Skillz

Stinging nettles! (from wikipedia)

Being a writer is the best. So few jobs allow you to watch random Youtube videos and then call it research! I just watched some overview vids about how stinging nettle can be knitted into fabric, and let me tell you, it was nifty. I have a whole new level of respect for the sister in the tale "The Six Swans." Seriously, wow.*

In all the times I've imagined that story, though, it never occurred to me that she could knit the shirts instead of weaving them. Thank you, Youtube.**

* In case you're unfamiliar with the story, she has to sew a shirt for each of her six brothers, all by herself, from stinging nettle. Also, she's not allowed to speak that whole time. Also also, it takes her six years.
** In case you're wondering, I'm writing a short story based on the fairy tale. It's silly and snarky, and it may or may not take a major swan dive before I finish it.***
*** Ha. Swan dive.