Knitting is a skill, a craft, an art, an industry, a political statement, a tradition, an obsession. Most of all, knitting is a quiet rewarding pastime, sometimes solitary, often social.
Knitted textiles have emotional resonance as they protect us, comfort us, and sit closely to our bodies. Giving a hand-knitted garment as a gift is a genuine sign of affection.
Most knitters are women, yet men are also serious practioners.
A look at knitting website Ravelry.com reveals a list of 272 knitting groups in Massachusetts alone, with a combined 29,824 members.
While hobby knitters are abundant in the South Coast, some have pushed their craft further to develop lifelong textile careers. Yahoko Paradise, of Swansea, Massachusetts, owned and managed the Knitting Circle store in nearby Somerset for 46 years until her retirement this past December.
“Anyone can learn to knit and follow a pattern. It’s the individual approach that’s important. Creating custom work is very satisfying.” she said.
read the entire article in May's South Coast Insider
