Statistics on knitting

Shows how much I know....I didn't even know there was a Craft Yarn Council. I just found a study they did. Here's the beginning of it and a link to the rest:

CYCA Study Shows
Younger Women Fuel Yarn Evolution

Gastonia, NC - Young women ages 25-34 are the secret spark that's fueling knitting and crochet yarn sales across the country, according to research commissioned in Fall, 2004, by Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA). Since 2002, participation in these crafts increased more than 150% in the 25-34 age category, jumping from 13% to 33% and representing 6.5 million. The 18-years-and-under age group increased 100%, growing from 8% to 16% or 5.7 million women. Women ages 55-64, followed by a 74% increase in participation, or 7.8 million. Overall, 36% of American women--53 million-know how to knit or crochet, a 51% increase over the past ten years. Coincidentally, 13% of those surveyed can do both crafts.

Here's a link to the rest of the press release.

Knitting needles on planes but no jewelry pliers

I just got back from Chicago. I flew American and brought my knitting--my second clapotis using circular needles. Now, I am certainly glad the TSA didn't confiscate my knitting. But on the way home, they kept my jewelry pliers--these little bitty flat-nosed jobs that certainly could not have caused more harm--if that were my intention--than the pointing, circular needles.

Of course I forgot to throw them in my suitcase, as I did on the way there, and so they saw them on the x-ray and kept them. I'm glad the TSA is vigilant. But, again, the pliers are less harmful, in my view, than the knitting needles. The needles are pointy and strong. About all you could do with the pliers is twist someone's nose or ear.

Anyway, while I was in Chicago, I stopped in at a wonderful knitting shop, the Knitting Workshop, on Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park. Mostly natural fibers and friendly staff. Their Web site is www.knittingworkshop.com.

Here's an article about kids knitting at a Waldorf school.

Two feet, two socks, on Father's Day

Two feet, two socks
Originally uploaded by inkmama.

Here's Travis' foot and Brian's foot. Brian's is on the right. His sock is the latest addition, one of a pair, the second pair of socks I've knitted. (Or is it knit....?)

I used the same basic pattern as Travis', only at the top I did a ribbing effect for 1 1/2 inches and then did stockinette for 5 1/2 inches or so. (The pattern I used for Travis' sock is posted a few entries below this one on June 6.)

I used a Wildfoote variegated wool yarn for Brian, made by Brown Sheep. Now he wants another pair--he loves this pair so much.

Travis, on the other hand, doesn't want to wear his because he's afraid of wearing them out. "Wear them!" I say. "That's what socks are for."

Clapotis is done....She's lifting off!

Clapotis1
Originally uploaded by inkmama.

I could just lift off. My first clapotis is fini!

Clapotis 2

Clapotis 2
Originally uploaded by inkmama.

That smile you see means it's done! It was going on for so long Brian started calling it my clap otis (two words that don't sound at all French) project.

Clapotis 3

Clapotis 3
Originally uploaded by inkmama.

Thousands of stitches and a few weeks--months?--at least, and here it is, resting after all that hubbub. I've heard blocking it removes the rippled effect, so I don't think I will.