My daughter, Katherine, and I each received a handmade scarf for Christmas. Her cousin, Jen, crocheted her a rose- coloured scarf and Katherine knitted me a multi-hued blue one.
Jen had learned how to crochet as part of her home economics class. She enjoyed it so much she made two more scarves as Christmas gifts. Katherine learned how to knit from a friend she met in her dorm at school. She wants to try and knit a toque now.
I thought it was interesting that just before Christmas I had come across an article about how young women are discovering knitting and crocheting.
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The article by the Craft Yarn Council of America stated that more than one in three women in the United States know how to knit and crochet. Relaxation was stated as the main motivator for participating in these crafts, with 62 percent of respondents saying they crochet or knit to relax.
The largest increase of crocheters and knitters, 57 percent, came from the under-35-year-old category, with the biggest increase registered among crocheters, 46 percent.
“These figures support anecdotal evidence that younger women are taking up crochet and knitting,” said Richard Caron, council chair.
“A new generation has discovered what older adults have known for years: these crafts are great stress relievers. It’s also the reason major media has embraced these crafts, touting crochet and knitting as ‘the new yoga.’ Once consumers are hooked on these crafts, they are passionate. More than one-third of women surveyed categorized crochet and knitting as their favourite hobby.”
Afghans and baby blankets were by far the favourite projects, accounting for 58 percent and 49 percent respectively of the total number of crocheted and knitted items. Coming in third and fourth were sweaters and vests, then scarves, hats and gloves.
When you take into account that another 15 percent of the projects completed were baby items, it shows that babies continue to motivate people to knit and crochet.
I contacted The Wool Emporium in Saskatoon about the increased interest. It said both men and women are taking up knitting and crocheting. Some are young and others have learned in the past and are now returning to the crafts because they find it relaxing.
The Wool Emporium offers a six-week beginner’s class for those wanting to learn.
It also suggested that when looking for information on the internet, search by the yarn name such as Patons, Spinrite, Diamond or Louet to find a supplier, patterns or other information.
If you are new to knitting or crocheting, your first project should be easy and fun. It’s a good idea to pick a project that requires little or no shaping and minimal assembly, such as a scarf or pillow.
Hats and bags, and depending on the patterns, simple sweaters and vests, shrugs and ponchos also make great first projects.
To start, a relatively smooth yarn is easiest to handle, such as a basic worsted-weight yarn. Patterns using easy stitches, two strands of yarn and large needles or hooks, size 101/2 or larger, are quick to complete. The craft yarn council members use the Make It Quick logo to identify quick designs and beginner patterns.
The council has a website, www.craftyarncouncil.com, where you can find free patterns or learn basic knitting – www.learntoknit.com and crochet- learntocrochet.com.
There is a discussion group where you can get hints and helpful information and, for those who love teaching and have good knitting and crochet skills, there is information on becoming a certified instructor through a correspondence program.
If you are looking for Canadian sources of supplies, shops and ideas try www.craftcanada.com.
The following is a simple scarf pattern from the Craft Yarn Council of America projects section of its website.
Curly wrap scarf
The ends of the scarf curl in naturally, creating a tubular look, perfect for wrapping.
This scarf is 3.6 metres long and 28 centimetres wide but you can make it as long or as short as you like, adjusting your yarn amounts accordingly.
Materials:
- 21 ounces of worsted weight yarn.
- Size 13 needle or size needle to obtain gauge.
Gauge: Nine stitches and 14 rows to 10 cm in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) with two strands of yarn held together using size 13 needle.
Note: The scarf is knitted with two strands of yarn together. Cast on 29 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) until scarf measures the desired length.
Grieving help
Dear TEAM: In response to your column re: grieving over the Christmas season: Many churches offer a “blue service” during December. I have found that going to it for the past two years since my dad died has been helpful. I think this would also be helpful to people going through a divorce or separation and not having a partner to share the holidays with. – E.S., Morinville, Alta.
Dear E.S.: I am familiar with the blue Christmas services. Often they are interdenominational services that offer a time of remembrance and reflection for those who are grieving or who are alone.
A candle lighting in memory of loved ones is often part of the service. A time for visiting following the service provides an opportunity to share with others who are experiencing similar feelings. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Cookie recipe
Dear TEAM: I was wondering if you would have a recipe for maca-damia white chocolate cookies. I had one the other day and they were good. – M.W., Hodgeville, Sask.
Dear M.W.: I agree with you. Macadamia chocolate chip cookies are very good. The following is a recipe from Cookies! A Cookie Lover’s Collection, Tormont Publications, Montreal.
Macadamia chip cookies
1 cup packed brown 250 mL
sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar 125 mL
1/2 cup butter or 125 mL
margarine, softened
1/2 cup vegetable 125 mL
shortening
2 eggs
11/2 teaspoons vanilla 7 mL
3 cups all-purpose flour 750 mL
1 cup flaked coconut 250 mL
1 teaspoon baking soda 5 mL
1/4 teaspoon salt 1 mL
3/4 cup coarsely 175 mL
chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup chopped white 125 mL
baking chocolate or
vanilla baking chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate 125 mL
chips
Makes five dozen cookies.
Heat oven to 350 F (180 C). In large mixing bowl, combine sugars, butter, shortening, eggs and vanilla. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add flour, coconut, baking soda and salt. Beat at low speed until soft dough forms. Stir in nuts, white chocolate and chips.
Drop dough by heaping teaspoons two inches (five cm) apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 11-14 minutes, or until light golden brown. Let cool for one minute before removing from cookie sheets. Cool completely before storing.
Betty Ann Deobald is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and one of four columnists comprising Team Resources. Send correspondence in care of this newspaper, Box 2500, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2C4.
