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Original poster

Tom Daley and his knitting

253 replies

ssd · 07/08/2021 19:26

I bloody love him

OP posts:
EatingAllThePies · 07/08/2021 20:42

@mnahmnah

DM is a lifelong knitter and her first comment was that he didn’t seem to be following a pattern. She was impressed
I'm a big knitter/crocheter and I'm really impressed with his knitting! I think his finish is brilliant and I've never been a fan of diving but I've become a fan of his purely on the back of this!
Sparklingbrook · 07/08/2021 20:44

People swooning over Tom Daley because of his knitting should probably consider whether they’d have a similar reaction if it was a woman athlete doing it

I have considered it. I would probably feel that it was unusual for a woman diver to be doing it too, but good for her if she's using it to stay calm between dives and raise money for a charity close to her heart. Plus 'swooning' is the wrong word.

DaisyDozyDee · 07/08/2021 20:44

@Muchmorethan

Why does he have...what appears to be...clingfilm around his upper arms?
I wondered this too. Apparently, it’s to hold on ice packs as part of physio treatment to protect triceps, which are frequently injured by diving.
TurquoiseDragon · 07/08/2021 20:44

@cherryadeisyummy

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.
It's not just young gay men. There are a lot of young people who end up with an older man who had a father die young. I have an acquaintance who ended up marrying someone nearly 30 years older. Her father died suddenly at 50 when she was in her mid 20s.
Ellmau · 07/08/2021 20:46

He could probably raise a fortune for charity by auctioning it.

He's going to, for a brain cancer charity in memory of his dad.

TheGenealogist · 07/08/2021 20:47

I dunno, @Zhampagne, if it's about keeping your hands busy the repetitive motion of darning might be calming, more so than swapping colours as you knit it up.

However it was done, he's clearly either charted the design himself, or adapted a design into a pattern. That aspect is something not everyone can do but the actual cardi itself wasn't complex knitting. Just stocking stitch.

I think he'll maybe do Strictly at some point, and he'll probably win that too.

Mooserp · 07/08/2021 20:48

I think he had ice packs on his arms

tommyhoundmum · 07/08/2021 20:48

MissyB1
Me too, always home knit sweaters and cardigans. I didn't know there were any others.

We think Tom is a lovely lad and named our Deerhound after him.

Supertree · 07/08/2021 20:52

Something I’ve heard mentioned within crafting communities is that some women will gush over men when doing what is seen as a traditionally female activity, even if they’re only mediocre. I don’t think he’s mediocre, but I do find the fawning a bit irritating. I don’t think people would fawn anywhere near that much over a female athlete doing the same.

Progress2019 · 07/08/2021 20:54

Apparently lots of actors and actresses knit. I’ve heard that Keifer Sutherland and Ryan Gosling both do. There must be loads of boring hours on film and tv sets.

Im amazed at the negative comments saying people only like it because he’s a man. It might be that a bit, but I think its lovely to see anyone doing something crafty.

FAQs · 07/08/2021 20:56

Does it have to be a male/female divide, can it not just be a sweet thing to do, or are people presuming it’s a male/female thing?

TheGenealogist · 07/08/2021 20:57

@Progress2019

Apparently lots of actors and actresses knit. I’ve heard that Keifer Sutherland and Ryan Gosling both do. There must be loads of boring hours on film and tv sets.

Im amazed at the negative comments saying people only like it because he’s a man. It might be that a bit, but I think its lovely to see anyone doing something crafty.

I have been an extra and there is LOADS of sitting around. My first comment when I got back after a very long day sitting in a tent waiting to be called was "I wish I'd brought my knitting".
AcrossthePond55 · 07/08/2021 20:58

He reminds me of (US) football player Roosevelt "Rosie" Grier. 6'5" and 285 lb defensive tackle back in the '60s whose hobbies were needlepoint and macrame. He actually wrote a book called "Rosie Grier's Needlepoint for Men". He gave no fucks about other people's opinions and neither does Tom. More power to both of them.

Rosie was also the man who wrestled the gun away and subdued Sirhan Sirhan after he assassinated RFK.

Sparklingbrook · 07/08/2021 20:59

@FAQs

Does it have to be a male/female divide, can it not just be a sweet thing to do, or are people presuming it’s a male/female thing?
This is MN it has to be a male/female divide. Hmm

I have to say I haven't seen anyone male or female knitting in RL for as long as I can remember.

Eyjafjallajokulldottir · 07/08/2021 20:59

He's a mens rights activists. Not a fan. But hey, he's knitting so yay?

Sparklingbrook · 07/08/2021 21:00

@Eyjafjallajokulldottir

He's a mens rights activists. Not a fan. But hey, he's knitting so yay?
And diving. And winning gold medals at the Olympics. So Yay!
Igotjelly · 07/08/2021 21:02

I absolutely love him. So likeable and the love he has for his family is clear to see. His YouTube channel has been excellent.

blueshoes · 07/08/2021 21:05

How is Tom Daley a male rights activist?

I know nothing much about Tom Daley

3scape · 07/08/2021 21:08

I love .... that he just gets on with his knitting like that. So many times I've wished I had my knitti g to do but some people seem literally embarrassed by me if I knit in public or on a train some will take the piss. Of course being a strong looking guy maybe he's not had that negativity. But that's good.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 07/08/2021 21:09

a woman knits? she's a boring old grandma with no life so who cares

a man knits? oh wow! how amazing is he?! let's worship at their feet!

🙄

As a knitter myself I'm glad he does it. but he's no wonderboy because of it🤷‍♀️

Bitofachinwag · 07/08/2021 21:10

@TheLovleyChebbyMcGee

I love seeing people crafting, its a much better use of time than social media. Yes I get thd irony of posting this on social media!!

Have you seen his other knitting stuff? He auctions a fair bit for charity I believe

Yes, you should have knitted a jumper saying that instead.
Kite22 · 07/08/2021 21:11

Does it have to be a male/female divide, can it not just be a sweet thing to do, or are people presuming it’s a male/female thing?

This ^
I watch quite a lot of sport.
I've never seen anyone knitting whilst waiting their turn as it were. I think it is lovely, and also pretty impressive as he doesn't seem to be following a pattern / ticking off the rows like I have to do.
It is also pretty unusual for young people to be knitting in public. Are we allowed to mention that or won't the thread police allow a reference to age either ? Hmm

amicissimma · 07/08/2021 21:12

Someone sitting there knitting is such a lovely contrast to the tense, competitive atmosphere that there seems to be.

Sparklingbrook · 07/08/2021 21:12

I don't know anyone that knits any more. My mother used to, and my Nan did all the time. Both my brothers and I were taught to knit at primary school weirdly.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 07/08/2021 21:14

if you want to admire and adore a truly talented crafter look up Jonah Larson.
he's a wizard with a crochet hook.