Having Fun With Knitting!

"IN THROUGH the front door, run around the back, out the window, off comes jack!" Another nursery rhyme? Certainly knot!

This little rhyme is what trainee knitters around the world are chanting to grasp the basic steps of this fiber art. Once considered a pursuit apt only for grandmothers, knitting has shook off the cobwebs of old prejudices and has emerged as THE new hobby to take up. So what makes knitting so hot? Read on and discover.

People have enjoyed knitting for a variety of reasons but one of the most popular, nowadays, seems to be that it is an effective stress buster. Hailed as the New Age Yoga, knitting offers a sense of mental peace and even claims to increase your concentration power. There is an unrivaled charm in watching a ball of yarn transform itself into a beautiful fabric with the aid of two simple knitting needles. If you enjoy knitting then you join the ranks of celebrity knitters such as Julia Roberts, Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Hillary Swank and Kate Moss, and the list doesn't end there.

Previously, knitted garments meant only bulky dark-coloured sweaters that you passed on from generation to generation, yet no one wanted to wear. Knitting isn't just about sweaters, gloves, and mufflers, even though there is no end to how creative you can get with those as well. Knitting isn't about winters either.

What do you say to accessorizing your dress with knitted necklaces, belts, scarves, berets, wraps, and ponchos? You won't believe the variety of chic bags you can churn up with a ball of yarn.

If you love doing up your house with unusual pieces, then consider making knitted potholders, hot water bottle covers, mobile covers, placemats, key chains, artificial flowers, lampshades, blankets, and throws. The world of baby garments abounds in knitted items. The possibility to show your creativity is endless.

Also interesting is looking at what a well-stocked knitting basket may contain. Everyone knows that yarn is available in a variety of colours and textures. The eyelash yarn looks just like it sounds and is available in a variety of colours and can be used to make necklaces and scarves. Gadgets such as stitch markers and holders, circular needles, and gauges make the hardest of designs easier to make. Once you know your basic knits and purls, there is an endless variety of stitches you can use in what you are knitting. From the usual garter stitch and stockinette stitch, you can go on to try the funkier moss stitch, butterfly stitch, granite stitch and stylish cable patterns.

They say that the life's greatest pleasures come from the simplest of things and this can be fittingly illustrated with the example of knitting. So why should you choose a knitted garment over a hassle-free pr?t-a-porter one? For starters, it makes a great gift for someone you love. Don't tell me you wouldn't go all mushy if someone went to the extent of knitting something for you themselves. We are all suckers for things that have that personal touch and things that have been hand-crafted.

For those who still aren't convinced, let me tell you that a knitted garment is much more flexible and warm than a machine-made garment. There are so many times you see things in the market that you like but they don't have the colour that you want, or the relevant size. With knitting, you can plan your project according to your taste and need at the very outset. As with any other pursuit, to begin with you may encounter hitches. However, with practice and determination, any design can be achieved. There is an amazing sense of accomplishment to be felt once your knitting project has been completed.

It is not difficult to get started with knitting. There are many ideas, help sites and free patterns available on the internet to help you. If you want to step out in style, sport one of your creations. You'll never have to worry about someone else owning the same thing. Need I say more? The world has caught the knitting mania. Join in on the fun and get hooked to a new hobby and a brand new attitude!