The problem with knitting in public is that it gives non-knitters the impression that you’re not paying attention. Knitters know that this is silly, of course. We know that (given the right project) knitting takes up only the tiniest percentage of your attention.
Nevertheless, sometimes appearances are important (Dear Abby agrees). There are some situations in which knitting is not the most appropriate choice.
EPA attorney Michelle Ryan has learned this lesson the hard way. The PJ Star reports that Ryan “was caught on camera knitting during an Aug. 18 public hearing in Peoria on Peoria Disposal Co.’s proposed “de-listing” of hazardous waste it handles so it can be treated and shipped to landfills around the state.”
The KIPping in question has raised quite a furor, including demands that Ryan be fired.