World Wide Knit in Public Day: 5 Things to Know Before You Go

The month of June has its fair share of special days: the anniversary of D-Day, Father's Day, Bloomsday, Juneteenth and the first day of summer.

But unless you're stitched in to the knitting community, probably isn't on circled on your calendar. Started in 2005, this celebration was conceived as a way for knitters to take a solitary activity and turn it into a social event.

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That's just what Jean Otrembiak, owner of , has been doing since 2010, sponsoring a local observance of the World Wide Knit in Public Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 10, on . Knitters are welcome to head downtown for the day to work on their knitting projects beneath canopies and socialize with others involved in the craft. Yarns to Dye For also will have special hours—the same as the event—and discounts throughout the store.

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Need more details? Here are five facts that help unravel the mysteries of World Wide Knit in Public Day and Frankfort's part in it:

Its Name Can't Contain It: Much like the Hundred Years' War, which actually lasted 116 years, World Wide Knit in Public Day is longer than its name indicates, running from the second Saturday to third Sunday of June.

No Needlework Discrimination: The international event was built around knitting, but the Frankfort day encourages and welcomes those who enjoy crocheting to participate.

Spanning the Globe ... and the State: In order to live up to its name and reputation as the world's largest knitter-run event, WWKIP covers a lot of territory. This year, events are being held in Finland, Denmark, Spain, Australia, Luxembourg, Martinique, Greece, China, Canada, Ireland, Britain and other countries. Other places in Illinois participating are Hanover Park, Galena, St. Charles and Aurora.

Remembering the Day: WWKIP Day has its own Cafe Press site where you can buy T-shirts, tote bags, pins, mugs and, yes, even a doggie shirt to commemorate the day. The merchandise sports the day's logo of knitting needles overlapping a globe, and customers can choose designs that have their continent prominently featured. (Anyone curious if items featuring the Arctic Circle design have been purchased unironically?)

What to Bring to Breidert Green: Make sure you bring a blanket, lawn chair or whatever else you like to sit on while knitting. Also, prepare appropriately for the weather, which is expected to be in the 90s. Even though there will be canopies out for shade, apply sunscreen throughout the day, wear a hat and stay hydrated. You know what they say: Don't let heat stroke ruin a beautiful day of outdoor knitting.

SOURCE FOR WWKIPD FACTS: World Wide Knit in Public Day's website

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 10
Where: and
More Info: Go to Yarns to Dye For's website and Facebook page

Will you be attending World Wide Knit in Public Day in downtown Frankfort? If so, share your photos and videos of the event in our neighborhood gallery.

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