Knitting has become quite popular among men, but those who are too shy to pick up knitting needles with pride (and you should learn to knit with pride!) can find courage at MenKnit. This site refers men to many reputable sites, where they can learn all the knitting basics in the privacy of their own homes.
You can also find many masculine projects in Kristin Spurkland's The Knitting (Man)ual.
6. Kitsch knitting is making a fierce comeback
"When I was designing at the beginning of my career, I was knitting plants, cakes, ham sandwich tea cosies… there has been a real revival in this type of kitsch knitting," says Bliss.
You can find many-a funky, kitschy projects at:
• Kitschy Kitschy Coo blog for hilarious ideas
• The Museum of Kitschy Stitches: A Gallery of Notorious Knits by Stitchy Mcyarnpants
• Vintage knitting patterns at Glamarama
7. Surf for inspiration
The Internet has made knitting available to the world and has spawned some very popular sites and yarn "celebs."
"Online has been such a great resource," says Campbell. "It's more than just where to get your patterns."
Be sure to bookmark or grab the RSS feed to these great sites for the latest in knitting trends and advice:
• Ravelry is an online networking tool where knitters keep track of their yarn, tools, and pattern information, and tap others for ideas and inspiration.
• Knitty.com is a free online magazine with a great archive of free patterns, trends and techniques.
• Patternfish.com is an online store where you can buy or sell your knitting or crochet patterns as customized PDF downloads.
• Twist Collective is a quarterly online magazine with plenty of inspiring articles to get you started on new projects.
• For absolute beginners – and those who sometimes need a refresher – check out the videos on KnittingHelp.com.
Pick up one of these books for further inspriation:
• Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders by Judith Durant
• More Big Girl Knits by Jillian Moreno and Amy R. Singer
• Inspired Fair Isle Knits by Fiona Ellis
• Mother-daughter knits: 30 Designs to Flatter and Fit by Sally Melville
• Free-range knitter: The Yarn Harlot Writes Again by Stephanie Pearl
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• 104 easy and free knitting patterns
• Eco-friendly craft and hobby ideas
• Photo gallery: Look ravishing in red with these plus-sized fashion tips
