Random wool

I frequently use random wool - it is such an easy way to bring colour into plain knitted garments. I always use the same wool that I knit with to sew up my garments. This way I make sure it washes the same. But so often the random colours do not match. Any tips on managing this?

Knitting Tools

Does anyone know of knitsters who still use tools such as knitting belts, knitting sheaths or neck hooks for tensioning the wool? I would love to hear from anyone who does this. Are such tools still available?

Knitsters and Spinsters

I have discovered that in Britain at least the word to describe one who knits used to be gendered. Knitter referred to males and knitster referenced to female.

I guess this links to the gendered usage of spinner and spinster to describe the differing genders of those who spun. As the spinning of wool was one of the few acceptable jobs for women who were not married then they would earn a living by this means. The word spinster then mutated in meaning to refer to an unmarried woman.

Does any one know of similar gendering in other languages or in other craft related work?

References and Resources

I am compiling a list of books, journal articles and websites which I will post on here in due curse. Do you have any ideas?

Richard Rutt's History of Hand Knitting is fascinating in discovery of the the content, but rather boring in writing style. Marie Hartley and Joan Ingilby have written a wonderful overview of The Old Hand-Knitters of the Dales.

Fascination and a need to unravel some questions?

I have been an avid knitter for years. I usually have at least two items on the go at any one time. One is usually simple and needs very little thought whilst the other is more complicated. Thus I can pick up either as my mood and time dictates. My most pleasing knitting was making a christening gown for my niece; using 2 ply wool and size 14 knitting wires I designed the gown which had 'leg o mutton' sleeves with 'V' shaped cuffs. The bodice was high necked and the skirt knitted in a Shetland 'crest of the wave' pattern. My most challenging piece of knitting was a tunic copied from an old Icelandic design and using 14 different coloured wools.

I have just retired from a University post where I ran a course which I developed which is a mater's degree course in entrepreneurship specifically for women who want to set up or further develop their own businesses. Previous to this work over the past 10 years I ran my own business. Now that I have the time, I am combining my interests in knitting, women's studies and entrepreneurship.

I am searching for information about hand knitting.

What is it's history? Why is it more prevalent in some cultures than others? Why have knitting tools changed over time?

What is the relationship between gender and knitting and how has it changed over time?

Why have different patterns and types of product become more prevalent in certain global regions?

What resources are available to find such knowledge?

Is there anybody else interested in this?