Contrary to what you may be thinking, wearing hand knit garments won’t get you on the Don’t page of Glamour.
When you think of knitting, please do not picture baby bootees which most of us are too old to wear or the Phentex slippers your grandmother used to knit.
Today’s knitters are creating fashion forward accessories and clothing for the true fashionista. Movie stars and celebrities love to knit and love wearing knitted clothing. There are many designer knitting yarns and patterns available so that you can create your own designer fashions.
For those who don’t have the time or the inclination to knit their own garments, it is easier than ever before to find one of a kind, hand knit, designer accessories, clothing and home décor items online and at Farmer’s markets and high end retail trade shows. Designer patterns and yarns are readily available for those who want to create their own designer items. If you don’t knit yet, there are many workshops and classes and lots of online help is available. You will find knitting very relaxing and rewarding as the end product is often a designer item that you may not be able to afford if you did not create it yourself.
Knitting represents a hobby for some people and an addiction for others. Some knit in front of the TV, some knit at work and others get together to knit in a group. Some knitters find that the repetitive motion is soothing. Knitters are artisans and the end result can be a wearable work of art or a thing of beauty with a very practical use.
Knitters are able to present friends and family with unique gifts that are truly one of a kind. With a little research you can find something for every taste and every budget. Knitted garments are not just for babies and old people—there are many patterns for scarves, shawls, wraps, hats, mittens, belts and bags that today’s trendy teens love. Yarn choices are not limited to the ones your grandmother used—today you can use silk, cashmere, fur, faux fur, acrylic, wool, and many glittery and special effect yarns to create any look you desire.
You can easily find knitting patterns suitable as a gift for anyone. If you know the person well, you already know their likes and dislikes. For acquaintances that you don’t know as well, you can learn what styles, colors and materials they like by watching what they wear to various functions. You can take a quick look around someone’s home to determine their taste in home decor. There are many scarves and wraps where you don’t even need to know the size of the recipient.
Knitting is not old fashioned—it is trendy right now and always in style. Knitting is not difficult--just start with a simple project like a scarf and your skills quickly will develop to the point where you are designing your own patterns. Help is available at yarn shops, online and in books.
Liona Jollota is a handknitting designer and instructor and the owner of a yarn shop based in Halifax, NS, Canada. She has been knitting for over 40 years. Her website, http://www.kreativeknits.com, aims to provide help and advice on all things related to knitting.
Source: www.articlesphere.com
