A Pair of Needles and Some Yarn

Knitting is such a simple pastime, "a pair of needles and some yarn is all the hardware necessary," writes Lucy Neatby, curator of an upcoming exhibition at the Mary E. Black Gallery in Halifax.

A Pair of Needles and Some Yarn, from Nov. 24 to Jan. 16, will display the creativity and fun a person can have with knitting. Exhibitors are from Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada.

While the history of knitting dates as far back as 4000 BC, Neatby says she "would like the exhibition to be forward looking . . . whilst not ignoring the influences of the past." The exhibition will explore fresh ideas, as well as traditional outlooks that reconnect with the past.

Don't be fooled by the stereotypical grandma in a rocking chair. The show will display a wide array of knitted garments and artwork -- including about 50 toilet-roll covers of original design submitted by knitters from across Canada.

The Mary E. Black Gallery is at the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design, 1683 Barrington St., Halifax. The centre is a program/resource centre of the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Culture and is operated by the department's Cultural Affairs Division. It is a catalyst in the development of designers and craft persons, and also functions as a visitors' destination site.