Presented by Knitting at BellaOnline.com

September's Site of the Month: Yarnaholic Confessions

Sometimes it's hard to admit that you're addicted to yarn.

And sometimes it's just plain fun.

We live in difficult times. We must deal with the pressure of our everyday lives while the safety of everything we value is at risk. It is no wonder many of us are on edge, afraid to let our guard down and reveal our vulnerbilities.

It is not surprising that hobbies thrive during times such as these, providing a much needed diversion from our day-to-day challenges. We can get lost in a complex cable pattern, or unwind with a skein of pure pleasure. We all have our own preferences and reasons for knitting, but we share the common bond of being both challenged and comforted by our craft.

Sometimes, though we forget that one of the reasons we knit is because it's fun. Like a favorite pair of faded jeans, it fits with who we are.

If you haven't had the pleasure, I'd like to introduce you to Jennifer Tocker, a self-proclaimed "yarnaholic." But rather than try and hide her addiction, Jennifer promotes it, and seeks out others with the same affliction.

From this Knit Natterings emerged, a witty collection of writings about the lighter side of knitting. Most come from email groups, written or collected by Jennifer over the years. My personal favorite is "If Knitting were a Guy Thing," but all fifteen pieces will give your funny bone a workout. And the scary part? Despite the fact that they're meant to be funny, they're also true!

But don't think that Jennifer doesn't take her knitting seriously, because one look at her website will prove otherwise. It's packed with a plethora of patterns (free!), copyright information, tips and techniques, and more. She's also got a way with computers, made evident by the great graphics, and awesome links.

And if you've got the time, stop by another great website, Jennifer's local knitting group, The Oasis Guild of Israel. Definitely a talented bunch.

Happy knitting!