KNITTING is the latest celebrity trend sweeping the nation - and it has now hit Huddersfield.
The hobby - traditionally associated with grandmas and Mothers' Unions - became in vogue again after American Debbie Stoller started a knitting group called Stitch 'n' Bitch in New York.
She wrote a book about the club, which catapulted knitting into the category of ``cool".
Groups like Stitch 'n' Bitch have been springing up all over the UK - and now Huddersfield has a group.
Knit and Natter has been founded by local knitwear designer Angharad Thomas.
Ms Thomas, of Edgerton, is a lecturer in design at Salford University.
She said: "I have always been into hand and machine-knitting.
"It is getting really popular, especially with young people. There's this fashion for hand-made things and crocheted tops and long scarves.
"It's a nice, relaxing pastime and people can make something unique.
"The idea of the club is for people to share ideas or tips.
"I'm hoping there will be quite a lot of interest," she added.
The first Knit and Natter session will be from 4pm to 6pm next Wednesday at Cafe Ollo, in the Media Centre on Northumberland Street.
After that it will be on the third Wednesday of every month.
* Celebrities into the craze include Hollywood stars Julia Roberts, Uma Thurman and Gladiator star Russell Crowe.
* Knitting groups have been using the craft as an art form and some even to make political statements.
* The hobby is also growing in popularity among men.
