knitting in the newspaper

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this brief article was in today's columbus dispatch:

Purl from the past returns

A new generation can honor the past as the American Red Cross brings back its ‘‘Knit Your Bit’’ kit.

The kit, which features the tools to knit a pair of soft socks, was launched during World War I and became an even more visible sign of aid and comfort to U.S. troops during World War II. The homemade socks also served a practical purpose, as many American textile mills and manufacturers were tapped to produce military goods.

The 2004 version comes in a collectible tin that includes an insert with original-era poster artwork along with needles, yarn and instructions.

‘‘With the growing popularity in knitting, especially among young adults, we saw this as an opportunity to share an interesting bit of Red Cross history with a younger generation,’’ said Darren Irby of the Red Cross.

Irby noted that the knitting section of the Red Cross Web site has seen a boom in traffic during the past few years, with knitters seeking historic patterns.

The Knit Your Bit kit sells for $25, with proceeds supporting the organization.

On the Internet: www.redcross remembers.org.