Many of us may remember our grandmothers (or grandfathers!) with a set of needles clicking away, making sweaters, hats or socks.Some projects became gorgeous garments that we may still have tucked safely away ready to protect us from the cold winter.Other projects, well, may have ruined us for life as the scratchy wool tortured us to the point where somehow our garment went ‘missing’, maybe even ‘stolen’!
Many of us were even taught how to knit when we were just 6 or 7 years old (you’d have to fight with a cell phone now!)Then something happened, about 40 years ago the ease and cost of purchasing ‘store bought’ clothes became more cost and time effective.No more $30 of wool (approx. $100 today) and 30-40 hours of knitting an Aran Sweater, only for your husband to wear it while fixing the car!With so much wool in the market not being used, it led to the price of wool falling so dramatically, it wasn’t worth it for farmers, so the wool industry shrunk to a fraction of its size.
But as with all good things, they never completely disappear.In the last 10-12 years, there has been a revival of interest in traditional crafts, like knitting and crochet. The rise of the internet and social media helped knitting communities flourish, with online forums, blogs, and social networks fostering connections among knitters worldwide.
Modern knitters are increasingly focused on sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and promoting ethical practices. Innovations in yarns and knitting tools continue to evolve, ensuring that knitting remains a vibrant and evolving craft.
Today, knitting is a popular art embraced by people of all ages. There is a wide array of yarns, patterns, and techniques available, and knitting is celebrated for its therapeutic benefits, creativity, and community-building aspects.
Overall, knitting has evolved from a basic survival skill into a beloved art with a rich heritage, reflecting changes in technology, culture, and societal values.It’s a wonderful, and practical, way to show our love to friends and family.And, wool has come a long way from the ‘rustic’ wool that we grew up with…even the sheep gave up their itchy wool for a softer coat!
