Knitting News

Getting connected | The Age

Getting connected
The Age - December 1 2005

...The next time Catherine Moore became pregnant she was back in Australia. This time, she joined a mothers' support group after the birth that met in person rather than online, but she still considers the internet a great way to make friends with people who share a common interest and was an early member of the Melbourne chapter of StitchnBitch, a online/off-line craft group that began as a four-person Yahoo! group.
StitchnBitch was started in Chicago by Debbie Stoller, who wrote the 1999 book Stitch'nBitch: The Knitter's Handbook. Fans of the book started StitchnBitch groups in the US and the trend spread to Europe.
Ms Steer-Courtenay started the first Australian StitchnBitch two years ago after meeting in a Cheap Street cafe. The group now runs 10 monthly meetings throughout Melbourne and has 400 members, but most of the interaction is still online and strong friendships have been formed, she says.
"It's about sharing something that you have a passion for but other people think is really weird," Ms Steer-Courtenay says. "That might be getting help with knitting techniques or showing off something you've done to someone who actually appreciates it and is as excited about it as you are. [more]

If you like a good yarn... | Telegraph

If you like a good yarn...
Telegraph - November 30 2005

Knitwear has never been more chic; thanks to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore and Uma Thurman - who all knit between takes on film sets - a new generation has been introduced to the craft.
While our grannies sat by the fireside, whipping up scarves and sweaters for the whole family, the new, 21st-century knitters join "stitch and bitch" groups or sit in pubs, sipping pints while they work on their latest creations.
There are boutiques dedicated to knitwear, such as north London's knitting salon Loop (Cross Street, N1: 020 7288 1160), which sells designer labels, yarns from around the world and knitted homewares. You can buy kits with needles and yarn at Topshop, or from the online knit specialist www.knitcases.com, while workshops and classes are now being held at a range of shops, from Pringle to John Lewis. [more]

Let’s Play House | Nashville Scene

Let’s Play House
Nashville Scene - December 1 2005

In much of Kristina Arnold’s work, references to her previous life as a biomedical researcher dominate. Her constructions of plastic and string take the look of nerve or lymph systems, but they’re laced with extraneous stuff, like decorative flower patterns, candy and crochet work. These materials form associations with the “women’s work” of knitting and feeding and with other sorts of networks, the things that tie together communities and families socially, historically and genetically. In her installation at the TAC Gallery, she moves seamlessly out of the lab and into the domestic realm that has always been part of the picture for her. [more]

Leave 'em in stitches with knitted gifts | The Bristol Pilot

Leave 'em in stitches with knitted gifts
The Bristol Pilot - November 30 2005

...In recent years, a centuries-old pastime has become all the rage...again. From train stations to doctors' waiting rooms, coffee shops to living rooms, knitters can be seen working their needle magic at any time of day.
Whether you're already one of those knitters or interested in becoming one, shops like Knit Together can help you create the perfect holiday gifts - not just for your loved ones, but for yourself as well!
Ruth Kempner, owner of Knit Together, suggests several gift ideas which can be easily knitted: shawls, hats, socks, hand warmers, scarves and felted bags. Even if you're a knitting newbie, an attractive gift is achievable. "The yarns are so pretty, you really don't have to be that creative to make something beautiful," Kempner said. "And it's a gift of love, it really is." [more]

Tight-knit group finds expression through yarn | The Northern Light

Tight-knit group finds expression through yarn
The Northern Light - November 29 2005

Knitting isn’t just granny’s pastime anymore.
Danielle Henderson has spent a weekend knitting a corset and bra set.
Henderson teaches at Crochet Corner, which is an activity designed to educate in knitting and crocheting. The event has been held every Thursday this semester in the Student Union and will continue next semester. Students come to learn a new craft, but end up socializing as well.
“My main motivation is that it’s so much fun to teach people crafts and to see them go off in their own space and try to make things,” Henderson said. “It’s getting art out in the world, basically.” [more]

Friend’s Knitting moves uptown | Beachcomber

Friend’s Knitting moves uptown
Beachcomber - November 30 2005

Friend’s Knitting recently relocated to Vashon Village from owner Louise Friend’s home on the north end.
Friend stocks a range of gorgeous yarn — from fancy to casual, easy-to-knit-with yarns. Her yarns include alpaca wool and yarns made from bamboo and soy, which she says, are surprisingly soft and drapey, much like a soft cotton.
Individual instruction is always available and is $20 per hour. After the holidays, she will offer classes and will post the schedule in her store and in The Beachcomber.
Friend has been a knitter her whole adult life and says, “There are so many best things about knitting. It’s doing something. It’s creative. It’s relaxing, and you have a product at the end. It’s also nice to figure out problems and solve them.” [more]

Seen This Morning: Knitting Away Stress | WABC

Seen This Morning: Knitting Away Stress
WABC - November 30 2005

Knit one, pearl [sic] two -- a stitch in time can save the mind.
The age old craft of knitting is becoming the trendiest way to chill out.
And there is a growing number of stores where knitters can indulge their hobby. Like "point" -- a knitting cafe in Manhattan's East Village.
Here, knitter wannabees can learn the craft and seasoned hands can buy yarn then put in some serious needle time while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Store owner Helane Blumfield says knitting is shedding its stuffy image -- becoming a multi-generational past time everyone can enjoy. [more]

Knitting challenge: Jessie won’t get in a knot | Evening Telegraph and Post

Knitting challenge: Jessie won’t get in a knot
Evening Telegraph and Post - November 30 2005

Ninety-five-year-old Jessie Smart will be knitting dozens of scarves which will be sold at Barrogil House Care Home’s Christmas event on December 17.
Mrs Smart’s knitting challenge has been an annual fixture at the Cluny home over the festive season, and in the past has raised hundreds of pounds for overseas charities.
This year, however, Mrs Smart plans to donate all the proceeds closer to home by putting all the money collected towards residents’ funds. [more]

Find your niche at The Knitting Niche | Greenwich Time

Find your niche at The Knitting Niche
Greenwich Time

Tucked away in the charming little Village Square off Mason Street you will find The Knitting Niche. Opened two years, owner Vanessa Cayton seems to be on to something. It appears that there is a resurgence of people interested in knitting and this little cottage is always bustling with activity. It would be almost impossible not to be attracted to the idea of knitting a scarf, shawl or sweater once you enter the store and take a look at the choices of color and material available to you. [more]

Teenagers and useful art | The Mercury News

Teenagers and useful art
The Mercury News - November 29 2005

Crafts are not only for Martha Stewart wannabes. Here are some local teenagers who produce wearable, beautiful and useful art.
Tiffany Yang
UCLA freshman
Crafts: knitting, sewing, making scrapbooks and friendship bracelets
Since learning to knit a few years ago, Yang has not been able to put down her knitting needles. ``Even though it's kind of complex, the knitting that I do is simple enough for me to not want to give up in the middle,'' she said. [more]