I WAS JUST BEING POLITE, REALLY. My friend was inspired by the best-selling book The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs and wanted to get a group of ladies together to learn how to knit. I didn't really see the point, but apparently she isn't the only one. Julia Roberts has secured the rights of the popular novel and has a movie in development about the group of fictional N.Y. Upper West Side women who meet every Friday night in a yarn store to knit 1, talk, perl 2, and bond, despite their many differences.Yup, that's what knitters do. They meet in yarn stores, living rooms, retreats, even retail shops like Anthropologie to cast on and create. Knitters range from those with indie spirit fashioning wool into creative works of art to grandmoms knitting pale-blue baby sweaters. There's even a new online community where you can organize your projects, show your work and discover yarns, patterns and those of like inspired spirit.
Knitting has seen a dramatic increase in growth, along with other crafting activities, but what is somewhat unique about knitting is that it has mass cross-generational appeal and combines universal, time-tested techniques with au courant personal expression.
And the laughter. Even the most polished professional can't take herself too seriously after she's dropped a stitch or two or three. Even the very best knitters have to rip out rows because of a mistake. You laugh, ask for help ... and begin again. The wonderful thing is the yarn is very forgiving and springs back into action ready to be woven back into your next knitted vision.
I was surprised, I actually liked it. And the group said I showed some talent!
Whatever, I'm hooked. Oh, wait a minute — that's crochet.
