Doubtless, we’ve all received those wonderfully knitted sweaters from our grandparents as we were growing up, but things have changed in the past decades. Knitting is no longer the province of the elderly but has been taken up by all ages as a way to create something lovely, to promote social change, and to spend some time peacefully meditating as they knit one, purl two their way to higher consciousness. Alright, that may be a bit hokey, but it is a relaxing practice often best enjoyed with a bottle of wine.
Learn about Worldwide Knit in Public Day
The purpose of Worldwide Knit in Public Day is to show that knitting is for all ages and that it’s a fun and enjoyable activity, and something that you can proud of. For a long time, we have associated knitting with something our grandparents do. However, it is an activity that can be enjoyed by all, and that’s what this day is all about. It’s a great way to encourage people to try knitting who have never tried it before, or even thought about giving it a go!
History of Worldwide Knit in Public Day
The world has knitter Danielle Landes to thank for World Wide Knit in Public Day (W.W.K.I.P.D) – and to say that the world’s knitters have turned out in their droves to support her quest to show that knitting is not just for grannies is something of an understatement. Each event – known as a KIP and brandishing the slogan ‘Better Living Through Stitching Together’ – is run by local groups and despite its reputation as a single day often takes the form of a week-long celebration of both knitting and alternative fiber art forms.
The popularity of these KIPs continues to grow, with groups often choosing a theme for their particular event. Popular themes include knitting for hospitals, community art projects, environmental concerns, and premature babies – all of which are worthy causes to benefit from those with a love of yarn.
To give you an understanding of just how popular Worldwide Knit in Public Day is, it is actually the biggest knitter-run event across the globe. Over the years, there have been local events across the globe. This includes in locations such as Germany, the United States, Sweden, South Africa, Poland, Norway, Ireland, France, Finland, England, China, and Australia.
The event seems to get more and more popular with every year that passes as well. In 2005, there were only 25 local events that were taking place worldwide. In 2007, this number quickly reached 200. In 2016, it surpassed the 1,000 mark! Now that’s what we call a success!
How To Celebrate Knit In Public Day
Well, the solution is right there in the name, you can celebrate Worldwide Knit In Public Day by knitting in public! You can share all the wonders of knitting with the world around you, and start practicing a new hobby. You can also participate in a little hobby called ‘yarn bombing’ where public places are beautifully adorned in colorful swatches of knitted fabric. What exactly? Everything you can imagine from bike stands to light poles, to trees! Everything can be covered in a beautiful array of colorful yarn.
WWKIPD can be a great adventure, heading out to the yarn stores and gathering with others of like mind to join in the celebration of this ancient practice. Just think of all the wonderful techniques you can learn, and trust us, if you ever wear a pair of hand-knit socks, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
We also recommend taking a look online to see if there are any local knitting events going on in your area. After all, there are thousands of local events that take place around the world on Worldwide Knit in Public Day, and so you may be in luck and discover that there is something going on near you! If not, or if you’re someone who likes to plan parties and special occasions, why not organize your own local event?
All you need to do is find a public place and get everyone involved! You can do anything from a beginner’s class to teaching children how to knit; the options are endless. You can even choose a themed knitting day, for example, getting everyone to knit something related to films or places!
Worldwide Knit in Public Day is also the perfect excuse to have a meet-up with your friends! What could be better than knitting, crocheting, and enjoying a few glasses of bubbly out in the sunshine? Why not organise a picnic day with all of your loved ones? This gives you a great opportunity to catch up with those you love and to enjoy something you probably would not usually do.
Another way to honor Worldwide Knit in Public Day is by including a charity element. This is something that a lot of people have done over the years. For example, you could put together a knitting event or group that involves people knitting blankets that you can then give to the homeless.
Another option is to get everyone to create blankets for children in hospitals. There are a lot of great causes out there if you would like to use Worldwide Knit in Public Day as a way to give back to others in the community.
