Knit One, Purl Two

Knitting Can Lead to Greater Harmony!

January 21, 2008 - One of the oldest known hand crafts, the art of knitting is taking a new generation by storm. Once bone, metal or wood took the place of modern plastic needles in this art that is thought to have had its start in Persia thousands of years ago. Knitted socks were discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs in the 3rd and 6th century with European countries developing it into an advanced craft by the 1500s.

Long thought a pastime for the elderly, the knitting craze has now spanned all generations and genders making this home craft a wonderful way to share experience and skill as close as your nearest community centre.

The Trout Lake Knitters Group recently received the City of Vancouver's Cultural Harmony Award in the organization category. Based at Trout Lake Community Centre, this group of seniors creates hats, mitts, socks, scarves and blankets for the patrons of the Downtown Eastside's Evelyn Saller Centre. They are a culturally diverse group, hailing from Canada, England, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Portugal. Their hobby bridges the cultural boundaries and together they have made a significant contribution toward community building and cross-cultural caring in the city.

A variety of drop-in knitting circles and classes are now available in Vancouver. Check the Park Board's online program guide to find the session just right for you.