YES, really. Knitting is no longer the preserve of grannies sitting by the fireside – it's enjoyed by men and women of all ages, with even a handful of A-list celebrities getting in on the act.

The real indication that knitting had become cool was the news that Daryl Hannah and Naomi Campbell fill their time between pouts and a bit of light acting or modelling by doing a few lines of something as harmless as purl one, knit one, pass slip stitch over, etc.

Don't think of it as a women-only hobby. Lawrence Fishburne is reported to be a knitting fan.

And, though the cold, crisp weather may not be to everyone's liking, it does mean one great thing – it's time to get out those lovely winter woollies.

After all, TV show The Killing had fans demanding to know where they could get a jumper like the one worn by character Sarah Lund.

There are some fab chunky knitted jumpers, scarves and hats in the shops, but if you want something original, how about making your own?