When you think of knitting, you think of Grandma sitting in her rocker with her needles clicking and flashing in the lamp-light and a kitty or two wrapped around her ankles and batting at her yarn. Am I right?

Think again. Knitting isn't just for Grandma and, if you think about it, it never really was. Knitting is experiencing a resurgence. Knitting circles are popping up around the country with members ranging from the young to, yes, the more mature knitter. And men as well as women have discovered the possibilities concealed within a skein of yarn and the satisfaction of a completed project.

Scarves and mittens and caps might still be the mainstay but they are far from the only things out there. Christmas ornaments and dolls; sweaters, jackets and even coats; bags and bangles and jewelry...even lingerie and accessories -- anything's possible with a pair of needles, a little imagination and time.

First things first. You have to learn the basics. If you're more of a hands-on type of knitter, there are countless books out there to show you the basics. Trial and error and the key is persistence.

If you're one of the more technical types, there are plenty of instructional sites on the web, but this is one of the best online resources I've seen.

Stay cool while you keep warm. Even kids won't be embarrassed to wear something their mommy or their grandma knitted for them with this very cool, fun, warm scarf. The smiles when they open the package won't just be 'polite' smiles pasted on -- this is one scarf that they'll actually be happy to get. And wear.

And they probably won't 'lose' it, either.

Go ahead...you know you'd love to try it. Just once. Some soft, pretty yarn...maybe a little sparkle, maybe a little ribbon...and in an afternoon you've got something for 'evening' wear. The only problem is, how many of these little nothings are you going to whip up?

There's more than your basic cardigan out there. Check out the book "Hot Knits" and you'll have your hands...and your needles...full for months. Cables and lace and hot, sexy patterns for everyone from beginner to advanced, it's all out there for the taking. So don't be afraid to dig out those cable needles and see what you can do.

that is the question.

No doubt about it, if you've got the patience -- and the eyesight -- bead knitting is one of the coolest techniques out there. It's somewhat tedious to string the thousands of beads, it requires a lot of patience and persistence (those 0000 needles might as well be under a haystack somewhere) and it is completely and totally addicting. Almost hypnotic. The finished product feels sinuous and almost fluid in your hands and, for the most part, the projects move along to completion rather quickly. Embellish your finished product with elaborate beads; try different clasps, cords and beaded ropes and know that there's nothing you can't do with a little imagination and a tube of beads: tiny amulet bags that you can knit up in an evening; cell phone cases; bags and pouches, slips and covers for just about anything.

The basic technique is always the same, just the shaping and the colors vary. The shaping comes from the bead placement and there are endless combinations and colors of beads and thread. Experiment, play, try. And then let me know when you're ready for a 12-step program.

Update your traditional baby booties with eyelash yarn. Soft and pretty, there are novelty yarns out there that are very forgiving (hiding the occasional wrong stitch) and add a little zip to the most basic of patterns.

A little yarn, a set of needles, some polyfill and an idea. Take a few minutes and learn a little about Arigurumi. Bet you get hooked.

Go. Knit. Experiment. The sky's the limit and then check back here. Let me know what you've tried and see what's fresh off my needles.

After all...knitting isn't just for Grandma anymore.