Emily Explains: Some Fun Knitting Facts

I adore the fall…the cool air settling in…freshly sharpened pencils…mornings with tea and a good book… and,  most importantly, the big fat fall fashion issues that are delivered to me! They’re full of beautiful photography, clothes and works of art that inspire us throughout the season. Sometimes it takes an effort to read and not knit, but this Sunday it just felt right. I curled up in my bed with a cup of chamomile tea and pulled out a collection of knitting books and this month’s Harpars Bazzar.

Did you know …

That some of the earliest knitted socks where found in Egypt of all places?! The socks are split between the big toe and the little toes to be worn with sandals. I don’t know about you, but I prefer my socks big and plushy for my winter boots, with all my toes fitted in one piece.

Handknitting on two needles never occurred until after AD 1200! Until then knitting was predominately performed on 4 or 5 needles at a time. Imagine, no magic loops or circulars, just needles…

In the United States during WWI and WWII, knitting was a patriotic act and the American Red Cross was the largest provider of yarn, encouraging everyone to knit socks, blankets, hoods and gloves, for the boys overseas. Knitting wasn’t just for fun, it was a necessity. I think we could still argue this : )

What are some of your favorite knitting facts?

Happy Knitting!

Emily

(Photos and fun facts from Designing a Knitwear Collection from Inspiration to Finished Garment by Lisa Donofrio-Ferrezza and Marilyn Hefferen)