The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters knitters no longer need to travel out of town to satisfy their creative urges. The Stitchin' Post, famed for meeting the imaginative needs of quilters, is now carrying colorful lines of yarns and other knitting supplies.

Driven by the requests of customers, Stitchin' Post owner Jean Wells and floor manager Sally Brittain are working to create an inspiring collection of yarns ranging from basic wools and cottons to high-end designer yarns. The wools hail from the British Isles, the United States, and Japan in a rainbow of colors and textures.

Wells said that she started thinking about carrying knitting supplies about a year ago.

"We're always looking for a new twist and ways to keep the store fresh," she said.

Wells said it has been a journey of discovery to see what is on offer for the craft.

Knitting, an ancient art with mysterious origins, is enjoying an unprecedented surge in popularity. No longer the domain of older women, knitting has a large following among teenage girls and school children. Don't be surprised if the grandchildren contribute the knitted objects under the Christmas tree this year.

The yarn-makers Wells has contacted have been caught off guard by how popular knitting has become. A few have had difficulty keeping up with the demand for their product.

The most popular projects are scarves, knitted quickly on large needles, and hats. Felting, in which a knitted item is flung into the washing machine and agitated for a while, is also popular. Many people have inadvertently felted a prized sweater, only to find it sized for the dog afterward. Intentional felting starts with an item knitted several sizes larger than the finished product.

Some of The Stitchin' Post staff are knitters and those who aren't will soon be up to speed, or at least level with most beginning knitters. Several community members have already offered to teach classes to the public and Wells will make her classroom available for knitting groups to use. There is a sign-up sheet for classes.

The store carries a line of high quality bamboo needles and a selection of patterns and idea books. Look for the yarn display just inside the door.

For more information call 549-6061.