Knitting, as a fiber art, is relatively new. As best we can estimate, knitting arose from nalbinding about 1,000 years ago--more or less, your mileage may vary, no warranty implied. Nalbinding will work but it is slower and more difficult than knitting. Getting socks ready for wear ifaster is good when you can't just run to the store and buy some.
It didn't take take long for knitting to take off. By the 1200's we had guilds showing up in official records. Guilds means that someone is making money off of knitting and needs protection and official recognition. Knitting had become a craft. By the way, sexism was alive and well; only males could be members of a guild. We are not sure if women may have knitted at home. But, if they did, they could find themselves in serious trouble. Remember that bit about protection? One of the major functions of the guild was to protect members from illegal competition. This does not formally change until the industrial revolution is in full swing.
Well, why knit now? You can get most anything from plain through fancy and past exotic from a store far faster and often cheaper that knitting provides. A scarf can take weeks if the stitches are small. Even the quickest knitter can take a weekend to finish a cap. Sweaters? Figure weeks to months depending on the knitter and the design.
Where to start. Knitting is creative--Look, I made this. Knitting is relaxing; most of the time. I can knit while I talk to people. Knitting can even focus your mind better on the tasks and conversations at hand. Frankly, all of your colleagues with their laptops, tablets or smart phones out do not have their full attention on the meeting. Whereas, I can listen better and focus better while knitting. Maybe, we should require knitting needles and yarn and not allow electronics in meetings.
So, give it a ry. If it turns out that this is not for you, why, bless you, find something else. But it is simple enough for children to learn and a comfort to your soul.
