Why I Love the Sweater Curse

When I first heard of the sweater curse, I had to laugh. It was about three years ago, before I had even learned how to knit, and a very serious discussion was taking place between two of my friends. Sadly, one of them had been seeing someone who unexpectedly and without reason called her to say he no longer wanted to see her. She exclaimed "right after I made him that sweater!" At which my other friend gasped and told her that was the problem. She then proceeded to explain the dreaded sweater curse to us.

Apparently, the sweater curse is very well known in the knitter community, and just mentioning it in any group of fellow knitters can incite a load of tales to prove its legitimacy. The story is that it is very bad luck to knit your boyfriend a sweater, as it will most likely end the relationship. Many non-knitters scoff at this story, and I was one of them. But months later I began to think logically about the claim.

Knitting a sweater for someone requires a lot of time and a little money. It says dedication, love, and commitment, even if it is only commitment to the project itself, and not necessarily the person. But to look at it from a non-knitters point of view, it's a monumental task. Most people who do no knit themselves assume it is very difficult and takes many more hours than it actually does.

So imagine you're a boyfriend and you receive this sweater. You'd assume it took endless nights awake, sweat, blood, and tears to complete. You then become a little discontent at the thought of your girlfriend feeling so attached to you, and begin to question your own dedication to her and the current relationship. Most likely, this is the average man's reaction -and you can easily see where it's going. This would be his reaction even if he loved the sweater, now just imagine if he didn't like it!

Now I am a knitter. I love making socks and scarves and yes, even sweaters for others and myself. My new found appreciation for the sweater curse is not because I believe in some silly mystical quality or superstition. It is because I understand a little bit about psychology, and I read Women are from Mars, Men are from Venus! But instead of fearing this strange "curse", I actually love it. I consider the sweater curse a great tool at my disposal to test a relationship's longevity. Sure, having a kid is a great way to see if your new flame would be a good step parent, but just because they love kids does not mean they are meant for you.

I have used the sweater curse as a test to judge a relationship's strength, and find it a relief to know that so far it has done its job. It has weeded out those men who I was not meant to be with. I have now been dating someone for about a year and haven't made him a single thing, though he begs me to make him a scarf. I wonder what a scarf says about a relationship?

So to those new knitters out there, and to those who are already in fear of the sweater curse, don't be afraid! Love your hobby, and give from your heart. Remember that if your gifts are turned away, it may actually be a good thing.