the blue blog archives: the knitty gritty

So let me first say that I do like the show. Really. I love the fact that there is a knitting show. The host is good. They get great guests and do an excellent job showing techniques step by step. (In stark contrast to DiY's earlier show Knit One Purl Two, which was both boring and impossible to follow). I'm watching every episode and I'm definitely learning some things. But that doesn't mean I can't make fun of a couple of silly parts of it. Like the "knitsters," who appear to sit uselessly in the background and knit during the show. The only purpose they seem to serve on screen besides saying at the end of the show that everything was fabulous and occassionally asking a prepared question is to reveal how long it actually takes to film a 15 minute tv show. I see how much they've knitted and can only look down dissapointedly at the five measley rows I managed in the time it took me to watch the show. (I do believe that the knitsters are awesome knitters and have much more to do, but in terms of watching the show, they are little more than set dressing. Is it okay that I still kinda want to be one?)

Almost as frivolous as the "knitsters" are the unbelieveably short segments called "knit bits". Here's my impersonation of a knitty gritty knit bit.

Heh, heh. Some of the knitbits really are informative, but still they are so brief, I'm always shocked when the music kicks in again. I hadn't even looked up from my knitting yet! They do look pretty fun to make though. Check out the host's collection of behind the scenes photos here.

Silly as some parts of the show may be (let's not get started on the knitty cam 'kay), I still look forward to each new episode. And DiY's Knitty Gritty website is FULL of great info from video clips to technique instruction and patterns. If you can't get the show, or can't stand watching the show, do check out their site!

posted by alison at 9:58 am | in sock block

Comments

Bring on more episodes of Knitty Gritty! I've taped them all and have learned a tip or two from each! Happy viewing!

Posted by: leslie at November 21, 2004 10:09 AM

Bring on more episodes of Knitty Gritty! I've taped them all and have learned a tip or two from each! Happy viewing!

Posted by: leslie at November 21, 2004 10:09 AM

I like the show - but find alot of it just silly. I wish the host wore more knits herself. I loved the one about plastic bag knitting - really fun and a clever idea. The 'knitsters' do seem a bit lost in the background. looking forward for Annie Modessitt's visit to Knittiy Gritty- she has already taped it. I really like the 'guest stars' - you should go on it Alison!!!! You could teach something!
have a great sunday!

Posted by: beth at November 21, 2004 10:48 AM

I think you may have to check out what I said about the show (August 13th) its almost word for word to yours! There is a 2nd season of the show and I hope they show some sock knitting!

Posted by: Susie at November 21, 2004 10:53 AM

Great entry. I wish I got DiY network, sounds like a fun show for many reasons (perhaps I'll upgrade my cable?). Eventhough the knitsters sound a bit hokey - It would be a blast to be one, at least for a day! I love your "knit bit", it gave me a good laugh over coffee this morning.

Posted by: nona at November 21, 2004 11:03 AM

I had to laugh. ;o) I'm a crocheter who enjoys watching the show though I don't have the first clue on how to cast on. But they show great techniques that can be applied to either knitting or crochet and I watch it. Your take on the Knit Bit is hilarious, I have to agree!!

Posted by: Julie at November 21, 2004 11:12 AM

Hey, being a knitster was a blast! And Susie, I just happen to know that there is an entire episode on socknitting...that's the one I was on! :)

Posted by: Stephanie at November 21, 2004 11:12 AM

Alas, no cable... I think I like your version better anyway :)

Posted by: Cari at November 21, 2004 11:15 AM

Stephanie, you rock! All the sewing, and knitting, and you were a knitster too! I haven't seen the sock episode yet. I'll be looking for you when they reshow it. :)

Posted by: alison at November 21, 2004 11:22 AM

I've heard alot about this show but don't have the channel. Guess I'm going to have to ask my Mom to tape it for me if she gets it now that my curiosity has been peaked even more! :) Love your "knit bit" and your translation of the music!

Posted by: Jessica at November 21, 2004 11:35 AM

You are so right about the knitty gritty! Your knit bits was hilarious and so dead on.

Posted by: Lauren at November 21, 2004 12:32 PM

Love the show!
I feel that way about the knitsters, too. And then I feel bad about thinking uncharitable thoughts about the person who came up with the knitster idea because you can't fault the knitsters for sitting there for 5 hours and not being professional actresses. Perhaps they wanted to introduce a segment where knitters could ask questions and this is the best way? Or as the link suggests, they're a good way to get pre-knitted pieces for demo so the host doesn't need to do so...?
As for the knit bits, they are bitty. Thank goodness for tivo :)

Posted by: freecia at November 21, 2004 1:59 PM

Just to support you (okay, maybe not only from that reason) I've been knitting short row heels too.

AND I've finished all my Banff parts! :-)
Now I "just" have to sew it up... :-[
PLEASE inspire me!

Posted by: Helene at November 22, 2004 4:33 AM

Okay, it's official, we here in Israel are deprived! =(

Posted by: Orli at November 22, 2004 8:45 AM

Your take on Knit Bits is hilarious and on point. Hopefully this season she will make the bits an actual bite. :)

Posted by: Liz at November 22, 2004 10:45 AM

Believe me, even the knitster's feel a little silly! For me the hardest part was trying to ask an intelligent sounding question about a really simple project without sounding dumb. Don't think I pulled it off. But my Mom got to see me on TV, I got to meet some fabulous designers, got a free meal and some free yarn so I am more than happy to be a "knitster"!

But you should be a guest Alison! Maybe they can do a segment on cool bloggers or you can teach some of your cool designs!

Posted by: Allison at November 22, 2004 3:19 PM

I'm jealous you guys have a tv show solely dedicated to knitters!

In Japan, the closest one we have is a NHK (equiv to PBS) program, "Oshare Koubou" which translates into something like "Stylish Workshop" and covers anything from quilting to facial make up.

Your blog and the cute photos of your twins make me smile, so I just wanted to say hi :)

Posted by: suko at November 22, 2004 8:05 PM

As you mentioned, most of this show is hokey but I usually get something out of each episode. I think the one on illusion knitting was the most informative. It helped me understand the concept a bit better. I'm a self-taught knitter and the only other knitters I know are ones that I've taught, so it is nice to see knitting from someone more experienced than myself.

Posted by: Dani at November 26, 2004 4:11 PM