Soggy, matted leaves remain after early snows blanketed much of northern Italy last week, but Italia’s knitting renaissance continues to blossom.  Knit Cafes dot social calendars of knitters from Sicily to Turin. An exhibit at the Triennale  this winter explores how art, science and philosophy can be expressed in knitting and crochet.  Thanks to projects like Typesetter’s Serto and Knitaly’s Basco , the latest fashion trends are interpreted in great new patterns for the web.  And Knit Square  hit the booksellers in November.   Sustainable Cashmere  yarns were launched this year, as one woman’s vision becomes reality.

For a bit of holiday nostalgia, remember how much fun they had last winter ice skating in the Family Dress?

Family Dress at Pine\’ 2007

Meanwhile, the industrial wool industry in Italy undergoes its own catharsis.  With the enlargement of the European Union and increased Chinese imports, the manufacturing jobs that fueled Italy’s economic growth during the last half of the 20th Century are migrating.  Nearly all of the wool used in premium textiles comes from Australian or other foreign sheep.  Italian shepherds, who generally raised sheep for meat, are throwing away fleeces after shearing.  In the past, this wool would be used in mattresses, pillows or for industrial purposes.  As of this week, Italy is officially in a recession.  Plenty of Italians would argue that the recession began several years ago!

Watching these trends weave together will be interesting.  Next year will be the International Year of Natural Fibers.  Its goals are to:

• To raise awareness and stimulate  demand for natural fibres
• To foster an effective and enduring international partnership among the various fiber industries
• To promote the efficiency and sustainability of natural fiber industries 
• To encourage appropriate policy responses from governments to the problems faced by natural fibre industries

She wonders,,, what do you think will happen?