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Knitting is Hot!

Stitch 'n' Bitch parties weave knitting, gossip, and a new take on feminism.

By Vanessa Richmond, 24 May 2004, TheTyee.ca

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A few months ago, I suggested to a few friends that we combine martinis, gossip and knitting. The Stitch 'n' Bitch trend was by then unfurling across North America, but still I wondered it I'd get any takers. No worries. A hip 18-year-old friend called and begged to get in on the action: "Oh, are you having one of those really trendy granny parties with cocktails?"

Around Vancouver, teens, tweens, and young professionals are taking to knitting and crocheting, ditching the book club and crashing the image of crafting circles. People are knitting at work on breaks (like the hair stylists at Toni & Guy who all click away in the back room) and taking their needles and yarn into cafes and bars (like the group that meets weekly at Irish Heather in Vancouver's Gastown).

According to a 2000 survey by the U.S. Craft Yarn Council, nearly one in three American women knits, the percentage of young women taking up the craft doubling since 1996.  While there are no specifically Canadian numbers, the Canadian Craft Council and the Canadian Knitters Guild guess the numbers here are equivalent.

Reviving 'the granny arts'

Sara Gillingham is a 29-year-old graphic designer who works 70 and 80 hour weeks.  She has been crocheting since she was five but has picked it up a stitch in the last couple of years despite her hectic schedule. For her, it's an antidote to the pressures of work. "I find it meditative because it feels familiar and comforting. I like the feel of the yarn, and I like the repetitiveness." She also likes that "it reminds me of my granny. It's what I call the 'granny arts'."

Gillingham used to attend a Stitch 'n' Bitch with "hard core crafters" who met to share resources and info. She liked that they gathered in a coffee shop. Regulars would stop by and join the conversation. Soon, "very cool arty guys who are into things like knitting" would come by to flirt.

Kristi McNicholl and Mackenzie Davis, both 16, knit at school, in the lunchroom and in class.  The teachers who allow it say the girls, when knitting, concentrate better. They started in grade 4 in a lunch time knitting club. "We knit tighter in those days but we've loosened up, knitting and otherwise," says McNichol, laughing.

'Like coffee and cigarettes'

The movement's guide book Stitch 'n' Bitch, which features projects such as "Cape Mod," and "Tank Girl," sold out in bookstores across Vancouver. Author Debbie Stoller argues that people are hungry for low key social settings.

"Knitting helps you listen better.  And like coffee and cigarettes, knitting and talking go better together."

"It started in the olden days," says Ingrid Mutsaerts, who owns the Knit n Stitch shop in West Vancouver.  "Women had no heating so they would get together and knit and stitch while the men were out in the fields."  The jarring of the 9/1l terror attacks, she says, has fueled a revival of "home."  The day the towers crumbled on global television, Mutsaerts recalls, her husband urged her to close the store.  "No one will come," he said.  But it was her busiest day ever, and sales have been up ever since.

Stoller doesn't wholly agree with the 9/11 theory, but credits evolving notions of feminism.  Knitting waned in the 1980s and 1990s when the feminism of the time suggested "anyone who spent her days cooking and cleaning and knitting and sewing was frittering her life away.  Women were assumed to be made for greater things and loftier goals" like corporate or athletic success, she says.

Now people realize that looking down on knitting, cooking, and sewing isn't feminist but anti-feminist, Stoller argues.

'Radical domestic culture'

"Radical domestic culture" is how members of one Stitch 'n' Bitch group in Dunbar jokingly describe their passion. They aim to launch a tongue-in-cheek public art piece that involves knitted sweaters for outdoor sculptures.  Member Rachel Poliquin, 29, a PhD student in Comparative Literature at UBC, even has a plan to knit "knickers for the bull's bits" on the bovine sculpture that stands outside the brokerage office at Georgia and Homer.  "Public sculptures are often so sensible and so male," says Poliquin. "Wouldn't it be great if one morning they were all just covered in knitting?" There's even talk of knitting scarves for skyscrapers.

Of course, most people are more likely to knit a scarf, or sweater, for people in their lives. Some fashionistas like the ability to tailor-make individual styles; others welcome an opportunity to avoid sweat shop garments.

"The more people work with technology, the more they need something that gets them back in touch with their ancestors and their past," says Cythia MacDougall, President of the Canadian Guild of Knitters.

The knit Net

If so, knitting has found an ironic home on the Internet, where "knit-alongs" allow one person to suggest a pattern, then everyone knits it simultaneously and enters their comments, questions, and progress in a specific chat room for that project.  MacDougall says knit-alongs are good for competitive people as it "spurs them on" and also good for beginners since they can ask questions and get support.

Sounds fine in a cyber sort of way, I guess, but I don't see enough room for martinis and gossip. I've more in common with Carolyn Mitchell, 29, an IT trainer at a brokerage in Vancouver.  She's an avid knitter and just bought some new, raw wool that she's dying with Raspberry Kool-Aid.

Mitchell is happy to note that she can watch TV and knit at the same time and feel like she's doing something. But what she really looks forward to is meeting once a week with her Stitch 'n' Bitch group.

"You can never get enough gossip" she says. "And you always need a scarf."


Vanessa Richmond is a free-lance journalist in Vancouver. [Tyee]

Tyee contributing editor Vanessa Richmond writes the Schlock and Awe column about popular culture and the media. She is also the former managing editor of The Tyee.

30 Comments:

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  • Michelle (not verified)

    8 years ago

    I've been knitting since I was a pre-teen, and crocheting nearly as long. As a teen, I'd make baby clothes and sell them on consignment. And what meaningful gifts to friends!! When I was in my early 20's, I took a lot of ribbing at my job and at university because I loved to stitch on-the-go. I even started a trend at one job when I was 20 when I brought along stitching - within a week, so did the other women. Let’s face it, people got wedding gifts (crocheted centrepieces mostly) and baby gifts (sweaters and the like) and other things when I was poor. Now, I knit only a bit and spend more time quilting, joining a guild a few years ago. I find knitting and quilting very meditative and say to hell with anyone who says derogatory things about it/me. The man at my church who crochets got a big bag of baby yarn from me when his wife was expecting – no one else would have even considered to give such a thoughtful gift! Knitting in public has always brought about raised eyebrows from some, but many people end up telling me a story – about their mother or grandmother, about their own lost crafts, etc. Pardon the pun, but it knits people together!

  • Gottcha/ Diogenes (not verified)

    8 years ago

    I love IT!! The name alone is near enough to tempt me into eithe finding or starting a "Stich 'n' Bitch" org here in kelowna anything that combines creativity and community is a welcome change from the isolation now felt. GUDONYA

  • FMaxwell (not verified)

    8 years ago

    Very cool. I envy women who can make their own clothes- I only buy consignment because I refuse to pay the exorbitant prices of clothes these days when I know all the money is going into the coffers of some corporation. I may just give it a try- but these days I'm on a Betty Crocker kick (mango pie!!) and discovering the meditative qualities of gardening. I agree 100% that it is anti-feminist to look down on "traditional woman's work".

  • Jennifer (not verified)

    8 years ago

    I've been crocheting since I was 4 (about 30 years ago). I love it! It's relaxing! I've never thought to get a bunch of people (girls and guys) together who are like-minded and actually start a knitting group! That's awesome!

  • kim (not verified)

    8 years ago

    I started knitting about 18 months ago, and my mother ('70s-feminist-union-leader) thought it was hilarious. Then she came to visit and I taught her how, and now she's hooked. I think it's anti-feminist to look down on *any* choice a woman makes in how she spends her time.

  • akk (not verified)

    8 years ago

    I like to knit and try all kinds of needlework. It beats sitting in front of the tv any time--my daughters are trying xstitch and crochet. It's creative and allows self expression--you can choose your own yarn, colours,etc--you can make your own fashion (not being dictated to by "the fashion gurus"). My only problem is I like to start projects, but have a hard time finishing them!

  • Eddy Haskel (not verified)

    8 years ago

    My fifteen year old daughter is well aware that she can stitch her own clothes together far cheaper than the Gap can. And her friends all marvel at her sense of style.

  • Lorraine (not verified)

    8 years ago

    My mother taught me how to crochet, knit and embroider when I was very young. What a great skill to have and what a neat idea that it's been revived!! Now where are those needles?

  • Suzanne (not verified)

    8 years ago

    I started going to my son's school last year on Friday's at lunch time (he was in grade three) to knit with the students. We started again in September in his grade four/five split. There are as many boys as girls taking part and the numbers go up and down each week with a core group knittting every Friday. This year we have a project in the works. Each student has knitted a square and we have about 20 squares of assorted sizes and colours which I will sew to a fleece backing and which we will present to the classroom teacher on June 12th. She has no idea of the project thinking we are only knitting "dishclothes" The kids are amazing and the "quilt" is superb!

  • effle (not verified)

    8 years ago

    Okay, I know. Another woman speaks uo, but listen girls, I knit, crochet, sew, and,yes, I can TAT. Not many can do that.

  • FMaxwell (not verified)

    7 years ago

    What is TAT, Effle?

  • effle (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Tatting is a victorian needle art--lace making basically. You use a little hand-held shuttle and Bob's your uncle. It's lovely and an all but lost art. when the old antimacassar wasn't crochet, or perhaps knitted lace (very hard to do, but I used to knit lace alot when I was a bit younger and not into writing as much as I am now)...;anyway, Fiona, it was a tatted antimacassar that you'd have seen on the back of the couch (chesterfield)....

  • silver (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Any public knitting groups in Victoria? Stitch and bitch and coffee. Moka House on Cook would be a great location!!??

  • Barry (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Excuse me, I am an over 50 year old male who loves to crochet, but hard to find the time. My roomie also does really nice doilies along with the fact he can do an afghan in record speed. People comment very carefully about our efforts! Isn't that nice they say,....and by a guy! Sheesh get real. A very good craft, hobby whatever.... you have something to show for your efforts....And "Stitch and Bitch" works too.

  • brendan (not verified)

    7 years ago

    im a 21 yo man and i knit quite frequently.i get more nasty remarks than nice but to hell with them.i guess im just one of those "very cool arty guys who are into things like knitting".and yes i am an artist.i would even knit at art school.rad.

  • Cosmio (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Good for you Brendan! I am a 36 yr old man and I crochet all the time. When ever I am on the bus to and from work. I sometimes get nasty remarks but they are usually from boneheads who couldn't knit or crochet their way out of wet paper bag. We are all that much better for the things that we can make.

  • Rosine Ferber (not verified)

    7 years ago

    I am doing my doctoral dissertation on the art and practice of hand knitting for women. I am currently looking for participants (who live in the San Francisco Bay Area). For more information, e-mail me at

    or call me at (650) 799-0120 Thank you...

  • Tracy (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Hey Silver, if you check out knitty.com there is a group who is trying to organize a stitch n bitch. It is in the coffeeshop meet up section. There are plans in the works for meet up on Aug.18 but I am not sure where!!! happy knitting, Tracy

  • Stephanie (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Hi silver, we are having stitch and bitch at the Mocha House on Cook Street, Wednesday, August 18th around 7 pm. The link to the knitting meet up place is http://knitting.meetup.com/members/ and it is free to sign up. Maybe we will see you there. Steph

  • Stephanie (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Victoria, B.C. - Tonights knitting knite was great, five of us showed up and shared our works in progress with each other. Anyone interested in coming to future ones should check out the message board at http://knitting.meetup.com/boards/ It was great meeting some new people, hopefully more can make it out to the next one, Happy Knitting, Steph

  • jan (not verified)

    7 years ago

    I was hooked when i saw all the new eyelash yarn. this spring I took a come lession and have been making scaves eversense. I have had two craft shows and have sold some. AT the shows here in Kansas I have a few young people ask me about knitting. I love it and I am going to take more classes soon to learn to purl and add on a stitch.

  • Alison (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Does anyone know of a 'stitch n' bitch' in the North Vancouver area? I'm looking to meet some other knitters in my neighbourhood.

  • Cin (not verified)

    7 years ago

    It's a pleasure reading such a great article, and such thoughtful comments as well! I picked up my needles again about 2 years ago after taking a 5-year hiatus, and have found it to be immensely satisfying. Does anyone know of a 'stitch n bitch' type group in downtown Van? I'm curious to try that, as I've been a solitary knitter thus far.

  • jo (not verified)

    7 years ago

    this is great! i just learned how to knit. i thought it was a yukon-winter thing, but i am really pleased to see that there are so many of you out there with your needles & yarn! it inspires me to know there are creative people out there who are keeping some old ways alive.

  • anonymous (not verified)

    7 years ago

    "Appreciating Women and Their Work" at http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/1998/4/8/article_02.htm

  • Lois (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Susan @ the Squamish Library, started a knitting or crochet group one Sunday a month. My daughter signed us up ( it`s free) I`ve knit more in the last 3 months than I have in many years. I started knitting as a child about 7 or 8 of course my work always ended looking like mishaped triangles, but I was happy.Throughout the years I`ve knit for my children made doll clothes, baby clothes and toys. It makes my heart happy to see this art form become so popular again. Also to have access to so many different yarns, I`m having a great time and so is my daughter, Michelle. Our Sunday group has now spilled over to the Gelato Shop and young and old are knitting up a storm on Thursday evenings..So I say thank you Susan for your love of knitting,and our shop owners for bringing yarns for sale and opening their shop for all to learn and create .

  • Michelle (not verified)

    7 years ago

    I am looking for a group of people that would like to meet at a cafe in North Vancouver to knit. e-mail:

  • Ingrid (not verified)

    7 years ago

    Would love to organize a stich n bitch group for the North Shore (Vancouver BC) Never been to one but sounds like a good way to unwind and have some fun. Anyone interested?

  • Valerie (not verified)

    7 years ago

    I have just started knitting again after a very long hiatus. I would really like to join a small group of knitters once a week to knit, chat, share ideas. I live in Vancouver Westside. Thanks!

  • Jeannie (not verified)

    7 years ago

    I picked up knitting 6 months ago and have since taught myself to felt. Any knitters out there who are itching to try felting, go for it. It is an amazing craft and so easy. I live in Langley's Walnut Grove and would be interested in hooking up with other knitters over coffee or scotch : )

    Oh and to all you men out there who knit, I raise my needles to you!

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