Doesn't Grab Me

Whenever I finish a knitting project, I model it for myself and then model it for Joe. Joe is neither a knitter nor a fashionista, but he has to look at me. I want his input. I am slowly realizing that this is a bad idea. The reaction (scroll to bottom) is never really "right".

I want the truth, but more than that, I want what every knitter wants: praise.
I want his face alight with the wonder that this creative knitting force shares his life. I want his eyes ablaze with passion for me and my hand knits. Instead, I get the blank stare, quickly followed by the squinchy face and furrowed brow.

ME: Oh, it isn't finished. I still need to make the button loop and add the button.
JOE: *squinchy face*
ME: Joe? It still needs a button.
JOE: What about the other buttons?
ME: There are no other buttons. Just the one at the top.
JOE: I come from a cold place where clothing is functional. I don't understand a sweater that would hang open like that. I want warmth. I want buttons.
ME: It's warm, but it's also fashion.
JOE: Well, I don't get it. But then, I don't get a lot of what you knit. Most of it doesn't "grab" me.
ME: *contemplating murder* My next project is latex thigh-high boots.
JOE: *raises head with rapt interest*

This is a man who has surprised me at knitting with my beloved Starbucks Tall Soy Latte -- not once, but twice. And one of those was a very dark and stormy night. How alarming to learn that inside this wonderful, thoughtful, sweet and sensitive man lurks...
a man.

No matter how evolved and aware, it seems the most interesting fashion to men is black boots and a birthday suit.