but do a lot of truck drivers, well, knit? Don't you catch hell about it?
I'm not really sure how many truckers out there secretly knit or crochet or needlepoint in their trucks, but not too many do it publicly. I just happen to be one of those guys who isn't the least insecure and so basically couldn't give a red rat's ass what anyone thinks.
As far as catching hell, no I don't. In person I do not look like the type of person one would wish to "give hell" and most folks who don't know me leave me alone. I've caught a good natured joke here and there and am more than willing to laugh right along with them. I've had a number of quite positive comments about it from fellow drivers, usually accompanied by something like "I would never have the patience for that". They're curious, even mildly interested, as most of us are always looking for something to pass the time when we're shut down.
The truck drivers I have known have always been the "How about them Bears", ham fisted, manly men types.
I'd say that would be a pretty good description of me, just without the homophobic insecurities a lot of those guys seem to have.
Interestingly, I've found that knitting in public is a great way to meet women. It's an excellent ice breaker and when I knit in public, like a truck stop or diner, some woman will invariably approach me to ask about the knitting, comment on the knitting, or just strike up a conversation.
I will confess that I have found that the vast majority of the male knitters I have come across are gay, but not all. There are straight guys like myself who enjoy the craft. Besides, it was men who originally invented knitting and up into the first half of the 20th century it was quite common for men and boys to be seen knitting.
