This is the year you learn to knit. YouTube and the blogosphere beckon with the craftier-than-thou DIY sect, but spending your nights at a computer defeats the idea of learning a new skill entirely. But there’s hope. Leave it to New York City to take your Grandma’s hobby and turn it on its head.
Break out those needles and order up a stiff drink because these five groups are happy to put their spin on tradition.
Booze and Yarn is the City’s longest running free knitting class. This isn’t exactly your granny’s knitting circle; founder Corinna Mantlo started the group “out of spite” because of knitting shops charging egregious fees (up to $400 per class!). “This is my neighborhood experiment of bringing people of all walks of life together, teaching them a free skill that’s been passed down for generations and promoting the idea of community through craft.” Mantlo says. Originally started in New Orleans in 2002, the group meets most Tuesday nights in the East Village (email Miss1932@gmail.com for a full schedule). Admission is free and beginner kits are available for $20.
Men’s Night at Knitty City proves there’s plenty of room for men in this female-dominated hobby. Every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. gents are invited to learn how to knit and crochet, get help with projects or just hang and talk. The group is small with around ten men (and needles in tow) usually attending but all levels are welcome. “It’s mainly guys who just want to get together and learn from each other,” says an employee. Admission is free, 208 West 79th St, 212-787-5896.
Stitch ’n Bitch Long Island City encourages new knitters to join this weekly group that meets every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Manducatis Rustica. You might have a hard time deciding whether to keep knitting or wrap your hands around a fresh slice of pizza made with mozzarella, goat cheese, arugula and sun dried tomatoes ($13 for a pie) at this Italian locale. But even if you succumb to a red sauce-induced coma, remember knitting does burn calories. 48-19 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, 718-937-1312.
La Casita, Yarn Shop Cafe combines a yarn shop and a wine bar to bring booze-fueled classes and events to Brooklyn. Sip on a saketini as you shop for cozy skeins of exotic yarns in different fibers, weights, and palettes like Mongolian cashmere, silk mohair and organic cotton. Or take a two-hour beginner’s knitting or crochet class ($75, includes all materials) and you’ll receive a free drink upon completion. Much better than a gold star. 253 Smith Street, Brooklyn, 718-963-0369.
Wool and The Gang’s downtown storefront puts a new spin on this old craft. Besides selling handmade knits made from Peruvian alpaca wool ($85 to $440) you can also purchase brightly colored yarns (and not-so-subtle kitsch) like Crazy Sexy Wool ($22), Shiny Happy Cotton 2 ($13) and Sugar Baby Alpaca ($11.50). While lessons aren’t offered, join them Thursday, January 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Knit Night where you can stock up on needles, wools and a new set of skills. 98 Thompson Street, 212-966-9266.
