From Handcraft to Life: 'Lives from Knitting'
The event titled "Lives from Knitting" was organized by the Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences at Üsküdar University. The event, which focused on the contribution of knitting to daily life, featured knitting artist Canan Yanar Özdemir as a guest speaker. Özdemir stated that she has always enjoyed creating for as long as she can remember and shared that a sense of visual harmony might have been within her since childhood. She also emphasized that her connection with handcrafts is not limited to knitting and expressed her interest in all things created by hand.
The event was held in the Galenos Hall of Üsküdar University NP Health Campus and was attended by Prof. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy, as well as many academicians and students.
The event was moderated by journalist Şaban Özdemir and featured knitting artist Canan Yanar Özdemir as a guest.
A life silently knitted together…
Prof. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy, gave the opening speech and mentioned that the audience would witness a life story woven around knitting, communication, and hope. Asqarova stated, “Our University’s Corporate Communication Department Head, Mr. Şaban, who is used to the fast-paced life of the university, and a loving family quietly knitting life stitch by stitch at home… They are a nuclear family that carries a profound understanding of life. She starts her day with knitting as she sees her husband off to work. It is not just knitting; it is also weaving the rhythm of the day, the traces of the past, and hopes for the future. For her, knitting is as much a method of production as it is a practice of thought, a ritual. She loves silence; while her hands speak, her mind finds rest. Every stitch is like a small act of resistance against the chaos of life. Meanwhile, as her husband 'knits' the university’s public image at his computer, he lovingly feels the world his wife builds within. Because knitting is not merely about yarn and needles, in those magical hands, there are quiet evenings spent together, shared tea times, and a wordless understanding. Today, we shall hear even a small part of this beautiful life story.”
Prof. Sevda Asqarova: “Production, solidarity, and understanding walk side by side”
Sharing her reflections on the conversation, Asqarova said, “As the saying goes, some things cannot be explained with words but can only be lived, and today, we witnessed a world where words are few, but meaning is deep in the life of this wonderful couple. As you have seen, their communication style is quiet but intense; they immediately understand each other just by exchanging glances. Each one produces in their own field, and they respect each other’s work. This silent, mutual support elevates their relationship beyond the ordinary. Because in the life of this couple, production, solidarity, and understanding walk side by side.”
Şaban Özdemir: “Knitting helps build the family…”
Speaking at the opening of the program, journalist Şaban Özdemir shared his thoughts about family and the importance of knitting in this context. Özdemir said, “I am someone who values family greatly. My wife feels the same way. Without family, there is no society. Without society, there is no world. We are all aware of this. You also observe the speculative efforts aimed at dismantling and destroying the family. Now you may ask, what does knitting have to do with this? Perhaps it is a significant element in building and preserving the family, connecting it stitch by stitch… It is not just a product you can use, but also something that connects and strengthens relationships. I have always supported my wife in her knitting. I find her work very valuable. I believe that creating something gives purpose to both existence and humanity.”
Every person comes into the world with a talent…
Stating that every person comes into the world with a talent, Özdemir emphasized that discovering and developing these talents is the responsibility of the individual.
Expressing how much she loves what she does, Özdemir said, “I do not feel like I have worked even for a single day. Even the money I earn from this work feels like a gift to me. When a person does what they love, tiredness and the sacrifices made lose their meaning.” With this personal insight, she drew attention to the importance of loving one’s work.
Canan Yanar Özdemir: “I have loved creating for as long as I can remember”
Answering questions from students, knitting artist Canan Yanar Özdemir shared her passion for handcrafts and thoughts about the design process. Özdemir said that her interest in creating goes back to her childhood. She explained that her bond with handcrafts is not limited to knitting and that she has always been interested in everything made by hand. She mentioned that even with clothes she buys, she tries to reflect her personal style through small adjustments. Özdemir stated, “I always add something to the clothes I buy, or I remove something, or I change the elastic. This interest has never faded since childhood. I always make small adjustments, even if they are minimal…”
“The sense of visual harmony may have been within me since childhood”
Providing detailed information about hand knitting and sharing her views on the design process, Canan Özdemir said that she has a special interest in everything visual. She explained that this interest is not limited to yarn, clothing, textiles, or jewelry but also includes many everyday objects such as furniture. Özdemir shared that this aspect of her personality was nurtured by her bond with her mother in childhood, saying, “My mother had a background in tailoring. She always dressed me with great care. If my shoes were red, my hat would be the same color. This sense of visual harmony may have been within me since childhood.”
At the end of the conversation, which took place in a very warm and sincere atmosphere, students presented flowers to the Özdemir couple.
The event concluded with a group photo.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)