Sexy Knits

The days of knitting being only associated with gray-haired, bun-wearing grandmothers in rocking chairs are officially over. With the creation of popular blogs such as Sexy Knitters Club and the publication of books like Sexy Little Knits and Naughty Needles, there's no denying that knitters come in all age groups, all shapes and sizes. And a lot of them are proclaiming their sexiness even in their handknits.

Sexy Knitters Club accepts anyone who considers themselves sexy. They hold regular knit-alongs (with a project or two chosen and voted on by members) of patterns that smash old lady stereotypes. The patterns picked are sometimes form-fitting or cleavage-enhancing or just fun. Members post photographs of works in progress and finished knits on the blog (and many times, their own blogs), contributing to the knitters' sense of community. One look at the site should convince anyone that knitters aren't boring or dowdy.

Knitted lingerie is enjoying a renaissance, too. While this may be more of an acquired taste, knitting your own undergarments can be enjoyable--you can invest in a luxurious yarn like silk or cashmere, in a small amount, and create something that will feel divine next to your skin in a short amount of time. Corsets, panties, bras...all can be knitted to fit your exact measurements in the color and fiber of your choosing. Slipping into knitted lingerie can be your own sexy secret.

Even a long-sleeve tunic can be sexy if worn with the right attitude. Handknits don't have to be shapeless tents that don't enhance your figure. With a little planning and with an eye for the right details, the simplest top can be figure-flattering and earn you compliments.

Small details like lace panels placed strategically can bring life to a plain top. Just perusing the Internet will lead you to a wealth of patterns (many of them free) for you to try. It's worth branching out if you've never done so before; you may be surprised at what you can knit.

If you look through the spring and summer issues of your favorite knitting magazines, you'll see more tank tops and short-sleeved shirts. Usually, warm weather knitting is better suited to yarns like cotton or silk instead of wool; fortunately, cotton has come a long way as an enjoyable fiber to work with. If you knit a summer top in a pretty color flattering to your complexion and figure, don't be surprised when people stop you to ask where you got that lovely top. Imagine their faces when you say you knitted it. Hopefully, you'll convince another person that knitting is sexy.