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A brief history of Knitting
In comparison to weaving and spinning, knitting is a young craft. A fixed date for its origin is difficult due to the fact natural fibers perish easily.
Knitting may have come to Europe from the Middle East via Spain.
Through the Middle Ages knitted hose and stockings replaced the cloth and bias cut hose of the upper classes.
During the reign of Elizabeth I knitting was seen as a suitable occupation for the poor to provide income. Knitting spread throughout the country and to the Scottish Islands as a way to supplement income.
In the 16th and 17th centuries knitting was adapted from the luxury items made for the upper classes by the working classes into garments for common use.
Mothers taught daughters cable patterns, who would in turn invent a new cable pattern. It took generations to develop the cable patterns found today.
It is only recently that patterns have been written down and even today some women in the Scottish Islands only knit the pattern taught to them as children.
In modern times with the availability of cheap manufactured clothing knitting declined in popularity and became primarily a hobby.
Today knitting is seeing a welcome revival. Endorsement from stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Robers and Cameron Diaz has boosted wool sales, encouraging people of all ages to take up the craft again.
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