Knitty Gritty and Barry Klein

I am just really learning to knit. I think it is sad that so many times people assume that only one gender should be doing a particular type job or craft when really either can. And when the project is finished as a general rul no one ever really knows who made the project unless someone tells them. And any craft someone can do can become a job skill that someone can use to support themselves or suppliment their income if ever needed.

Did you know that knitting was originally a male-based craft? Apparently it was invented by sailors, who were of course knotting specialists, making and repairing nets, who transferred that skill to making jumpers etc to keep them warm during voyages. Interestingly enough, I believe it was my grandfather (who had been a sailor on submarines during WW2) who taught my mother to knit! Isn't it odd and interesting that gender-based traditions have quite often been reversed over the ages?!

What a fantastic technique! Thanks for posting this link. I just found out about the Knitty Gritty a few weeks ago and I really enjoy it. I've been browsing the archieves for the past couple of days and gathering new project ideas.

There's a friend of a friend who is a man that knits up a storm. when he's nervous or upset he knits faster! I, personally, find knitting boring, but that's just me - I also have a problem doing large cross stitch patterns - I have the attention span of a gnat.