6:01pm Thursday 12th November 2009
A COLLEGE is to give hands on experience of the latest Hollywood craze as it casts off the old fashioned image of knitting.
Cleveland College of Art & Design (CCAD) is leading the resurrection of the traditional "old lady" craft by bringing it back with a beginners’ course and a 21st century contemporary twist.
Technical demonstrator for BA textiles at CCAD, Jackie Ebdon, said: "Madonna and Julia Roberts do it, even tough-guy Russell Crowe has been known to dabble; it seems the whole world has gone knitting mad.
"For a craft that was once passed down from generation to generation knitting had all but died out about five years ago, apart from the die hard older generation that is, but now thanks to its uber cool new image we are seeing so many more people wanting to learn.
"Making your own clothes is a very sustainable environmental thing to do and knitting is also a great recycling tool as you can unpick an old item and start again on a new one."
The six week evening course, at the Green Lane Campus, will cover all the basics from casting on to a variety of stitches including cable and crochet and will also enable students to make their own hat, scarf, corsage or other fashion accessory.
For more information call 01642-288000.
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