By Jillian Melnyk

Ever since celebrities were spotted a few years ago on movie sets sitting with knitting needles in hand, knitting has grown in popularity. It’s a hip and happening trend – for all ages!

Starting Out
New to the knitting game? Don't fear! Knitting is an easy-to-learn craft that can lead to beautiful and creative projects that are as unique as you are. A great way to learn to knit for the first time is by taking a class or workshop. "Attend knitting classes that provide different techniques and patterns to learn your way around knitting needles," says Susan Zanni of The Yarne Source in Henrietta. Many stores locally offer classes and workshops at a reasonable price. "The more you knit, the more questions you ask, the quicker you will learn. Find a place where you feel welcome and you can laugh and have fun while you are learning," says Pam Huber-Hauck of Spirit Work Knitting and Designs in Rochester.

Get Online
Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned veteran, the internet can be a great place to learn more about knitting. There are a plethora of resources available on the internet. Sites like www.learntoknit.com, the internet site of the Craft Yarn Council of America, have the basics to get you started knitting, as well as provide patterns and
resources. Knitters are also turning to knitting online blogs as another resource to connect with other knitters. "Knitting blogs are popular. There continues to be a desire to meet, share, post information and compare notes," says Huber-Hauck.

Spring Knits
Just because the weather is starting to warm up, and we will have less snow-filled days in the coming months, that doesn't mean it's time to put away your knitting needles! Knitting is a great hobby that you can enjoy all year round. “For spring shawls and shrugs are good. They can be very popular for cool evenings,” says Betty Podlesh of Knit and Purl in Brighton.
The spring season is a great time to knit for a new or expectant baby. A homemade item can make a great shower gift. "Try baby sweaters or hats. Baby booties are easy, small and very portable," says Zanni.

You have probably spent the past few months bundling up in think heavy scarves, but just because warm weather is around the corner that doesn't mean you have to leave scarves behind. "Hip today are LONG scarves and decorative lightweight, lacy scarves," says Zanni. Spring is also a great time to try your hand at knitting a lightweight shawl, purse or socks. Knitting socks has become very popular. Socks are a great project for someone on a budget. "Since socks are small, you do not have to buy a large quantity of the yarn," says Huber-Hauck.

What's Hot
Knitting trends change from year to year, not only knitting patterns change but also type of yarn that is in style. High quality natural fibers are very popular. This year is all about alpaca yarn (alpacas are llama-like animals that hail from Peru). "Alpaca yarn continues to be in demand because the softness and the warmth are a big draw," says Huber-Hauck.
If you are looking for a fiber that offers both quality and incredible colors you can try using sock yarn for non-sock projects (sock yarns is a yarn weight that typically refers to yarn of a medium thin variety). "Sock yarn is particularly popular because it is washable and can be used for many things besides socks, like scarves, mittens, and even blankets," says Zanni.
Wondering about color? "Color trends change every year, this year has focused on browns, pinks and apple greens. Purple and Red are ALWAYS in," says Zanni. Don't be afraid to express yourself with bright colors this spring.

Knitting for Charity
Knitting for charity has been growing in popularity. Charitable knitting is a great way to share your knitting talent as well as help out people in need. You don't need to be an expert knitter to donate your talents, many charities provide easy to follow patters for even the most beginning knitters. There are many charities that accept home-knitted items, as well as organizations where you can participate in community and nationwide knitting projects. Charitable knitting projects can encompass everything from individual projects such as baby blankets, helmet liners for soldiers and chemo caps or group projects such as whole blankets that are sewn together from pieces provided from many volunteers.

Remember to have fun, and don't be afraid to make mistakes! Happy knitting!

Jillian Melnyk is a staff writer for Rochester Woman Magazine. She is a knitter who is looking to tackle her first purse project this spring.