It’s National Knitting and Wool Week and the crafty business is booming in East Lancashire,
as Diane Cooke discovers

MOST grannies either knitted or crocheted. Mine produced three stunning white lacy dresses for a talent competition myself, my sister and a friend entered when we were 10.

As we walked out on stage in those woollen creations we were Diana Ross and The Supremes. Sadly, the talent didn’t complement the impressive costumes.

In recent years, knitting has seen a monumental surge in popularity, and the UK Hand Knitting Association now estimates there are between five and seven million knitters clicking their needles and yarn across the UK.

According to Google trends, searches for ‘knitting and crochet’ have risen by 70 per cent in the UK in 2013, while in the last five years, searches for ‘knitting for beginners’ have increased 250 per cent.

So it’s comforting to discover that this age-old craft is thriving in East Lancashire. Actually, it’s thriving all over Britain which is why crafty folk are celebrating National Knitting and Wool Week.

Fashionista Daisy Lowe — a committed knitter — has been leading the charge and John Lewis has jumped on board, showcasing knitters in the window of its Oxford Street store, clicking their way around a plain white living room scene, transforming it into a woollen wonderland.

In the way that Paul Hollywood has championed baking, celebrity knitter Kirstie Allsop is Britain’s most-loved creative personality, according to a recent survey conducted by Loveknitting.com.

And Liz Walker of Pendle Stitches and Valley Chic in Clitheroe couldn’t be happier by the renewed interest. The regular thrice-weekly Knit and Natter sessions she holds at her shop are attracting 80 enthusiasts a week.

“Knitting and crocheting have made a big comeback,” says Liz. “Granny chic seems to be the thing and everyone is knitting squares and turning them into blankets. Customers tell me they regret throwing away old knitted blankets and are knitting new ones.

“Kirsty Allsop’s programmes have helped — when she filmed an item about needle felting, we couldn’t get hold of any to sell. The trend for upcycling, re-cycling and vintage have all played a part.”

Liz sells hundreds of yarns at the Clitheroe store, and the most popular are the British wools from West Yorkshire Spinners. But purists often approach farmers directly to buy fleeces for home spinning, and to that end, a spin tutor visits the shop once a month charging £50 for a day’s tutorial.

Liz, 45, who was taught to knit by her mum, has passed on the art to her two teenage daughters.

“We have all age of knitters here, from children up to 90-year-olds. Knitting has many benefits — it eases arthritis and stimulates the brain while helping you to swithc off and relax.

“In the Seventies, it was popular as a way of saving money. These days, with wool costing anything between £1.70 for 100 grams of acrylic up to £10 for pure wools, it’s more about customising clothing and making something original.”