It used to be when you went to the local park, you would see a mother simply sitting on the bench, watching her little one play in the sandbox. Now, the moms in Danville knit away as they chat about the latest happenings and keep an eye on the kids. And it’s not just happening on the park bench. You see them gathering in Peet’s Coffee Shop, sit next to them in PTA meetings, and wait with them at your doctor’s office.
Knitting isn’t just for Grandma anymore. It’s cool to be knitting. From individuals to sewing circles to an Internet knitting group called the Happy Hookers, today’s knitters are wild about their wool.
There’s Betty Crocker, Betty Boop and Bette Smith, “knitting guru” of the knitting classes held at the Danville Community Center.
“She’s the best and makes knitting so easy to learn. She is so patient and inspiring,” said Cheryl Edwards, a Danville residents with twin teenagers. “I began three years ago and haven’t stopped since. I first wanted to make a baby blanket for my sister-in-law because I wanted to make her something special and from my heart.”
Smith’s classes are so popular that she’s booked through March.
Cookie Allred, another Danville resident and mother of five, also started three years ago after she saw friends making “those cool scarves with fun fabric.” She’s included washcloths and purses in her repertoire and can’t seem to put down the needles.
“I love to make unique purses for my friends and it’s just a relaxing way to spend time,” Allred said.
The craft dates back thousands of years, and knitted socks have been dated back to the third century. It wasn’t until the 16th century that knitting became an industrialized art. And now one can open any fashion magazine and the knitted clothes and accessories jump out at you.
Though knitting has come full circle, it remains a mostly female sport. Scheduled knitting groups, similar to book clubs, are popping up all over the place. The Thursday Night Group and Charity Knitting Group out of That Yarn Store in Dublin have individuals making anything from scarves to knitted caps to send to troops in Iraq.
“Knitting is a great way to make friends as it is both a social and casual learning atmosphere,” said Jamelle Lampkin, owner of That Yarn Store. “It’s time for you that can’t be interrupted, and that’s why it’s so valuable. It’s like the old quilting bees.” Class schedules can be found at www.knitmke.com. Call 828-1327.
At Fashion-knit, a knitting store in Walnut Creek, owner Jeanine Johnson promises that a beginner can learn to knit in 20 minutes. Johnson, an American Airlines flight attendant, opened her store to fuel the fire of her passion to knit.
“I began to knit after 9/11 and believe others started as well to keep closer to home – to return to the basic pleasures – and to be creative,” she said.
Johnson said women often stop by the store just to knit together.
“From the beginning knitter to the more advanced, I encourage customers to stop by for any troubleshooting needs,” she said. “Also, there are amazing and fashionable pieces that can be knitted, not just scarves.”
In her store, hundreds of different kinds of yarn can be purchased. Classes at Fashion-knit will begin in January, and schedules will be posted on its Web site, www.fashionknit.net. Call 943-3994.
Knitting can be done alone in front of the fire or the TV but it is also a great opportunity for socializing. The hands can work on creating but the ability to share and listen to stories is a natural part of the art. Knitting has become the ultimate way to unwind.
