Purls of wisdom

Vera Hannaford of Charleston is a well-known figure both in local blogging circles and in the larger community of knitting enthusiasts as the author of "Vera's Crafty Blog" (www.vhanna26.typepad.com). With Worldwide Knit in Public Day scheduled for Saturday, this seemed a great time to give her the spotlight. Take it away, Vera ...

Becoming a fabulous knitter/crocheter

Learn your way: Are you basically a book learner? Do you need lessons? Not a problem. There are how-to books in libraries, bookstores and craft shops, places that offer lessons and resources on the Web to get you started.

Patience is a virtue: Relaxation may be the last thing you feel as you are learning, but that's normal with any new skill. Stick with it until it becomes automatic and relaxation will follow.

Practice: A little is good, more is better.

Be fearless: If you're feeling intimidated by some drop-dead gorgeous item, look at the pattern, work on any skills you need to develop, ask for help and jump in.

Have fun: That's the point. Remember, it's only needles and yarn.

Essential tools

Tape measure: Measure twice, cut once.

Scissors: For that one cutting.

Needle/gauge sizer: Most needles and hooks have their size marked on them, but some don't and others sometimes rub off.

Stitch markers: These can run the gamut from plain rubber rings to Swarovski crystals and gemstones. They signal your place in a pattern and can save hours of time. Use them freely and often.

A cool knitting bag: Sure, you could schlep it all around town in a grocery bag, but why not show a little style?

Celebrity knitters and crocheters

Who else is doing it?

Julia Roberts: Not only does she knit, but she is starring in the movie adaptation of 'Friday Night Knitting Club.'

Vanna White: Crocheted since childhood. Has authored several books on afghans and has her own signature line of yarn, Vanna's Choice.

Dakota Fanning: Knitted a scarf for Tom Cruise.

Tracey Ullman: Knitter since childhood. Co-authored 'Knit 2 Together' in which she says to tell anyone who says knitting makes you look grannyish to get lost.

Russell Crowe: Sadly, it's an urban legend, but one still can dream.

Knit-speak

LYS: Local yarn shop.

KIP: Knit in public.

Frog/Tink: To frog means to unravel an item. Tink means the same thing. It's 'knit' spelled backward.

FO/UFO: Finished object/unfinished object.

KAL/CAL: Knit along or crochet along. Refers to when two or more people work on the same project at the same time.

USED IN A SENTENCE: 'I had to frog that sock I was working on at the LYS this afternoon. I suppose, it'll never be an FO.'

Cool places to knit and share the craft

Knit: 87 Wentworth St., Charleston, 937-8500 (www.knitk.com).

It's A Stitch: 3464 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, 557-0401 (www.itsastitchchas.com).

Ravelry: Ravelry (www.ravelry.com) boasts more than 130,000 members, and it's the coolest place on the Web to see what other knitters are doing and make new friends. It's still in beta, and it takes a couple of days to get in once you register, but it's worth it.

Crochetville: A great place for crocheters to hang out online (www.crochetville.org).

RiverDogs game: In observance of Worldwide Knit in Public Day, local knitters will attend the RiverDogs game Saturday. All knitters and crocheters are invited to attend. We'll be in Section 202.