When knitting or crocheting come up in a conversation or just as a thought, people usually picture an 85 year-old grandma (fig 1.1) who makes itchy sweaters and ugly blankets. In this day and age, that stereotype should no longer be thought.

Share Ross created a knitting book, Punk Knits, which speaks to young adults and teens. Renee Blixt wrote a review of this book saying,

As the saying goes, this is not your grandmother’s knitting book. Many knitters, especially young ones, want to make items that are in no way typical of everyone else. They’d like to make garments and accessories that are fresh, edgy, and a little bit out there (Blixt, Punk Knits book review).

Fig 2.1 Crocheting and knitting have been revolutionized in the best way possible. It is a wonderful learning experience that sparks imagination and helps develop creativity. With different videos, books, classes and simple patterns “yarning” has become more accessible than ever. Learning in groups and classes help some people while others need more concrete instructions from a video or book. With so many ways to choose and try, saying “I tried it, but I can’t do it” could easily mean one method may work for some, but not for others.

Fig. 1.2 Knitting With Balls

As one reads patterns and counts stitches, it gets the logic side of your brain working to figure out just how things come together. An article was posted in Science News on mathematicians taking up knitting and crocheting to visualize complex surfaces. The author Erica Klarreich says, “Knitters and crocheters use mathematical principles-often without recognizing them as such-to map the pattern of a cable sweater, for instance, or figure out how to space the stitches when adding a sleeve onto a jacket” (Klarreich).

Knitting and crocheting is such a relaxing and rewarding hobby that is for not only grandmas and young woman but men can learn too.  Some men are crocheting and knitting with their wives and starting mens’ knitting and crocheting groups (Fig 1.2). UPN13 had a news segment about how “Real Men Knit.” The book, Son of Stitch ‘n Bitch, is a knit and crochet book designed specifically for men. With 45 different “hip” pattens that are fun and interesting, it is too much to miss out on. More…