Just Knit It!

There is something about having children that makes us want to go back to old-fashioned household activities. Maybe it’s the hormones racing around our body; you know those ones which we blame the nesting instinct on! Some do the traditional house clean (or at least get obsessed with ‘How Clean is your House!) Some take up cooking. But what better way to respond to those urges than by knitting?

Knitting has been a form of relaxation for centuries, the rhythmical click, click soothing away the stress of the day. The popularity of knitting during the two world wars is attributed to the stress reliving properties of repetitive activity. See the American Red Cross site for some fascinating information on the history of knitting during wartime. It would, of course, also have had something to do with the fact that the only wool source for a bigger sweater was to unravel two smaller ones and knit something stripy.

But hey! There’s not much traditional about knitting nowadays! Knitting is a hot trend for people of all ages. Designers have responded with exciting new designs and yarn manufacturers have responded by producing more and more fabulous yarns. And it’s more and more likely that there is a yarn shop near you that stocks them. The 1980’s and 90’s were lean years for enthusiastic knitters; Wool shops closed, and department store’s stock began to consist of mostly gaudy acrylic yarns in bumper-sized balls. Now there are new colours, new textures, novelty yarns and beautiful natural fibres available. If you don’t have a store nearby you can order yarn online.

Why not lovingly create baby clothes for your precious newborn, make a baby blanket, knit something simple or fabulous for the kids, or make something totally outré for yourself. There are hundreds of free patterns online and new books of inspiring designs appear all the time

The latest trend is Communal Knitting. The idea, as always, began in the states. Debbie Stoller held the first Stitch’n’Bitch in New York and now groups have sprung up all over the US and other parts of the world. In the UK Cast Off runs knitting events in London, and in their website forum you can find information on other knitting groups in the UK.

Most importantly pick up your needles! Maybe the only thing you ever knit is one square for a charity blanket. Maybe you never stop knitting. Just Knit It!

Knit for Charity
The Craft Ark - A Community for Crafters
Make a Poppy Card - Full instructions.
Great Knitting Books