Knitting is an internet phenomenon - no really. Try this, type knitting socks into your google search bar - not now, later is fine - and you'll find yourself deluged by hits. Weird isn't it? Once upon a time knitting was a thing that elderly ladies from Huddersfield did, now it's something that hot twenty-somethings from California do. Try this - knitted bikinis or knitted thongs. Granny would not have got out her needles for something like that would she. I should say not.
Google searches, social network sites, blogs, twittering even - all of them have been gathered into the gaping maw of modern knitting - and turned into a new and (whisper it) sexy hobby. Yes, it's still about needles and yarn, but now it's also about cashmere and lingerie, socks and silk, lace and weird and wonderful new fibres.
And there's some great voices out there - tired of dull political blogs and celebrity sniping? - try Yarn Harlot - the writer is very nearly an industry now but still retains that authentic feel. Like y'know she writing to YOU and she understands you, and you could be, like, friends.
Ravelry plays with social networks and knitting - finding patterns is a piece of cake (last month saw a free pattern run like viral fire through the world of knitting - look up the February lady sweater and wonder how you can get that many hits).
The patterns themselves are exciting of course, but that's just a part of the whole appeal, you don't knit to make a cheap jumper. You do it because of the challenge of a three dimensional puzzle, the recognition of centuries of history being called up by your fingers and the sheer sensuality of wrapping those silk and wool, mohair and bamboo fibres around your fingers and creating something. It's all good.