TJ’s new knitting club is for beginners, experts, and everyone in between.
by Christina Danek
The craft of knitting has experienced a widespread comeback in recent years as a trendy craft, hip hobby, and even a Zen form, and the movement has spread to TJ. “Sit and Knit” is the new club, started by TJ Librarian Sudi Stodola, aimed at teaching students the ropes—or strings, rather—of knitting.
The group meets every Wednesday in the library, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Anyone who is interested is welcome, whether one is a purling guru, or has never seen a pair of needles before. “If you’ve never put that first stitch on a needle I’ll help you with that. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to cable, I can help you with that, too,” Stodola said. For those who are beginners, Stodola is providing a start-up kit with all of the necessary materials for the craft, including yarn, needles and everything in between. Those who already have supplies are welcome to bring what they have and join the group, as well.
Stodola says that she has always enjoyed knitting, which is the reason she started the club. “In high school I wanted to learn, but didn’t know where to go, or how to start. It wasn’t until later—when I was in my twenties—that I learned how,” she explained. As Stodola sees it, knitting is a very worthwhile skill to learn for many reasons. “Scarves, sweaters, socks, shopping bags…there’s so much you can do with it that it’s an awesome hobby.”
Stodola’s vision over the next few years is to build a close-knit (pun completely intended) circle – a community where people can come to knit, discuss what’s giving them trouble, share ideas, and relax. In the words of Stodola, “Even if you have nothing but your interest, bring that and we’ll get you set up.”
So for all the knitting fans out there: the place to be is the library on Wednesdays at 3:00.
