A world of knitting.
With so many outlets on the internet, as well as knitting shops popping up all over, the time to learn is now. But how are others learning around the world? What's popular in different countries? How is knitting different from across the globe?
We hope to take you on that world-wind tour right now, so grab your yarn and needles and come along for the ride! Our first stop is…
JapanBeginnings
"Amimono ima mukashi" (Knitting Today & Past) was written by Yoshihiro Matushita in 1986, published by Nihon Vogue. Matushita describes one of the first instances of knitting in his book in the process of knitting leg-protectors for soldiers, called Habaki that were usually made from Karamushi which is a linen type of woven material. In the past Buddist cloths were also woven and knitted from yucca vines. These garments were worn by the priest and the technique employed is the same as when making Tawara, which is a straw bag used to keep farm products in.
Samurai Knitters?
The need for more knitted appeal such as socks and gloves for
the military effort continued.And interestingly enough, it was the
Samurai themselves that picked up the slack! Since they did not get
paid that well, oftentimes Samurai would knit their own Tabi, which
is a Japanese style of sock which has the big toe separate from the
rest of the toes. This "split-toe" feature was also worn by Shinto
priests and Kabuki (Japanese Theatre) actors because of their
increased mobility and flexibility. According to Matushita, the
Nanbumatumae-han, Hitotubashi-ke, Tayasu-ke and
Hitachitatugasaki-han clans were the most active and avid knitters.
"A Samurai knitter called Mr.Terufusa Orihara from Hitotubashi-ke
was famed for his skilled knitting of of Meriyasu (Stocking
stitch)". (Story
of Knitting in Japan)
Modern Day Japan
Knitting is a hobby that is taken up by older generations and younger just like other countries, as well its hobby status goes up and down depending on the fashion trends and fads. One of the trends though that is catching many Japanese eyes is a male designer whose patterns and craftspersonship is taking Japan by storm.
Prince of Yarn: Mitsuharu Hirose
To all those who question his existence and contribution in a
field that is mainly viewed as a women's hobby he says:
"People can fully develop their abilities only if they are
provided with an environment in which their individuality is valued
and being different is all right."
Mitsuharu Hirose has become instantly famous as a face that is
changing the sterotypes of knitting and changing the declining
nature of knitwear. His amazing knitting abilties coupled with
original designs also makes him a favourite. His patterns are both
functional and fashionable and many have deemed this work something
that people really want to wear. As the "prince of the knitting
world", Hirose has become a television favourite, hosting his own
instructional videos and touring around doing interviews, and
features in magazines.
As an instructor, Hirose not only designs his knitwear but models
it. He believes that knitting shows both perseverance and the
ability to be redone and changed into something new. He is changing
the way people see knitting and as his popularity grows, so does
the interest in his main interest, knitting itself.
And along with the technology driven culture of Japan comes strange and creative projects such as this, to help fuse craft and technology together. Such inspiration through knitting is known world-wide!
Hope you had fun on our knitting journey to Japan. Till next time!
References
Yarn World Photo found at http://www.lakesidebearsandfriends.com/contact.html
Kihara, Yoshimi. "Knitting in Japan, A History".
"The Prince of Yarn".
Craftzine.com. "Knitted Interfaces for Technology".
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