The Craft of Knitting

Whenever I knit something new, or think about all the projects that are still on the "back-burner", the one thing I never think about is where did this all begin?

After all, knitting is such an ancient craft, or at least the art of spinning yarn is. Once all that yarn was created you just know someone came along and started figuring out ways to weave the yarn into cloth. And, once cloth was created, then variations of cloth were produced; colors came along, then simple patterns, then more intricate designs, many of which were very indicative of native lands.

As of right now, it is thought that knitting came along sometime in the late Middle Ages, 1200-1500 A.D. It was brought into Egypt by nomads, and from there, carried into lower Europe by way of Spain. Once there, knitting traveled all over the European continent.

During the Renaissance, craft guilds were all the rage, and knitting was established as a true craft. After all, once the art of spinning created yarn, then innovative ways to use the yarn came along.

Different areas of Europe invented different modes of knitting. The Fair Isles, a group of islands north of Britain, give us Fair Isle knitting, one which is characteristic of knitting with many colors, and changing colors frequently.

Intricate lace patterns are indicative of France; fishing communities off the coast of England gave us the Guernsey style. Both of these types of knitting are quite intricate, and the latter very colorful.

Of course, knitting found its way to our world as well. During the Civil War, both sides took to producing much needed items for the soldiers. It was here that knitting became linked to patriotism; a link which has only grown stronger over time.

Once the Industrial Revolution came along, knitting machines were able to produce what hand-knitters never could.

Yet, with all the modern innovations which we live with, there is nothing quite like settling in with needles, yarn, and a good pattern. Add some friends, a sprinkling of good conversation, and the beautiful world of knitting, is a place you could live in forever!

Nowadays, we have not only our families, and friends to knit for. There are so many needy causes and organiza- tions out there just looking for a little "hands-on" help.

The Old English definition of the word "craft" tells us that the word meant "strength". As we knitters well know, in learning, enjoying, and passing on, our beloved craft, therein lies knitting's strength.

The Shakers certainly had it right when they said, "Hands to work, hearts to God."

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