The Social Knit-Work: Knitting for All Generations

So, the word’s out that knitting is cool again.

You may have seen knit “graffiti” adorning a telephone pole on your way to work, or had a crafty sister-in-law whip you up a colorful homemade scarf that is easily more attractive than anything in a department store.  Whatever your exposure to knitting may be, it’s undeniable that knitting is making a comeback in the public eye.

I’ll leave the theories of why knitting circles are suddenly cropping up to sociologists.  However, I can present you with a case study in knitting’s younger generation through my own personal experience.

For me, knitting is a continuity of tradition.  I learned to knit from my mother, who learned to knit from her mother.  Without the loving patience of my mom, all I would have to show for our legacy of craftsmanship is an ugly, partially-finished scarf.  Instead, she picked out my yarn and needles, watched me clumsily knit rows, and fixed my many mistakes.  Slowly, I learned the art of knitting.

Of course, my mom couldn’t follow me around every time I picked up a project.  One of the greatest supplements to my mom’s instruction has been, surprisingly enough, the Internet.  I feel like most knitters my age share this sentiment.  The online knitting community is vast and provides accessibility to free patterns, instructional videos, and a multitude of websites offering heavily discounted yarn.  Most of my favorite knit projects have been from free patterns I have found from other knitters have shared online.

Outside of the Web, I encounter many non-knitters who are fascinated by knitting and love to ask questions about whatever project I may be tackling at the time.  I have also shared many conversations with fellow knitters; regardless of age, we all fight the same battle of turning heels in socks and finding a replacement for a beloved yarn that has been discontinued.  It doesn’t matter whether you learn from your grandmother or YouTube, the knitting’s obstacles are still the same.

My mom still isn’t a fan of online patterns, but one day I’ll change her mind.  Until then, we’ll just knit together.

Become part of the social knit-work by learning to knit or simply expand your knitting skills with Andrea at Denver Botanic Gardens.  Join us for Knitting 101 (Monday, Oct. 10 and Wednesday, Oct. 12). Andrea promises that you will leave with an actual FINISHED item–a neckwarmer!  Have mad skills already?  Join us for Knitting 201 where you will learn to create a fashionable headband & other fun items (Tuesday, Oct. 25 and Thursday, Oct. 27).  Register online or call 720-865-3580.

Guest Blogger: Andrea Thurber

Andrea knits, crochets, and paints in Denver, CO.  Outside of her time as a volunteer coordinator at Denver Botanic Gardens, she owns and designs patterns for Spaghetti Western Knits with her mom, Robyne, and her sister, Lindsey.  Andrea is a new member of the Denver Handmade Alliance and with the help of her family and Gardens’ coworker Michelle Reilly, will be exhibiting a knit installation “Storm” at Redline Gallery this October.

Andrea’s favorite materials to knit with are neon yarn or anything that sparkles, so her knitwear is visible from miles away.  She has been knitting for over 10 years and is looking forward to sharing her favorite art form with any new knitters who are eager to learn.  She promises she won’t make you use neon yarn.