I think people who voted for it (and i'm included in them) miss a lot of hobbies in the Sims. I agree with you and the sewing machine. It's very cool. And I'm glad that somehow my elders would be more concerned by this for once. Even if I know everyone can knit, I can't prevent to imagine my elders doing it, some interaction between my elders and my kids. I also chose some clothes and furnitures that change so we can have a new style.
I'm more of a family player so for me it's a good add in the game, I just hope they will bring the animation a little up for new stuff and also a little more fun as ts2.