Knitting is a great hobby that has been known to relieve stress while creating beautiful accessories and clothes. I has even been described as “the new yoga” by London based knitting website Purl 1 Design.
In the last turn of the century knitting has experienced a revival. According to the Craft Yarn Council about 38 million Americans partake in some sort of knitting, including celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Vanna White, Sarah Jessica Parker, Daryl Hannah, Hilary Swank, and Julianna Marguilies.
So where do you begin if you want to pick up the craft? Better yet, where do you find career opportunities and charities for knitting? What are some patterns and resources that are helpful? The list below will provide resources for novices as well as more advanced knitters.
Top 5 Knitting Website #1: Craft Yarn Council
The Craft Yarn Council is the one stop shop for anything knitting. It provides resources and classes for beginners and project ideas for intermediate and advanced knitters. Furthermore, it provides teaching opportunities for those that are advanced and partners up with several charities such as Knit One Save One, Warm Up America, and Friendship Shawls. If you want to become certified as a teacher the Craft Yarn Council also provides a certified instructors program.
Top 5 Knitting Websites #2: Wendy Knits
Wendy Knits is a beautiful website that chronicles the knitting adventures of Wendy and her cat Lucy. Wendy is also a certified instructor with a extensive knowledge about knitting. The website also provides a list of free knitting patterns for anyone who wants to try their hand at a new project.
Top 5 Knitting Websites #3: Whimsical Knitting Designs
Whimsical Knitting Designs is the one stop shop for free patterns that range from socks to scarves. The designs themselves really are as whimsical as the website claims.
Top 5 Knitting Websites #4: Ravelry
Ravelry is like social networking for knitters. It is where knitters can gather to share their patterns, post photos of their projects, and help other knitters. Some of the patterns are very unique, beautiful, and intricate while others are directed more towards novices.
Top 5 Knitting Websites #5: Redshirt Knitting
Redshirt Knitting is the blog of one Erika, a freelance writer and avid knitter. In this blog Erika shares her adventures and writes about tips and tricks of the trade. She also has quite a collection of free patterns for her readers.
Knitting is something that anyone can try. It is a wonderful hobby that lets the creative juices flow while calming the mind. If you have not already tried it, head to your local knitting shop, ask for some help, and check out the above websites. If you are advanced, put your knitting to good use by becoming an instructor or volunteering some of your time for charity.
Become your own designer and explore the possibilities that knitting has to offer. For more information on knitting as a craft visit the Craft Yarn Council.
Sources:
Purl 1 Design
Craft Yarn Council
Wendy Knits
Whimsical Knitting Designs
Ravelry
Redshirt Knitting
