By Meghan Streit

THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Knitting is a common hobby of older women, many of whom learned from their mothers and grandmothers or in home economics classes.

But as the need for and appeal of homemade clothing subsided, a generation of women who did not know how to knit emerged.

Over the last decade or so, knitting has gained popularity among younger women, who are drawn to the hobby because of the escape it provides from their hectic lives and the ability it gives them to craft unique handmade clothing. Once strictly regarded as a province of grandmothers crocheting pastel baby booties, knitting is now an increasingly common pastime of trendy 20- and 30-somethings who make  colorful sweaters, hats, and scarves in a variety of styles.

The resurgence of knitting

Bonne Marie Burns, an avid knitter with a background in fashion and graphic design, is one of the women responsible for knitting’s resurgence in the Chicago area. In 2001, Burns began an online journal (known as a weblog or “blog”)  about her love of knitting.

“I did it mainly to keep track of my projects and to look at my notes and pictures,” Burns says. “As  I started writing, I started getting feedback from readers—it turns out that there were lots of knitters out there that were waiting for someone to talk to.”

Burns’ online journal grew into a popular virtual meeting space, where knitters of all ages could swap tips, patterns, and project ideas. Today Burns’ website www.chicknits.com is one of many resources for people interested in knitting.

The ‘hip’ factor

“I think you’ve seen the manufacturers have responded to the age factor, trying to attract customers with the things they’re offering,” Burns says. “There’s more flag waving toward the knitters, and overall that makes it really better for the rest of us because it gives us a greater choice of supplies, yarns, and patterns.”