The Knitting Craze
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Where did this come from?
So, now knitting is "cool." That's so funny, I just have to wonder where this stuff comes from. I've been knitting since I was a little girl, and I even made sweaters, ponchos, and a whole bunch of stuff before I turned 20. Now, all of a sudden, knitting is the latest craze, and everybody is doing it. There's even a show, "Knitty Gritty" on the DIY network.
Knitting really isn't that difficult, so it's not so surprising that people are discovering it again. Smaller projects likes scarves and hats knit up in a few hours, and once the knitter invests in a few supplies, such as needles and yarn, it's pretty easy to get started. There are many web sites that offer free patterns and instructions for beginning knitters.
Another good source of supplies and yarn is eBay. The vendors there seem to have everything for the knitter, and some high-end yarns and supplies, too. Some of the good investments are "knitting needle systems" that come with all the sizes in needle tips, plus converters that hold the tips, making any size needle you need in one kit. Some of them come with circular converters, too, so you can create circular needles, used for larger projects, with the same kit.
One good thing to come of this craze is that a lot of new yarns are being developed. I have seen much more of a variety at the local craft stores, and some of them are really cool; they look like fur, or automatically make stripes in your socks as you knit, because of the way they are dyed. When things get popular like this, they create a new market, and more people develop new products. That's good for the tried and true crafters too, because they can work with new materials they might not have had available before.
I'm glad knitting is catching on again, it's always been one of my favorite crafts, and I think it's especially relaxing. There is something about working with yarn and completing the rows that gives you a feeling of accomplishment and peace.
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