Meet the gritty knitters of ‘Bitch and Stitch’

Those who believe knitting to be their grandmother’s pastime would be wise to open their eyes. Between radical local knitting groups and teen-oriented knitting books and magazines, knitting is one vintage trend modern guys and dolls are more-than-willing to pick up.

While knitting isn’t a new fad to those who have always had their hand in the textile arts, books such as “Stitch and Bitch: The Knitters Handbook” and “Stitch and Bitch Nation” by Bust Magazine editor Debbie Stoller have inspired many younger hipsters to pick up the trade. Stoller’s books focus on fun fashions that can be worn by the contemporary girl or boy without looking too spinster-esque. Patterns range from the basic scarf to a skull-and-crossbones printed sweater, to a Wonder Woman inspired bikini. With such a variety in designs, it’s wonder that Stoller would motivate so many to knit and other companies to come out with their own teen-centric knitting books and magazines.

Of all the newer knitting magazines out there shaking up the craft world, “Vogue Knitting” is among the top. Created by “Vogue” magazine, whose main intent has always been to sell high-class designer duds to upper-crust city women, “Vogue Knitting” is a strangely non-consumerist fashion-oriented publication. While the focus is no longer on selling under the guise of fashion advice, “Vogue Knitting” still appeals to the fashion gods with trendy “hobo chic” and “modern English” inspired designs. It offers those who wouldn’t be caught dead in last year’s trends a chance to create something that hasn’t even been featured during this year’s Fashion Week.

However, knitting isn’t just a solitary activity. All over the country, knitting groups are popping up for men and women to express themselves with like-minded folks. The Boise Bitch and Stitch group is one such organization. Created by ‘Jen’ in 2001, the small group joined outside the Neurolux to chat and knit. The group has since moved to Thomas Hammer Coffee last winter to beat the tricky Idaho weather and allow their younger crafting comrades to join in their activities. In fact, the Boise Bitch and Stitch group attracts a wide range of knitters from high school students to moms in their 40s. However, most attendees fall within the late 20s to early 30s range.

Jennifer Replogle, a frequent attendee of the group, believes that the popularity of knitting lies in the satisfactory feeling one gets when they are active in creating something for themselves or loved ones. “[It's] so hard to purchase unique items. There’s a sense of yourself in the things you create,” Replogle said. Heather Nehrig, knitting guru and “list mother” of the Boise Bitch and Stitch online group, agrees with Replogle’s assertion. “We’re so visually stimulated,” Nehrig said, also stating that she finds the tactile nature of the craft a welcome retreat from the more sight-based bombardments in everyday life.

While the “stitch” part of the group emphasizes knitting as the most prominent needlecraft, attendees are welcome to bring their crochet, cross-stitch or embroidery projects as well. The “bitch” aspect is equally diverse with open-ended conversations from sharing knitting tips to complaining about work. However, there are some knitting groups whose focus goes beyond simply hanging out and meeting new people.

The Yarn Harlots meet every Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Boise State Women’s Center to get crafty and “solve the world’s problems one stitch at a time.” This group is a new addition to Boise State and was created by Jaime Hansen and Whitney Johnson as a means to give students a calm evening to work on their projects and share new ideas. Topics are primarily personal matters, but no discussion is banned from the table.

Both the Boise Bitch and Stitch and the Yarn Harlots meetings are open to the public and encourage people from all facets of life to join in on the fun. In addition, the Boise Bitch and Stitch group can be reached online at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/boise_bitch_and_stitch/.

MEL TROUTH
Culture Writer

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