INTERNATIONAL KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY Stitchers knit/crochet awareness ribbons for charities and enjoy a picnic. Saturday (June 14), noon to ?4 pm. Free admission (lemonade and cookies provided). Leslie Grove Park, Queen and Jones. www.wwkipday.com. Rating: NNNNN
What can people expect from this event?
We’re asking people to come out and do crafts in support of various charities. We’re giving out kits and suggesting a $5 donation for each so people can knit ribbons – red for Doctors Without Borders, pink for the Canadian Breast Cancer Association, blue for Kids Help Phone, Green for the David Suzuki Foundation and white for Nellie’s.
How has knitting’s image changed?
It used to be a grandmotherly type of craft, done in isolation indoors. Now the social element is a big factor. People knit anywhere – on the subway, at the ballpark. The Jays sponsor a Pitch And Stitch Day to encourage people to come knit at the game. People knit in bars, too. There’s even a group called Drunken Knitters.
Most promising change?
Knitting’s showing a sexier side. You can knit bras and panties in all sizes, and there’s greater variety in patterns. You can even knit a thong.
Are boys getting interested in knitting?
We need more support to challenge the stereotype. Schools are developing programs for younger kids, and that will help.
Favourite place to knit?
I work a lot in our store, the Purple Purl (1162 Queen East, 416-463-1162). We’ve tried to create an environment like a living room where we can all work together. And I like working outdoors in a park.
Can you name some famous knitters?
All the Sex And The City actors used to knit on set. And there’s a movie coming out called The Friday Night Knitting Club, with Julia Roberts, so she’ll be knitting, too.
