Need Knitting Be Feminine?

I recently read an article by Jean-Paul Flintoff entitled 'Could you live with a man who knits his own pants?' (The Times Weekend supplement 26/06/10). The title was enough to get me interested. Now here's a man who's leading by example: in a bid to tackle climate change, he's encouraging the British population to 'make do and mend'. In a similar style to the current trend of growing your own food, he believes we should be making our own clothes. And I can't agree more. Having taught himself to sew, and bought a 1920s Singer sewing machine from eBay, he now knits, mends and adjusts all his own clothes - including his nettle Y-fronts.

So this inspirational chap got me thinking. Why don't more men knit? Or sew for that matter. From knitting workshops I've held I've noted how women are often keen to learn to knit and yet men, even if they're interested, fear they may be mocked by their peers. So why the taboo? Men speak up! If you are male, and a keen knitter - don't be shy, let us know!

Maybe we should start a new movement - 'Teach a Man to Knit', and tackle the taboo one man at a time.

Patterns and Knit Guides for website

I'm planning to make a collection of my patterns available to download from the website -let me know if you have any particular items you'd like the patterns for.

Also thinking of writing some 'How to knit' guides and tips for the website - anyone interested? Let me know!

World domination through knitting...

Hello, and welcome to my new blog!

'Secret Diary of a Knitter' plans to keep you informed and inspired with news and updates from the world of Woolly Wonders. I'll keep you updated with the latest knitted projects we have on the go, as well as what we've been up to and where we find inspiration.

I'm feeling particularly inspired by the world of knitting at the moment, having just read this article: Self-taught Scot has designs on world domination as she knits her way to fame. Clearly knitting knows no limits, and I feel heartened by the amount of money Ysolda Teague has managed to raise for the Haiti earthquake appeal.

If you're a knitter/crafter and feel like doing your bit to help out in the community, take a look at Craft Club. Maybe you could inspire and motivate kids with your creativity at a local school, and who knows where it may lead.

Or you could join the Woolly Wonders community and earn a few pennies through your knitting - just contact me to find out more.

Spread the word, keep knitting and let me know your thoughts!
Jenny x