Students in their teens and twenties have stolen grandma's sewing needles and yarn and are using knitting as more than a way to create those lovely potholders. Knitting has proven to be a form of creative expression, as well as a tool, which possesses several health benefits.
Go into any mall and you'll find knitted sweaters on display. Shawls and ponchos are sitting near the top of fashion "in" lists due to photos of Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz in celebrity magazines carrying their needles and balls of yarn. The trend escalated further with the introduction of textured yarns made of high-tech acrylics, natural handspun wool and fibers like alpaca.
In addition to the celebrity appeal, students have found knitting to be a creative resource as well as a form of individual expression.
"I think the creativity that can go into whatever you make makes knitting appealing, as well as the variety of things you can make," said Sarah McCann, freshman undecided major. "People can make something to their own taste instead of relying on stores to find what you want. It's also nice knowing that no one else will have the same thing."
Linda Maslona, owner of Have Ewe Any Wool? Yarn Shop, at 4551 Main St., learned how to knit from her mother at a young age. She has been knitting for over 15 years and said that knitting has grown in popularity due to the different fabrics that are offered.
"Because of the yarns. They are incredible now because of texture and choice. The funky scarves got people's attention," Maslona said.
Maslona sees knitting as a therapeutic craft that has been known to do more than simply entertain.
She said it offers many physical and mental benefits. Knitting is relaxing; it lowers blood pressure, and strengthens hand-and-mind coordination. Knitting is also good for people with arthritis, so that they keep their hands moving.
In addition to possessing qualities that benefit one's health, Maslona uses knitting as a form of grief counseling because it helps to keep the mind focused.
On a more personal level, Maslona said that knitting has kept her relaxed in frustrating situations.
"I brought my knitting with me to Applebee's and instead of becoming angry while waiting for a table, the knitting relaxes me," she said.
There are many different ways to learn how to knit and one way is to learn by reading an instructional book. Shirley Yiu said she taught herself how to knit by reading a book. Yiu has been knitting since high school and has done it as a hobby as well as a way for her to add to her wardrobe.
"The subway ride to school was long and I needed something different to consume my time. It was winter, so knitting a scarf made sense," said Yiu, a junior accounting major.
Maslona believes knitting can be an expensive hobby but she feels that in order to produce something that is of good quality, the materials will cost a few extra dollars.
"If you're going to spend the time to make the items, spend the money on good yarn. Otherwise, it won't look right," she said.
Aryelle Gahagen is a freshman secondary English education major and has knitted for a year and a half now. She said that her hobby can be expensive at times but she looks for good deals on fabrics to save money.
"I spent $30 making one scarf, but I used expensive mohair yarn and added a lot of sequins. Most things cost me about $10, the approximate cost of two typical balls of yarn, but I also bought a few for $1.99 each."
Maslona once had a student who spent minimal funds while knitting a pair of boots for her grandson. She soon complained that the boots had stretched out, and wouldn't fit the same.
"I spent $140 on a sweater, but it will last me forever," said Maslona.
Maslona said that learning to knit is easy, and as long as you can read a pattern, you can create anything. However, for those who have a hard time self-teaching, she offers classes that range from $10 to $50. There are also knit fests starting at 7 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, where there are drinks, fashion shows, and yarns on sale.
For Maslona, knitting is more than just a hobby or something that only grandma's enjoy. It has a self-rewarding effect and it is also a great way to keep the mind occupied.
"Knitting keeps your mind occupied and gives you an accomplishment to help you feel good about yourself," she said.
