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Getting down to the knitty gritty
Knitting has enjoyed a long and varied history; it is believed that in its earliest form it dates back to China in the third century. Even with its storied past, knitting's popularity has waxed and waned through time. However, knitting now is having a renaissance, made even more robust by the power of the Internet.
There are numerous resources on the Internet for knitting enthusiasts of any level of mastery. For beginners to experts, KnittingHelp.com offers a wide array of information. It provides detailed videos and instructions for beginners, free patterns, basic and advanced techniques, and an online forum to stay in touch with other knitters.
Another site that knitters may find useful is Knitting Pattern Center. It includes a list of online tutorials and tips and tricks. And, as the site's name suggests, it also has free knitting patterns.
Need some new ideas? Want to see what is going on in the knitting world? Why not check in with some of the many knitting blogs? Visit Knit and Tonic for free patterns, original patterns and tutorials. Another knitting blog worth visiting is Yarn Harlot, with amusing commentary and instructional photography.
The Victoria and Albert Museum Web site provides many resources for the die-hard knitter, including photos of items from its collection, stories of learning to knit, patterns from the 1940s and knitting podcasts.
The online magazine, Knitty: Little Purls of Wisdom is full of information for knitters, such as reviews of knitting accessories and books.
For the socially minded knitter, there is no shortage of Web resources. Warm Woolies distributes warm clothing to children in orphanages in Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, and on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations. Project Linus accepts donations of hand-knitted blankets for children who are sick or traumatized.
A little closer to home, Newborns in Need of Western New York accepts donations of hats, booties, blankets and afghans.
For knitting history buffs, the University Libraries can provide a wealth of information. Go to JSTOR for articles that touch on a variety of aspects of knitting history. The America: History and Life database also provides information about knitting history, including some interesting articles about knitting to aid the war efforts for World Wars I and II. For the art-minded among us, Art Abstracts provides articles on the artistry of knitting.
Whether you are a master knitter or just getting started, there are numerous Internet sources to get you on your way to making those hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, sweaters or whatever is in your knitting arsenal. It is time to get down to the knitty gritty!
—Linda Hasman, Health Sciences Library