The origin of knitting is lost to history, but it is believed that the first true knitted objects were socks and stockings dating back to the early 14th century. Knitting played an important role in 17th and 18th century Scotland and Ireland where the Fair Isle and Aran techniques were developed.
Knitting is performed using pointed needles (the number of needles is dependent upon the outcome desired; at least two points are required) and yarn or thread. The popularity of knitting dramatically declined in the 1980s when the cost of manufactured ready-to-wear knitted items was lower than the cost of buying the yarn and knitting the item. Recently, knitting has undergone a revival. Novelty yarns, large needles, and patterns which work up quickly have found a niche in the modern era of "instant gratification." Pictures of celebrities such as Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz knitting have also spurred the revival.
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