The hottest knitting trends
It was just a few years ago that knitting cast off its old-fashioned image and burst back onto the arts and crafts scene with a rainbow of yarns, patterns, and resources, like Debbie Stoller's popular series of knitting books and countless other colourful modern guides.
"There is a sexier side to knit and crochet now," says Jennifer Campbell, co-owner with Miko Schechter of The Purple Purl in Toronto, Ont.
It's no longer hard to find all the materials you need to create fabulous, modern projects. So, if you've already made your share of chunky scarves and baby booties for all your pregnant friends, here are some of the latest trends to expand your knitting horizons.
1. Join the club
With the Internet, all of a sudden anyone can learn to cast on and off, purchase rare wools and join communities of like-minded knitters in forums and on message boards – all from the comfort of home.
Knitting communities have also started to make their way back offline, meeting in cafes to knit one, purl two over tea, or at the local library to discuss hot new novels.
"One of the most inspiring things about knitting is the community it creates," says Campbell whose own shop embodies this very concept—a place to "enjoy yarn, refreshments and good company."
Find your own fellow group of knitters:
• Check to see if your local knitting store offers knit nights.
• Ask if there's a knitting group at your local library
• Try Knitting Circle Canada for a list of knitting organizations in your area.
