Browsing by Subject "neuleperinne"

The purpose of the present work was to study knitting as a hobby: to find connections with the traditions, to sort out the present situation and anticipate possible future developments. The study attempted to shed light on the factors related to the commencement of the hobby, on the different forms of the hobby and on the significance of knitting for those who go in for it. According to the theoretical framework, knitting was studied as a hobby, as a part of the handicraft trade and as a learned skill. In addition, the significance of knitting was approached on by analysing the related values and attitudes. The collection of the data was done with a questionnaire which means that the basic methodology was quantitative. This was supplemented by the use of a qualitative approach in the interpretation of the results. The questionnaire had, in addition to multiple choice questions and statements, an open question meant for a wider inquiry on the significance of the hobby. The objective was to get as wide a picture as possible on knitting as a hobby in Finland. Helsingin Villakehräämö (Helsinki Wool-Spinning Mill) and Novita Neuleet-magazine agreed to co-operate in the study. With their assistance it was possible to reach knitters all around Finland. The questionnaire was mailed to the subscribers of the Novita Neuleet-magazine and to an equal number of assumed knitters. The size of the sample was 603 persons of whom 325 returned the questionnaire by the deadline. The return percentage was thus 54%. The analysis of the data made use of the SPSS-statistics programme with which it was possible to present frequencies and percentages on the sample as well as the necessary parameters. The differences between the groups were tested with cross-tabulations and statistical tests. The statements related to the significance and appreciation of knitting were subjected to a factor analysis so as to facilitate a possible classification of knitters into different types. The significance of knitting was also studied with content analysis and by applying essence type analysis. On the basis of the results the commencement of knitting as a hobby seemed to be closely related to the significance of the family and traditions, to needs and school experiences. 99 per cent of the respondents reported making at least one piece of knitwear a year, which means that people do a lot of knitting. The most common piece of knitwear was a sweater (82%). Statistically the subscribers of the Novita Neuleet-magazine knitted more than the control group. Useful pastime, recreation, creativity and self-expression were emphasised as factors related to the significance of knitting. Finishing a piece of knitwear was reported to give pleasure which was manifested in the joy of giving, overcoming challenges and the experiences of success. To describe knitting two groups of knitter types were formed: those for whom knitting is a way of life and those who do knitting because of a need. The members of the ‘way of life’-group always had a work in progress whereas the ‘need’-group started working when they needed a piece of knitwear or something to do with their hands. Woolen sweaters can be a thread of life because knitting was felt to bring meaningful content into the lives of the knitters. Knitting was also seen as a useful handicraft skill which the knitters wanted to retain for future generations.