In recent years, knitting has made quite comeback. No longer is it considered an old folks' pastime. In fact, people of all ages are learning to enjoy this simple craft that uses a couple of sticks and some yarn to create beautiful and functional items. Whether wash and wear is more your style, or you enjoy crafting items from the finest luxury yarns, you'll never lack for something new to knit.

Most people associate knitting with bulky sweaters or pastel baby blankets. Knitting can make much more than that, however. Some people like to try their hand at many different projects. They may make a scarf one week, and a delicate sweater set the next. Others specialize in a certain type of item, like socks. Hand knitted socks certainly can be a luxury.

Still others combine knitting with other arts. By knitting large versions of patterns for mittens, slippers and handbags, the finished pieces can be shrunk in the washing machine to create durable felted items that will last for years.

Some of the most incredible works of art are created by skilled knitters. For example, lovely and delicate spiderweb shawls are beautifully intricate, and seem as though they are made of gossamer. These shawls are typically crafted from the softest, most luxurious yarns like soft wool, mohair, and cashmere.

Most knitted items can be made from inexpensive acrylic yarns, or from wool yarns that require a bit of extra care. Acrylic yarns are the least expensive, and can be purchased at almost any store. This is the perfect fiber for beginners, owing to its low cost and durability. Acrylic will last through the multiple rounds of re-stitching that novice knitters often require. Once you're a bit more skilled with your knitting needles, you may want to try working with some more luxurious fibers. Merino wool yarn is wonderfully soft, and superwash merino won't shrink, making it the perfect choice for socks.

Wool blends with mohair, angora, or cashmere are great for knitting items to keep warm in the winter, like sweaters, hats, and scarves. Wool yarns, like their acrylic counterparts, are available in an endless variety of colors and weights. The only limits are your creativity and your budget.

If you are just starting out with knitting, it's a good idea to start with a kit that can provide you with introductory instruction in reading a knitting pattern and learning to do the basic stitches. Kits for hats and scarves are available in just about any craft or fabric store. Once you've got a handle on the basic knit and purl stitches, you'll be ready for more advanced patterns. Most of the detailed work in knitted pieces involves a variation of these two stitches. As you gain skill and confidence, you'll be ready to tackle ever more detailed projects. Be sure not to ignore the finishing details. This can make or break your piece, and can mean the difference between a beautiful piece and one that looks hastily thrown together. Some important finishing touches to remember are to block the finished piece into correct shape and weave in the tail ends of your yarn to hide them.

Knitting useful and beautiful pieces will bring you a sense of pride and satisfaction, especially once you begin to wear your creations. You'll soon be creating lovely gifts that friends and family members are sure to cherish for years to come.