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Knitting, crafting, crocheting, scrapbooking are in fashion. The papers say it's the effect of the recession, less money available for expensive nights out but Crafting came back in fashion well before the expression credit crunch became household talk.

Whatever the reason, it's in fashion. Inspiring blogs with beautiful photos make you want to get stuck in and start using your hands.

Here are a few thoughts on knitting in Glasgow.

First you will need supplies. Knitting yarns and wool.

John Lewis has a beautiful selection of wool yarns and knitting needles, from polyester to wool, cashmere and angora. Browsing through the shelves is a delight. They also sell some knitting kits which make great presents.

K1 Yarns is a heaven for knitters and crocheters. Unfortunately, it moved to Edinburgh. You can still visit or order on-line. If you're not sure what to choose, their lovely staff will be able to help. You'll find a large selection of yarn in every colour, texture composition you can dream off as well as magazines, accessories and weekly classes. Take a look at the Scottish Clan range, produced for K1 Yarns by Cornish Organic Wools. (89 West Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JP - tel: 0131 226 7472)

Stitching Time (14 Haddow Street, Hamilton) is well worth the trip. Their wool comes in gorgeous colours and beautiful assortment. Check out their knitting blog too.

The New Lanark Shop was the first wool spinning production unit in Scotland to achieve the Soil Association's organic approval. You can buy knitting wool produced using traditional methods in one of the historic mills.

Ripples Crafts is based in the North West Highlands of Scotland. Helen hand-dyes all the yarn herself, gathering her inspiration from the colours, landscapes and traditions surrounding her home in the crofting community of Assynt. Helen dyes the yarn in small batches hence the variety of colour combinations, from multiple shades to simpler variations in colour. Her blog about life in Assynt is a lovely read.

Not in Scotland but still an interesting idea are the knitting kits produced by Fifteen, Jamie Oliver's Restaurant project. The lambswool is sourced from Fifteen’s lamb supplier, Elwy Valley lamb, blended with Manx and Hebridean wool, and spun and organically dyed by The Natural Fibre Company

Photo credit: K1 Yarns