Julia Roberts loves it, you might too

BY HOLLIE WATSON

The Chronicle

Knitting is a pastime too often associated with the dowagers of yore. But a current “revival‿ in knitting is defying that stereotype, according to Beth Allatt of Pointe Claire.

“It’s no longer a ‘granny thing.’ Today, a lot of models and movie stars knit. Julia Roberts and Hilary Swank are avid knitters. It’s also interesting to see how in the last few years most people getting involved are under age 35. Also, in the 55-plus age group, many are becoming grandparents and getting back into it,‿ she mused.

“Knitting has been called the ‘new yoga.’ The rhythmic motion is said to help lower blood pressure and reduce stress.‿

Allatt is proprietor of The Wool Shop, a fixture of Plaza Pointe Claire shopping centre for roughly 40 years.

Wednesday Oct. 4 at Pointe Claire Library, Allatt will help present a workshop entitled ‘Knitting Ideas for Christmas.’

“We'll be talking about quick and easy projects and demonstrating some techniques, with a question and answer period at the end.‿

The emphasis will be on accessories, “such as scarves — even a novice can make one using a simple stitch — hats, mittens, necklaces.

“One new fun thing is knitting animals. We have the cutest pattern for a hedgehog, and a set of knitted mice using just odds and ends of yarn. We also have a Mr. and Mrs. Claus,‿ Allatt said.

There have been a series of innovations in recent years, including new fibres like wool blended with soy, and techniques like beading. “Felting is also very popular. People used to do it accidentally by throwing a sweater in the washing machine and having it shrink away to nothing.‿

She is currently working on a pair of mukluks which after felting acquire a “fur-like effect,‿ said the longtime member of the Montreal Knitting Guild, which meets in Beaconsfield.

While the library workshops are a first for Allatt (there will be one in French Oct. 24), there are a variety of ongoing courses at The Wool Shop which cater to all levels of expertise.

Wednesday’s workshop will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 514-694-6268.