Knitting

Maybe this has been discussed on here before, so if it has, I apologize. It is a rare event indeed that I slide a few buttons over and actually check the boards.

I've noticed this strange surge in the world of hobbies among the vastly artistic young ladies both on and offline. It seems that knitting is gathering popularity points with the 18 - 25 crowd. For some reason that I cannot really explain, I find this fascinating. I'm curious to know what the draw is or what is making these yarn wranglers come back for more?

Of course, I see nothing wrong with knitting. Recieving a handmade scarf for Christmas sounds like a wonderful idea to me, especially if it was crafted by a friend. My aim is simply to gather more insight into this strange world we live in one piece at a time.

My first instict was to assume that it was just a half-hearted attempt to shatter a cultural stereotype or two, but I quickly abandoned that notion when it became apparent that the people active in the land of knitting were actually enjoying their stay there. No, this was no rebellion, but something much more interesting, if you ask me. Now I've got some pretty good ideas from folks I know in person who engage in this time-honored craft, but I want to know what you guys n' gals think.

So shoot. If you knit, why do you knit?

I've always loved being able to customize my clothes and accessories. Over the years I've tried all sorts of different things and the ones I liked I stuck with.

Knitting is fun because you can make almost anything. Yarn comes in all kinds of fun types and colors and you can make something for just about anyone with it.
So far, it's also been really easy to pick up and projects never take too long and it's fairly simple to figure out how to make something the way you want it made.
I love it.

I have a "stitch and bitch" session at my store every other week. People find knitting, and crocheting, relaxing. You sit and have to do repetitive, rhythmic movements. It's very soothing. And of course, there's the "bitching."

I really wanna learn how to knit!!

I think I'd like to knit for the same reason I like to cook - it's productive yet relaxing. Same thing with gardening, too. It feels good to create something tangible and rewarding from doing something that is gentle, enjoyable and helps you unwind.

Im poor so I like making gifts for people.

The author of Stitch & Bitch Nation put it well, I think, that the current 18-30 crowd are picking up knitting after being raised by mothers who were, for the most part, too busy working to knit. I know my mother definitely fell into that type. Where my grandmother cooked, gardened and sewed and knitted, my mother worked. She kinda cooked, but didn't give a rats ass about gardening or handmade crafts. I think it was partially out of necessity, since she was a single mother, but also a reaction of growing up in the feminist movement, so she chose to not take up certain "women's duties." While I was raised to be a strong feminist, I have also realized that I LOVE to cook, knit, garden, etc. I remember my grandmother teaching me how to knit when I was young, and I wish I had had more lessons, because teaching myself has been a long struggle!