Celebrities including Madonna, Julia Roberts and Russell Crowe are just some of the stars who have been spotted knitting, and they are not alone in joining the revival of the hobby.

Emma Richardson, owner of Manfield Crafts in Griffith Street, Rushden, said the number of knitting groups being set up has seen a dramatic increase and thinks it is great people are taking it up.

She said: "I opened a year ago because I was finding it difficult to find nice knitting supplies and there are lots of other groups starting up.

"The number of groups now meeting reflects a need for a creative outlet.

"With the credit crunch in full flow, those people who have cut back on going out in the evenings want something to do and also something they can be proud of.

"Knitting is something I have done since I was little and my grandma taught me. I just got totally immersed."

Mrs Richardson holds a knitting club in her shop every Friday morning and Saturday afternoon. It has about 25 members and is growing.

She said: "We are all ages and from all backgrounds. We bring along our projects and swap ideas and some firm friendships have been made.

"It is a really exciting market at the moment with younger designers and new types of yarn such as alpaca."

Other knitting groups include Knot Just Knitting in Kettering, which meets on the first Wednesday of every month, the Wellingborough Inner Wheel knitting group and Stanion Women's fellowship knitting group, which meets on alternate Thursdays.

Michele Hale, who runs the Knot just Knitting group, said: "It is back in fashion. I have been knitting for 30 years and it is just getting bigger and bigger.

"It is not just the fact that it is cheaper than a night out, but it increases your social circle.

"People also want a way to express their creativity."