Knitting has seen something of a rebirth in recent times, with celebrities touting branch size needles on film sets and young and trendy types weaving their creations in London bars. Knitty.com is a website for the new generation of knitters and as such boasts an eclectic range of patterns, from the expected sweaters and scarves to a woollen womb (I kid you not) and a hot pink wig. What makes knitty.com such a refreshing change from your Granny's yarn creations is the irreverence that accompanies this ancient craft. There is a vibrant, bustling online community here where it's quite acceptable to declare how you ignored everything the pattern writer suggested and decided in the end not to bother with sleeves on that pullover you've been remaking for a year. This website however, is the portal to a much larger sticks and string revolution. Across the world in towns and cities, a phenomena known as the 'Stitch and Bitch' is cropping up. Huge crowds of knitters (well, two in the case of Aberystwyth in Mid Wales) are taking over cafes and bars with the sole aim of bringing the art of knitting away from the fireside and into the real world. No longer is it shameful to be seen with two needles poking out of your handbag and little bits of yarn sticking to your skirt. And should you ever get stuck half way through your latest project, knitty.com offers its members tips and suggestions from getting your sizing right to attempting the Holy Grail of knitting; The Sock. And men are taking part too! Admittedly they are few and far between right now, but just you wait - before you know it there'll be baskets of wool in the corner of every office and executives creating little pouches for their cell phones around the boardroom table.
Knitty is published online quarterly with an option to become a member of its community and to buy a selection of Knitty related goods including tote bags and baby-grows.