Distaffs, drop spindles, needles, skeins, and the clever niddy-noddy. 

A basic breakdown of important dates in the history of knitting. 

Many areas of the world, from Irish Fishermen's Sweaters to Fair Isle, have developed easily recognizable "types" of knitting styles.  

The American Civil War wasn't the only time knitting was used to benefit a war effort.  For instance, during both the First and Second World Wars women and girls (remember it was another time) were encouraged to knit blankets, sweaters, and socks for "The Boys." 

Knitting has been around for centuries.  It is no surprise then, that it shows up in some of the worlds best-loved literature.