Yoghurt Knitting?

[R1Geezer]

Anyone know the origin of the phrase and why is it so popular with the lefties?

[brionon]

Wrong-I'm a tree hugging leftie and that term is not popular with me. No need to apologise.

[taddie]

I don't think it is/was popular with the lefties, but with the 'righties' as a derogatory term for lefties.
I suppose when first coined it was thought to be hilarious and side-splitting, but has become worn-out from overuse.
It is generally used with 'bearded' 'tree-hugging' 'sandal-wearing' etc. etc.

[jno]

I think Alexei Sayle invented as a term of derision for the self-sufficient. But he may well have nicked it from someone else.