The age-old stigma of Grandma knitting ugly afghans and scratchy sweaters has been replaced with a fresher, somewhat funkier version of the hobby, thanks to places like Loop Yarn Shop in Bay View.

For me, it all started with a lace scarf. But whether you’re looking to craft a scarf, a cabled cardigan, or a pair of cashmere socks, every knitter has their Patient Zero—the knit that precipitates a ...