But in Egypt around 400-600 BC, they rocked nalbindet socks. To quote the amazing Neulakinna:
"The oldest fragment, supposedly a piece of a mesh sieve made of plant fibers, is from Israel, Nahal Hemar, approximately 6500 BCE. Fragments found in Denmark date from 4200 BCE. In West China, Tarim basin area (Zaghunluq), several well preserved mummies with beautiful clothes have been found, from 1000 BCE. There are two hats, supposedly made by nalbinding techniques."
An excellent example of red nalbindet socks can be seen here. The author of the piece argues:
Termed 'one needle knitting' by some museums, it is similar to knitting in structure, but stronger, less stretchy, and a lot more difficult to create. The resulting fabric would look very sloppy unless done by a master, and it wasn't something you could have the kids do while tending the sheep -- unlike knitting.
OK. I can see where it could be considered difficult, if you're looking at it from the outside and you've never tried it before. But I learned how to nalbind through Youtube. YOUTUBE. And I tried to learn to knit via youtube, and failed miserably. The author of the above piece is correct, though. You can be dead dumb and brainless and knit a good enough scarf to wear.
Whereas a piece of nalbinding is exceptional. Every stitch, watched. Every warm thought or protective instinct is stitched along into the material just as you make it. No, not everyone does it. (Pity). Should they?
I guess that's for them to answer. But for me, I'll choose nalbinding.
What about you?
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