Real Men Have Knitting Needles

Sometimes knitting a great sweater requires balls.

And that's exactly what a knitting group in Columbus, Ohio brings to the table... because it's made up of all men.

Juan Castro, a 30-year-old research assistant, suggested the idea for the men's knitting group at Wonder Knit, a trendy yarn shop in Columbus. The guys now meet once a month and up to 15 dudes --both gay and straight -- get together to swap knitting tips, show off their stuff and simply hang out.

Castro is currently using his testosterone to make a cardigan, and told the Associated Press he often gets sideways glances and odd comments when he shops for supplies. "They're just in shock and awe that I know how to knit," he admitted. "I feel awkward. It's funny, but kind of annoying after a while."

Personally, we think it's cool that these guys can man up and allow their inner knitter to come out of the closet. Plus, these dudes know how to make their get-togethers feel a little more guyish, with beer runs and swearing aplenty.

Also, the AP reminded us that knitting used to be man's domain in yesteryear. Arab merchants are believed to have started the practice, and helped spread it to Europe, while Brits of both genders were known to knit squares during World War II that soldiers fashioned into blankets and scarves.

The popularity of knitting among men is exploding, as similar guy-only groups are said to exist in cities including Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Books geared to male knitters have cropped up in recent years with catchy titles including "The Knitting Man(ual )" and "The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys."

So if you're a guy yearning to unleash your inner knitter, just do it. You're in good company.

Photo courtesy of Jared C. Benedict via Wikimedia Commons.