Hanx—Knitter? Or Abettor?
My Hanks Knits Theory
I recently finished listening to the audiobook of Tom Hanks’ debut novel, The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece.
The Making of a Hanx Stash
I’m now convinced that Tom Hanks didn’t persuade the entire cast and crew of Larry Crowne to pretend to knit as a simple prank for Julia Roberts back in 2011. I believe he staged a ruse. The staff lady would teach the whole crew how to knit (so Hanks could learn incognito), and then Tom took all of the “prank” acrylic skeins and needles home with him at the end of the day. I think it was his wily scheme to establish his own stash, from which he then spent the next few years knitting.
And I don’t think he put down the needles after working through that initial stash.
Based on the way Hanks weaves knitting into his debut novel, the reader can tell that this man knows knitting.
To be fair, I cannot prove that Tom Hanks knits, or that any of my Hanx Stash conspiracy theory is true. But y’all I believe.
The Book
If you haven’t yet checked out The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece, I can tell you that the audiobook was super enjoyable! Like the title, the storytelling occasionally waxed long in description and narrative, but I loved it!
I felt like I was sitting around his kitchen table from Sleepless in Seattle with Tom and his friends, late into the night and sipping something fun, while they told me a story—with all of the (motion) picture-painting details. I had fun meeting all of the key (and not so key) players that knitted together to form a beautiful cabled afghan. I cuddled up under it, cozy and satisfied.
And the fact that yarn and knitting were featured throughout the story made my yarn-cake of a heart go, “Squeeeee!”
At sixteen hours in length, this story is not for the faint of heart or short of time. But, it’s worth the trek.
One caveat on my Hanks Knits Theory: he did not mention the knitters’ project bags within the story. Now. Perhaps Tom just hasn’t gotten to the Fun Project Bags Phase of his knitting journey. For me, it took nearly 15 years to discover mine, so maybe that stage is in his next Act.
Dear Mr. Hanks,
The next time one of your characters knits an entire beanie on a one-hour flight, please be more specific. I was forced to pause the audiobook because…
I had questions!!!
What yarn weight and needle size did she use? Was this an adult hat? Was this a last minute newborn hat for a baby shower? Did this character knit a rolled brim or ribbed? Was this a stockinette beanie, or was there a texture or cables or stranded colorwork? Was there crown shaping? If there was crown shaping, what kind of needles did the character have on the flight? DPNs? Magic Loop? 16” circular and then switched over to DPNs or Magic Loop for the crown? Did she add a Pom Pom later?
Tom, since you are clearly One of Us, you know that we Knitters WANT TO KNOW!!!!
We can fill in plenty of details, Hanx, but sometimes we need you to let us in on a few logistical specifics. (If non-knitting readers want to climb out of the yarny weeds, they can follow your lead and become knitters too!)
Also, Mr. Hanks, I’d be happy to be a sensitivity reader for any of your future novels that feature our beloved craft. 😆
Real Talk: I can’t claim to know whether America’s favorite actor-turned-author can also hyphenate “-knitter”, but I enjoy living in a world where I believe—
Hanks Knits
Also, wouldn’t Tom Hanks look fantastic in a plaid knit cowl?!
Check out my new As If Cowl on Ravelry and Etsy. You’ll look mahvelous, dahling!
I would overlay a picture of Tom Hanks’ face over mine here, but I don’t seem to have any of my own photos of him. Weird…🤔
For more book chats, knitting patterns, and crafty inspiration from Mountain Song Designs, check out these links…
(Most of my book chatty stuff is on YouTube! This book will feature in my next episode.💖📚)
