My arts and crafts skills are virtually non-existent. At the risk of sounding clichéd, I cannot sew a button on properly let alone knit anything remotely fit to be worn. This is why when the very nice people at Net-A-Porter sent me a lovely Wool and the Gang knitting kit to try out recently, it prompted my husband to suggest that the online fashion emporium was obviously experiencing serious issues with their database ("You should call them to let them know you received another blogger's package by mistake. Ha ha!"). The gauntlet lay at my feet. I had no choice but to pick up my knitting needles and show him.
First, the people at Wool and the Gang should be commended for distilling the art of knitting to its most basic form. Each kit comes with everything you need from yarn, to knitting needles, to step-by-step instructions and knitter's sewing needle. More importantly, they have a very useful website with video tutorials illustrating various knitting techniques (I'm especially grateful because it is these video tutorials that saved me from being subjected to further mockery from my husband).
The kit I received was for a woolen hat in a lovely shade of blue (there are various options to choose from including caps, scarves, snoods and for the brave, tank tops and ponchos). Once I unpacked everything, the biggest hurdle for me was actually getting going or what knitters refer to as "casting on". This is where the video tutorials came in really handy. The rest was surprisingly simple. The needles are substantial which make them easy to grip and the wool is wonderfully soft and chunky. A few hours later, I had myself a really cute hat. More importantly, I had a terrific sense of satisfaction from having made it myself.
Do-it-yourself is currently all the rage and knitting as a hobby has suddenly become a cool thing to do. While I was skeptical at first, I must admit there is a definite satisfaction derived from knowing that I actually made this hat on my own from start to finish (proving a point to my husband was a bonus). Even if you're not the DIY type, the kits make really lovely gifts for the holidays. Also, for the eco-conscious amongst you, you'll be pleased to know that the brand sources all its wool from the Andean Highlands of Peru from shepherds who treat their animals ethically. You can learn more about their products and their sourcing policies on their website. It's definitely worth a go. In fact, I'm seriously thinking of buying the purple snood kit and trying my hand at that next.
Sincerely,
The Luxe Chronicles
I also found the Wool and The Gang kits to be very cute and I watched a couple of their tutorials. I learned basic knitting when I was 7 to 8 years old and practiced in making unfinished scarves since I could never remember how to end the knitting. I remembered that it was quite relaxing to do even at the time.
I wish I had the time and skills to make my own clothes, nothing is more satisfying to make something that's tailor made to your body and that you made it yourself.
Posted by: Dahlia | Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 14:41