Hollywood Gets Crafty - Knitting And Crocheting Not Just For Grandma Anymore
Sometimes it's hard to imagine that the stars who shine so brightly on cinematic screens are people just like the rest of us. We often think that their lives are so much more interesting and exciting than our own and that we have little or nothing in common with the Hollywood crowd. Well, it may surprise you to know that at least some of today's hottest stars enjoy perfectly normal leisure activities that we might acquaint more readily with something your grandmother enjoys doing. I'm talking about crafts. More specifically, knitting and crocheting. These two activities are especially hot in recent years and Hollywood stars and other celebrities are certainly not immune to the lure of a relaxing evening spent with a crochet hook or knitting needles and a skein of yarn or two. Indeed, some stars seem to be particularly captivated ? some might even say addicted --by these old-time traditional activities. Julia Roberts, for example, is now well-known as a knitting enthusiast who loves to knit sweaters and was once photographed knitting on the set of a movie she was working on. Other well-known knitters include Madonna, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Jessica Parker and Hilary Swank. Not to be left out, some well known celebrity men have decided that knitting is not just an activity for women. Tough-guy actor Russell Crowe and former NFL player Rosie Grier have made no secret of the fact that they enjoy it as well. And who didn't see the TV footage of Martha Stewart and her now-famous "Coming Home" poncho that she was wearing during her trip home to Connecticut after completion of her sentence at Alderson Federal Prison in West Virginia? The poncho was reportedly crocheted especially for Martha by one of her fellow inmates and after it appeared on TV, it seemed every knit and crochet addict in the country had to have the pattern. There was so much demand for the pattern that it crashed the server that hosts Lion Brand's web site soon after they posted a version of the pattern there. And it's not just celebrities that are knitting and crocheting in record numbers. Manufacturers of yarn and other craft supplies report that sales are way up in recent years. One of the best-known yarn manufacturers, Lion Brand, reports that their sales have doubled in the last year alone. Granted, celebrities have a lot of money, but still, I don't believe they are solely responsible for Lion Brand's recent success! It's hard to know just what may have triggered all the recent interest in these activities that have been around for so many years. Some believe that the terrible events on 9/11 have influenced people to focus more on home life and simple, more traditional activities. Others suggest that these activities are a nice contrast and welcome respite from lives that have become far too hectic in the wake of the new millennium. Enthusiasts report that knitting or crocheting can be a very relaxing activity that also provides a nice sense of accomplishment upon the completion of a project. It's also a great way to create gifts for friends of loves ones that have that personal touch ? so much more so than something purchased at the shopping mall. Some also cherish the traditional aspect of these activities and still harbor fond memories of a beloved relative that took the time to pass along a skill that has endured through countless generations. A skill that they intend to pass down to their children as well. Whatever the motivation, there's no question that these traditional activities are experiencing a revival of sorts. There are many possible explanations, however I suspect that speculation and statistics don't interest these enthusiasts as keenly as their plan for the next project they intend to tackle just as soon as the finishing touches have been applied to the current project. Randae Radford is webmaster for Learn Crochet Now, a producer of quality instructional videos that teach crochet.
Related News
Fair's coming soon; Tri-state entries sought - Mohave Valley News
Fair's coming soon; Tri-state entries soughtMohave Valley News, NV -Aug 11, 2008Through the community outreach program you can enter canning and preserving, machine sewn articles, needlework, hobbies, collections, arts and crafts, ... |
Needham Adult Education catalogs coming - Needham Times
Needham Adult Education catalogs comingNeedham Times, USA -Aug 18, 2008Classes are available in Art, Dance, Exercise, Crafts& Skills, Languages, Health & Well-Being, Home & Garden, Humanities, Food, Writing, Hobbies, ... |
Churchill Terrace resident celebrates 100th birthday - Fulton Sun
Best of Topeka: Store caters to the creative side - Topeka Capital Journal
Ex marks the spot - Toronto Sun
Ex marks the spotToronto Sun, Canada -Aug 17, 2008I can recall the fascinating displays of arts, crafts and hobbies in the building just inside the Dufferin Gate, identified naturally enough as the Arts, ... |
Blue ribbon dynasty - Chicago Tribune
Blue ribbon dynastyChicago Tribune, United States -1 hour agoAt 8:30 am, competitors began to gather outside the Hobbies, Arts & Crafts Building—a half-hour before it opened. That was before 9-year-old Elaine ... |
MONDAY Q&A -- Area man a WW II re-enactor, craftsman - Indiana Gazette
Whiting VIPs Provide Information On Low Vision - The Manchester Times
Whiting VIPs Provide Information On Low VisionThe Manchester Times, NJ -13 hours agoBut with low vision and other rehabilitation services, those tasks become easier; getting around will become safer and recreation activities or hobbies... |
A Time to Shine: Entries for Fall Festival Household Arts Contest ... - News Telegram
Gardens of Earthly Delights: The Arts & Crafts Garden - Old-House Journal
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Woodworking ? Creative, Relaxing and Timeless
The title reflects Woodworking as a hobby, not as a vocation. Vocational woodworking is pretty much the opposite of the adjectives in the title because of the intense pressure to produce quickly in order to make it pay the bills. So we'll stick with the hobby orientation for purposes of this article.
Setting Up Your Display Case
One of the best ways to display photographs, memorabilia and other prized possessions is by using a display case. When properly done, a display case can showcase your collectables for all to see in an elegant manner. Man has used display cases since the dawn of time to show off private possessions. Fortunately today there are hundreds of different styles to choose from.
Robotic Vacuum Cleaners: Perfect for Cleaning Pool Tables
A friend of mine bought a robotic vaccum cleaner as a gag. It's actually pretty fun to watch it semi randomly roaming around the room. It seems to have about 15 different direction change sequences, which allow it to eventually cover about 98% of a small area before the battery runs out.
Getting Started Selling Your Crafts
My first career was as a special education teacher. After 15 years of teaching I earned an MBA degree followed by CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) certification. After 15 years in finance I was a vice-president and portfolio manager of a major insurance company before I was downsized. Tired of the rat race, I opted for early retirement. Looking for something to do with all my free time, I started crafting and am now making a nice supplemental income from it.
Preparing For a Leather Craft Project
Once you've decided on your leather craft project, you'll need the right tools and room to do the work. Being prepared ahead of time will make your task more enjoyable and give you a sense of satisfation when you're done. If you're like most of us you'll probably be working on more leather craft projects over time, so creating a designated area is probably a good idea.
Leather Care
Leather Care
Wax Pencils, Stickers, and Rubber Stamping in Your Scrapbooks
Another important writing implement for scrapbooking is a wax pencil. Wax pencils are soft pencils designed to write on glass, plastic and photographs. These pencils are easy to draw with and can be used to color in portions of lettering, in borders, or to create accents.
Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 3
Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 3 - Tools For Measuring & Marking
Do You Really Know What You?re Buying?
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a popular gift show in my local area. My purpose in attending this gift show was to scope out my competition and the quality of their soy candles compared to what I offer. I was truly surprised with the results of how many candle exhibitors were present and was more so surprised with the results of how well they didn't know their product.
Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items
This is where you can really make or break your craft show
career. Being able to produce quality crafts as efficiently and
affordably as possible is the key to making a tidy profit from
craft shows.
Treasure Hunting - Part Two
Treasure hunting begins at home. People regularly find famous old books and valuable antiques in their attics, so get up there and look. One couple opened their walls while remodeling, and found them insulated with thousands of old and valuable movie posters. In the thirties a theater owner ahd put them there. The couple sold $200,000 worth of the posters, the last I heard.
Woodworking Beginners: Introduction To First Time Crafts
Woodworking: The Process Of Making Something Using Wood
Gourd Enthusiasm Growing Around the World
Gourds played an essential role in the daily life of early cultures. Commonly used as containers and vessels, they were also used for musical instruments. Some cultures used gourds for birdhouses and feeders and this is what most people today think of when they hear the word gourd. Or maybe you can remember a dipper made out of a gourd at Grandma's house years ago.
Rubber Stamps and Scrapbooking ? Keep Kids Busy with Crafts This Summer
They're out of school and back to torment the neighborhood this summer. You remember the days. Boredom is a common thought, even with all the stuff to do. Mow the lawn, go to baseball games, and hang out with friends. How can they be bored?
Are Your Collectibles Valuable? Heres How to Find Out
The first thing you will need to do is check out the condition of your item, be it a train, collectible Barbie doll, Disney collectible, or some other collectible item. Is it scratched, torn, clean, dirty, new, in a box, without a box? You get the idea...
Five Ways To Find New Markets for Your Dog and Cat Art
As you create your dog and cat art, you will find that you would like to find a market for your many non-commissioned pieces. When it comes to generic dog and cat art, keep the following tips in mind:
Why Do You Need to Have Your Tools Blade Sharpen After Work
If you like to do wood carving or making sculpture as your hobby, you surely need tools to make your creation. If you just starting this hobby, knowing your tools and how to treat your carving tools probably the best way to make everything easier for you, thus make efficient time when doing your work.
Leather Work Tips
For leather work, consider the basics: an awl and spare point, a retractable X-acto knife
and spare blades, a retractable knife with a break-off blade and a rotary punch. In
addition, you'll need needles, a lump of beeswax and some waxed linen thread.
What Is A Reverse Painting?
Welcome to the world of Reverse Painting on Glass.
Reverse painting on glass has been considered a popular 'art of the people' for many centuries. The use of glass as a support for this intricate painting technique has not hindered its continuing popularity.
Endless Possibilites With Custom Printed Lanyards
Custom printed lanyards are an extremely popular item and are readily available for purchase through a large amount of suppliers. Many suppliers have detailed e-commerce sites that allow buyers to select a lanyard style and customize it without ever having to leave their office or home. The finished product is typically delivered within one to three business days. Custom printed lanyards are relatively inexpensive, especially when purchased in large numbers. Often available for as little as a few cents per item, the choices in style, color, material, length, and print are seemingly endless.
|
