Crafts & Hobbies Information

Hollywood Gets Crafty - Knitting And Crocheting Not Just For Grandma Anymore


Sometimes it's hard to imagine that the stars who shine so brightly on cinematic screens are people just like the rest of us. We often think that their lives are so much more interesting and exciting than our own and that we have little or nothing in common with the Hollywood crowd.

Well, it may surprise you to know that at least some of today's hottest stars enjoy perfectly normal leisure activities that we might acquaint more readily with something your grandmother enjoys doing.

I'm talking about crafts. More specifically, knitting and crocheting. These two activities are especially hot in recent years and Hollywood stars and other celebrities are certainly not immune to the lure of a relaxing evening spent with a crochet hook or knitting needles and a skein of yarn or two.

Indeed, some stars seem to be particularly captivated - some might even say addicted --by these old-time traditional activities. Julia Roberts, for example, is now well-known as a knitting enthusiast who loves to knit sweaters and was once photographed knitting on the set of a movie she was working on.

Other well-known knitters include Madonna, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Jessica Parker and Hilary Swank. Not to be left out, some well known celebrity men have decided that knitting is not just an activity for women. Tough-guy actor Russell Crowe and former NFL player Rosie Grier have made no secret of the fact that they enjoy it as well.

And who didn't see the TV footage of Martha Stewart and her now-famous "Coming Home" poncho that she was wearing during her trip home to Connecticut after completion of her sentence at Alderson Federal Prison in West Virginia?

The poncho was reportedly crocheted especially for Martha by one of her fellow inmates and after it appeared on TV, it seemed every knit and crochet addict in the country had to have the pattern. There was so much demand for the pattern that it crashed the server that hosts Lion Brand's web site soon after they posted a version of the pattern there.

And it's not just celebrities that are knitting and crocheting in record numbers. Manufacturers of yarn and other craft supplies report that sales are way up in recent years. One of the best-known yarn manufacturers, Lion Brand, reports that their sales have doubled in the last year alone. Granted, celebrities have a lot of money, but still, I don't believe they are solely responsible for Lion Brand's recent success!

It's hard to know just what may have triggered all the recent interest in these activities that have been around for so many years. Some believe that the terrible events on 9/11 have influenced people to focus more on home life and simple, more traditional activities. Others suggest that these activities are a nice contrast and welcome respite from lives that have become far too hectic in the wake of the new millennium.

Enthusiasts report that knitting or crocheting can be a very relaxing activity that also provides a nice sense of accomplishment upon the completion of a project. It's also a great way to create gifts for friends of loves ones that have that personal touch - so much more so than something purchased at the shopping mall.

Some also cherish the traditional aspect of these activities and still harbor fond memories of a beloved relative that took the time to pass along a skill that has endured through countless generations. A skill that they intend to pass down to their children as well.

Whatever the motivation, there's no question that these traditional activities are experiencing a revival of sorts. There are many possible explanations, however I suspect that speculation and statistics don't interest these enthusiasts as keenly as their plan for the next project they intend to tackle just as soon as the finishing touches have been applied to the current project.

Randae Radford is webmaster for Learn Crochet Now, a producer of quality instructional videos that teach crochet.

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Its Homeward Bound for Attawapiskat Evacuees
Net Newsledger, Canada - 8 hours ago
Tickets are $10.00 per person - available @ the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Box Office, Coran's music store, and at Thom Thumb Hobbies and Crafts on ...


Cub Scout families play together this weekend
Huntington Herald Dispatch, WV - 22 hours ago
"It is certainly a good time for families to learn new outdoor hobbies that will create better family spirit and will also help reduce obesity. ...


Town Notes
Wicked Local Boxborough, MA - 23 hours ago
Prize categories include produce; arts and crafts projects; baked goods; hobbies; and conservation projects. If you are a craft person and would like to ...


Cayman Net News

Local Notices and Information
Cayman Net News, Cayman Islands - May 15, 2008
Book drive drop-off boxes are located at: Books and Books at Camana Bay, Hobbies and Books in Grand Harbour and Piccadilly Square, George Town, ...


The 'Wright' stuff: Young artist on display at MassArt
Medford Transcript, MA - May 15, 2008
Wright has a variety of hobbies, from studying guitar and violin to BMX cycling. But of all his creative ventures, the Columbus student feels a special ...


A gift of love: Spools of yarn and spare time make a big difference
Asbury Park Press, NJ - May 15, 2008
Many in the group, now retired, said they've lived full lives and are now taking time to enjoy themselves with the activities and hobbies they love, ...


Ribchester Field Day Queen 2008
Clitheroe Today, UK - May 11, 2008
Alexandra's hobbies include ballet, ice skating, art and crafts, reading and drama – she is a keen member of Young Rats (Ribchester Amateur Theatrical ...


Life 101: Let's fly a kite
Southtown Star, IL - Apr 21, 2008
... spend the afternoon with your kids, your date, your spouse or even just your dog," says Don Hendrick, manager of Pat's Hobbies and Crafts in Oak Lawn. ...


Hobby, frame shops moving in together
Emporia Gazette, KS - May 8, 2008
By Brandy Nance (Contact) Dayton’s Hobbies & Crafts and Tallgrass Art & Frame Shop are about to go Plum Bazaar. The two stores now are located at 811 and ...


Redefining a Room: Laundry Room Makeover
Tuskegee News, AL - May 14, 2008
Whether your laundry is in the basement, the upper floors or off the kitchen, why not turn it into a multifunctional space - perfect for hobbies and crafts. ...

crafts hobbies - Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.