As the weather turns colder, Knitter Knatter is an opportunity for gay Aucklanders to get crafty and have a yarn. Transformers: A ball of wool is now a cool retro jumper 20-something trend-spotter Xavier Goldie and his flatmate used to be quite avid knitters and would take their knitting with them on public transport and even clicked away at it during breaks at work and Uni. "I was taught to knit by my sisters and Nicholson was taught by his mum," he tells GayNZ.com. "So it was just something that we did. After a while we had friends ask if we could teach them to knit. Some of them already knew how. "They suggested that we have a get together, so we organised it for our flat, and called it 'Knitter Knatter'. People would come and bring their needlework and a plate." Last winter Xavier and his pals got up to around 10 to 15 people coming over for a yarn. "It got quite crowded because our lounge was tiny before we moved. It used to be relatively regular, fortnightly or monthly, but it generally dies off in summer as people find going to the beach a more productive activity for the weekend. But what does Xavier say to people who look down on knitting as a Nana's activity? "I don't understand that, because historically it isn't," he replies. "Men were the first to knit for an occupation, and during the World Wars, injured soldiers would knit socks and jumpers for the troops on the front line, while they were recuperating. My great grandfather was a settler from England who was an early farmer and used to knit babies booties on fencing wire for agricultural fairs - and win. "I think when people deride knitting as a 'woman's' craft they're really just displaying their insecurities about their own gender identity. That's not my problem." Many different items have been knitted up at Knitter Knatter events, where beginners start with peggy squares and handy woolen scarves. "I'm currently working on a hat, two scarves and have worked up some hats and vests and some rather hideous arm warmers," Xavier laughs. "Nicholson has far better technique than I do, and has produced some phenomenally intricate lace knitting and has been working on a cardigan for a while... I expect it to be finished very soon!" Other needleworks are welcome at the events, like macrame, crochet and cross stitch. A sewing machine is also available if people want to mend or work something up. The next Knitter Knatter get-together in central Auckland is coming up next month. Find out more by emailing Xavier Goldie on xhgoldie@gmail.com. Also happening regularly in Auckland's Grey Lynn area is Kraftbomb - a welcoming and fun craft network fair where people can buy quirky, different and quality handmade crafts. The Kraftbomb crew has several LGBT members and describe themselves as "very gay friendly". The next free Kraftbomb event is happening this weekend, with lots of crafty stalls, food and creative people to meet. Join them on Sunday 26 April from 11am until 2pm at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, and check out their blog on the link below for more information. Matt Akersten - 24th April 2009