www.ukhandknitting.com
British Knitter wins Fastest Knitter Competition in New York!
As the fastest Crocheter and fastest Knitter in the British Isle, Susan Briscoe writes about her and Wendy's trip to New York

On October 4th at 7a.m., I met Wendy Morby for the first time. Wendy is the
fastest knitter in the British Isles and, although better known for my
patchwork and sashiko quilting, I am the fastest crocheter. We were
travelling to New York where we would compete with the fastest Americans for
the world titles. Wendy holds a top speed record of 245 stitches and my
record was 296 points (4 points per treble crochet stitch), both over three
minutes, set at the Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate, last year where
we won the New York trip for ourselves and guests. The trip was organised
by the BHKC and the Craft Yarn Council of America.
It was our first trip to New York and our biggest culture shock (once we had
recovered from the size of American food portions) was how popular knitting
and crocheting are in the USA! At the Knit Out and Crochet 2002 event on
October 6th, organised by the Craft Yarn Council of America, New Yorkers and
visitors from all over the country packed out Union Square for an
extravaganza of yarn inspiration. Guilds, groups, magazines, writers and
the top yarn stores were all represented. To my surprise, the latest
fashions included many hand painted yarns from the UK. Vistors could take
part in free workshops, meet other knitters and crocheters, learn new
techniques or simply be entertained by the staged events, which included
wonderful fashion shows. There were plenty of men knitting and crocheting
too!
The crochet contest was held at Knit Out and Crochet and was the focus of
media attention. The popular knitting and crochet writer Lily Chin topped
the speed record at 92 and a half stitches and I set a new record for the
British Isles with 76 and three quarters (equating to 319 points).
Wendy Morby competed against Grace L Judson of California very early the
following morning, prior to their appearance on national TV on "Good Morning
America". Wendy won, although both knitters acknowledged they hadn't
reached their previous speeds. During the show, they knitted scarves in two
different yarns in a knitting marathon. Wendy then appeared on the Caroline
Rhea Show and has had a busy publicity schedule since returning to the UK.
Despite a busy weekend schedule, I managed to squeeze in a visit to an
excellent wool shop, School Products, and a visit to the City Quilter to buy
my souvenirs of the trip. Saks department store was also an inspiration, as
the windows were full of the deconstructed knitwear by Comme des Garcons and
the third floor fashion department had knitted, crochet and patchwork
garments galore. We also saw an "off Broadway" play, "Loose Threads", a
comedy about a group of knitting friends living in the city.

It was refreshing to see that there is such a great interest in knitting and
crochet in the USA. Even Hollywood stars are getting hooked. A similar
knitting revival is overdue in the UK. Relaxing and rewarding textile
crafts provide an antidote to stressful modern life. Wendy and I agree that
knitting and crochet are ideal "anti-stress" hobbies - at least when not
done at speed!