycled, as can our words.

Computers and knitting machines can make life easier. But we still get a lot of pleasure / satisfaction / excitement from going back to basics. 

We can follow a set format / pattern. Or go freestyle. 

Our brains often go faster than our pens / needles follow. 

We can write / knit for ourselves, and for others. That’s when it gets really exciting. 

Dogs don’t think much of time spent on either of them. 

it all can bring us closer to God.

And, to close, a timely reminder for us all, whatever tools we use. 

'Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?'

Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)

Liz Pacey is a Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) at St Albans' Church, Hull. She writes prayers and daily Bible notes and enjoys talking and writing about knitting and crochet nearly as much as she loves doing them.