Jessica Herman

When DIY sprouts up in everyday conversation nowadays, it often refers to homemade sewn or knitted products. That's thanks, at least in part, to Stitch 'n' Bitch, the groups of women inspired by Bust magazine editor Debbie Stoller that convene to do just that.

Realizing her obsession with the art and craft in her mid-thirties, Stoller wrote "Stitch'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook" to encourage other women to pick up a pair of needles. The book's follow-up, "Stitch'n Bitch Nation," features fifty designs by knitters across the country along with tips addressing issues such as technique and pattern alterations. While she appreciates "your grandma's knitting" styles, Stoller highlights a few of her favorites in the book that you wouldn't expect to find elsewhere: arm warmers, "head huggers" (neck warmers and ear warmers), the ultra femme sweater, a Joey Ramone knit doll, a newsboy cap and a spiderweb capelet.

Stoller explains that she initially envisioned women's crafts as oppressive. Now, having a personal understanding of the skill that goes into the craft and the pleasure she derives from the process, she attributes a drastically different political edge to DIY in general and expects more men to adopt the habit of knitting, too. "There are a lot of people who don't want to be part of the global corporation culture," she says. "Crafting and knitting are the new rock 'n' roll."

Chicago happens to be a knitting hub, with new knitting stores like Nina (1655 West Division) diversifying the collection of established joints such as Knitter's Niche (3206 North Southport). Thanks to the organizing efforts of Brenda Janish, who started the second Stitch 'n' Bitch, based in Chicago (modeled after Stoller's New York group), local knitters have the opportunity to meet weekly and glean advice from the neighborhood stitchers.

Debbie Stoller will speak and sign books at Arcadia Knitting, 1613 West Lawrence, on February 20 at 1pm and at Knitting Workshop, 2218 North Lincoln, on February 21 at 7:30pm.

(2005-02-15)

Also by Jessica Herman

The Sensuous Woman
Pushing past the big black gate that guards the Old Town courtyard on a winter wonderland day, stepping into Wildflowers (1407 North Wells) feels like stumbling upon a gingerbread house in the woods
(2005-02-01)

Fit to Print
Eleven years ago, Yoshi Kawasaki turned passion for art into a profession, becoming the unofficial publicist for any fine artist whose work he wanted to see on T-shirts
(2005-01-18)

Stone roses
Good things don't always land at your front door, or even in your city. Oak Park's new jewelry store, Gem: A Jewelry Boutique, is a diamond in the rough
(2005-01-11)

Dancing with myself
Tracing an unpredictable path along the dance floor with her feet, a lithe dancer gyrates to a rapid beat
(2005-01-04)

Flower power
(2005-01-04)

Skin spun
(2005-01-03)

Black Violin
(2004-12-21)

Dziner clothes
(2004-12-21)

No sweatshop
(2004-12-07)

Designs for living
(2004-12-07)

India chic
(2004-11-30)

The craft of giving
(2004-11-22)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment