Most people associate knitting with grandmas sitting in rocking chairs. The truth is, knitting is a relaxing, easy craft appealing to more and more young women--and men! Start-up kits are inexpensive, and the amount you spend on the craft is completely dependent on the types of fibers and needles you choose to work with. Casual knitters can get started with very little out of their pocket--and projects provide hours of relaxing fun.

Sound boring? It's not! Knitting is challenging yet rhythmic enough to help your mind and body relax. Once you've gotten started, you can knit in front of the television, to your favorite music, or even on breaks at work.

These days, pattern books provide much more than tea cozies and sweaters. In fact, don't be surprised to find books with patterns for racy bikinis and edgy children's toys.

Ready to get started? Find your local yarn store or a large craft store. Even Wal-Mart has beginner kits. For around $20, you can bring home instructions, a skein of yarn, and a set of needles. Most beginners start on scarves. They're straightforward and give you plenty of time to learn the ropes. Once your hands develop muscle memory and you start to get a basic understanding of the motions, you can graduate to anything you can find a pattern for.

Don't be surprised if you develop an obsession for patterns, yarns, needles, and anything knitting-related you can get your hands on. Knitting is fun, hip, and it gives you plenty of beautiful homemade gift opportunities.