Knit one, purl one, and watch one movie

LIGHTS UP KNITTING makes it easy to knit one, purl one, while watching a movie.

Embassy Theatre manager and avid knitter Jessie Pottinger, 25, began the bi-monthly event where lights are kept at trailer level, so knitters can see what they are doing.

The initiative has been run since April and Pottinger says the response has been huge, selling out one or two 70-seat cinemas.

‘‘I think in Wellington [knitting’s popular] because of Wellington being a very different city. People don’t care what other people think and it’s a very supportive atmosphere.’’

She says it is the first event of its kind in the country – possibly the world – and she hopes it will catch on in other centres.

‘‘It could take off anywhere. I’m hoping to get our friends in Auckland to take it up but I don’t think they are into the knitting

It’s the most diverse group of people you can think of.

Jessie Pottinger

scene quite as much as us.’’

The audience ranges from people aged in their early 20s to their 70s, and is predominantly female, she says.

‘‘It’s the most diverse group of people you can think of, really. And what everyone has in common is they are knitters.’’

The event is run similar to Chicks at the Flicks, where audience members receive a drink and a goody bag, as well as spot prizes.

Pottinger says yarn companies, including Holland Road Yarn Company, have come on board to help the cause and donate prizes.

Because of the diversity of the audience, she chooses films that have a wide reach, including The Great Gatsby and The Way Way Back.

Before each movie, the knitters gather in the Embassy’s bar, sharing tips and patterns.

Pottinger, who was taught to knit by fellow manager Elly Morris while they were travelling through South America, says most of the theatre’s staff had caught on to the craze and were often seen knitting on their breaks. ‘‘We’re very enthusiastic.’’

Their event on Monday is almost sold out, and their next will be held on Monday, October 14. More information at facebook.com/LightsUpKnittingAtTheEmbassyTheatre.

Photo: MAARTEN HOLL/FAIRFAX NZ Classic stitch-up: Embassy knitwits, from left, Jessie Pottinger, Thomas McArthur, Jess Hall and Charlotte Weston. Pottinger thinks knitting is particularly popular in Wellington because ‘‘people don’t care what others think’’.