The History of Knitting
by: Howard I Schwartz
Hand knitting has been practiced for thousands of years. Where and how this art was invented is still a mystery. Some people believe that knitting began when primitive man made webs out of roots. Others think that Arabian nomads carried the craft into Europe. Still others think that this art originated in Persia. Regardless of where the craft began knitting is the textile infant.
From the beginning the art of knitting was an occupation for women. The oldest remnants of seemingly knitted pieces are those worn as socks. It seems that socks and stockings were knitted because they had to be shaped to the foot or leg. Records seem to indicate that sweaters were first knit in the 17th century. At this time the purl stitch does not seem to have existed. The first time the purl stitch is mentioneddates from the mid 16th century.
The earliest example of true knitting is a pair of knitting socks found in Egypt, dating back to A.D. 1100-just over 9 centuries ago! These early socks were worked in Nalebinding, an ancient craft which used thread to create fabric by making knots and loops. It was done with a wood or bone needle. There are many versions of nalebinding, and some of them look like true knitting.
During Medieval times the craft was controlled by guilds. Knitted garments were worn by the wealthy class. By the 16th century knitting had advanced into a craft. During the Elizabethan era knitting schools were established in Britain. Knitted stockings provided an income for the poor. These stockings were exported to Germany, Holland and Spain. During these times men wore short trunks so fitted stockings where a fashion necessity. Dales knitting, which began at the end of the 16th century, must hold the record for the longest knitting industry in England. Articles from this cottage knitting industry are preserved in the Museum of Hawes in Wensleydale.
Knitting is important in Scottish history. During the17th and 18th centuries whole families were involved in knitting garments. Sweaters were important to the fisherman of the Scottish Isles. Fair isle and cable patterns were used on aran sweaters. During the French-Nepoleanic wars woman got together to knit socks and mittens for the soldiers. This practice continued through World War I and World War II.
Different types of knitting originated in different parts of the world. Two-color knitting or fair isle knitting began on a group of islands north of Britain. The first example of this intricate pattern is believed to be knitted around 1850. The Prince of Wales wore a fair isle sweater in 1921. Yet other legends say that fair isle knitting was inspired in 1588 when a Spanish ship was wrecked off Fair Isle and the crew inspired native knitters to new forms of knitting patterns. Many lace patterns in use today still have French names. German knitting also has a long history. Four or five needles were often used by German knitters. The picture of the knitting Madonna, The Visit of the Angels, painted around 1390, by a Munich painter, documents this long-established craft of knitting.
( http://www.discount-crochet.com )
The Industrial Revolution took over the hand craft of knitting through the invention of the knitting machine. Hand knitting lost its ability to compete with these knitting machines. Knitting as an art and craft fell to the wayside and was kept alive as a hobby.
It is interesting to watch the renaissance of knitting. Different techniques from different parts of the world are being combined. Specialty yarns have been created from different fibers. These new yarns produce stunning results. Companies are aspiring to make their knitting patterns the height of fashion. Celebrities have been seen knitting, which helps to popularize the revival of the art of knitting. Manufacturers and designers are working together to stimulate interest and creativity within this craft.
About The Author
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard?s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.discount-yarn.info.
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Making Clothes For Backpacking
Making Clothes For Backpacking
by: Steve Gillman
Making clothes? If you enjoy backpacking AND sewing, go for it. As for myself, I started buying gear again after the first hundred tedious hours of sewing . Then I discovered that there are some backpacking clothes you can make cheaply and quickly.
Making Hand Warmers
Stick your hands inside a pair of socks and mark where your fingertips and thumb-tip are, using a pen or marker. Then cut holes where the marks are. You now have hand warmers that leave your fingers free. Mine weigh about an ounce, but this depends on the socks that you use. You can use these under other gloves or mittens in colder weather, and when you remove your mittens to tie your shoes, you won't totally expose your hands.
Instant Insulated Vest
Buy 1/2" poly batting at any fabric store. I bought mine at Walmart. This is the stuff that is used to make pillows, stuffed animals and quilts. It comes as a big sheet,...
Making Clothes For Backpacking
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Exercise Clothing: The Secret To Success!
Exercise Clothing: The Secret To Success!
by: Ray Kelly
When you first start exercising finding the right clothes to wear is important for both comfort and safety. Should you wear the latest Nike joggers or are sandals ok? Should you wear lycra or track pants?
Fashion may be important to some but the most important thing is to get through each session so that you can follow up with more exercise tomorrow. The key to success in weight loss is consistency. Being able to exercise regularly. Wearing the right clothes will make this possible. Wearing the wrong type of shoes could give you blisters or shin splints, and wearing the wrong type of pants could cause excessive rubbing of the thighs. If you?ve had any of these things happen to you then you know it?s tough to exercise the next day.
Let?s start with the shoes. This is probably the most important piece of clothing and therefore this is where most thought should be given. You need to...
Exercise Clothing: The Secret To Success!
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Nail Fungus - No Need To Keep Living With The Infection
Nail Fungus
- No Need To Keep Living With The Infection
by: Richard Clement
Nail disorders are rarely disabling or even painful. But they are a nuisance. One of the most common problems is toenail fungus (medical name onychomysosis)-about 15% of people have it, including nearly half of those over 70.
This infection has received a great deal of press and advertisement time, as there are finally therapies that actually successfully eradicate these infections.
A fast overview of the disease can really help us to get rid of it.
The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. An infection of nail fungus (called-onychomycosis) occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. Onychomycosis usually begins as a white or yellow spot...
Nail Fungus - No Need To Keep Living With The Infection
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Creating a ?Knock-Your-Socks-Off? Prospect Package
Creating a ?Knock-Your-Socks-Off? Prospect Package
by: Jennifer McGroary
Before planning a direct mail campaign, it?s important to take some time and carefully put together your sales material. This is what I refer to as your Prospect Package. Depending on the sales situation, your Prospect Package may be built with several different components.
1. Sales Letter - Keep it simple and not too "techie".
Another key point is to write down the objective of your sales letter. Are you trying to sell a new service to existing customers... announce a sale to potential clients... create greater demand for a service you already provide? Your letter should then be developed around that single objective for maximum effectiveness.
The body of your sales letter should achieve three different things:
o Maintain the readers attention;
o Calls the reader to action;
o Informs the reader that you are skilled enough to handle their needs.
98%...
Creating a ?Knock-Your-Socks-Off? Prospect Package
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The Sleek Motorola SLVR L7 Mobile Phone
The Sleek Motorola SLVR L7 Mobile Phone
by: HP Jeschke
The ultra-slim Motorola SLVR L7 is now available. The SLVR delivers superior functionality and offers the latest must-have features, including iTunes, in a Motorola one-of-a-kind iconic design. The SLVR is thinner than Motorola RAZR V3 and only slightly larger.
Redefining thin at less than half an inch and weighing only 3.5 ounces, SLVR?s design includes sleek metal housing, a vivid color display and...
Socks The History of Knitting ringtones The Sleek Motorola SLVR L7 Mobile Phone
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Inexpensive Travel - The Key
Inexpensive Travel - The Key
by: Steve Gillman
Inexpensive travel can be accomplished in two basic ways. First, get the best deals on the specific things you want. This approach is very limited though. For example, if you find the lowest price on the best hotel in Honolulu at the height of the season, you'll save money, but still have a very expensive room. Trying to get exactly what you want - or think you want - is an expensive proposition, in travel and in...
Inexpensive Travel - The Key
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