Knitting seems to have grown in popularity within the past few years.

Young women are getting involved in the craft once reserved for the grandmotherly set. With the beautiful offerings in yarns, a person can learn to knit a designer scarf or sweater at one third the price of those in the stores. And with the holiday season coming, making a gift with your hands makes it extra special.

At 10 a.m. Fridays, a knitting group meets at La Grange Park Public Library, 555 N. La Grange Road. With about 10 members, all levels of knitters are welcome. Sharon Kooi, on staff at the library, heads the group.

“This year, I suggested everyone doing the same project, much like the way a book club works. We compare work, techniques and yarn each week,” she said. “It is very interesting to see the same project done in many different ways.”

At La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., the Knack for Knitting or Knot group meets from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Mondays. The group encourages knitters of all levels to bring projects they are working on or would like to start.

These library groups offer expertise from other knitters and a general exchange of ideas, as well as offering a relaxing time to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of other knitters.

Though Brookfield Public Library has no knitters on staff, they have a Quiltmaking Group for children ages 8 to 13. Under the leadership of Becky Huebler, youth services director, the kids craft quilts that are donated to charity. A display of the quilts is at the library. The group donates its finished quilts to Project Linus. The quilt group has beginners as well as more advanced members. Huebler said the kids are taught how to sew on the four available machines.

“The next quilt project we have is a red, white and blue one. We plan on looking for wheelchair soldiers to give these quilts to,” Huebler said.

Another great resource for knitters in the area is the cozy Idea Studio, 515 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. The welcoming, family-run shop appeals to all of the senses. Ruth Reynolds, her daughter Nancy Reynolds and daughter-in-law Chandra Reynolds each bring a personalized touch to the shop. The shop specializes in yarns, knitting classes and know-how, and special projects for knitters. It also has an extensive display of beads for making unique jewelry and knitting projects.

Ruth, who has an art background as a paint colorist, is proud of the lovely offering of yarns. It is truly a feast for your eyes — in each corner is a delight with rich colors of every combination imaginable. On display also are pieces knit by members of the knitting group or by various customers — with everything from baby sweaters and matching hats to scarves and felted purses. Though many classes began in the fall, there is a knitting group that meets every Wednesday night at the store.

“It is really complimentary to us that the women choose to spend a free evening with us,” Ruth said.

Nancy is the knitter and is available for private lessons as well as advice on specific projects and design ideas. In addition to quiet places to sit and knit in the store, there is a play table for children to come and play with blocks or read books while their parent works on a project or obtains “friendly expertise” on their knitting.

Jim and Chandra Reynolds own an antique store in the city and many of the display cases in the Idea Studio are used, adding to the homey atmosphere of the shop.

So, if you are thinking of learning to knit, or are a seasoned knitter, there is no time like the present to explore new avenues among friends. For information, call La Grange Park Library at (708) 352-0100, the La Grange Library at (708) 352-0576 or the Idea Studio at (708) 352-1789.