A hobby once reserved for grandmothers is gaining popularity among college students
“Knitting is the new yoga,” said Kelly Ignatoski, hall director of Lincoln Tower.
On Sunday afternoons in January, residents of Lincoln Tower put down their books to knit.
It is becoming the leisure activity of choice at Ohio State, Ignatoski said.
“It’s becoming the ‘in thing’ with college students now,” she said.
There is evidence in stores near campus such as Urban Outfitters, which has begun selling knitting kits.
Wolfe Fiber Arts Inc., a knitting and craft supply store located at 1188 W. 5th Ave., offers knitting classes to people of all ages, including many OSU students.
“Knitting is exploding all over the place the last few years. Tons of OSU students have been coming here to learn how to do it,” said Linda Wolfe, owner of Wolfe Fiber Arts Inc. “Everybody is learning how. There are a lot of resources out there, and some students are teaching themselves out of books.”
Steve Lynch, a senior in English who has been knitting for one month, said he learned from a book, “Stitchin’ Bitch,” by Debbie Stoller, which is sold at Urban Outfitters and Wolfe’s store.
“It’s not an old woman thing to do. I think it’s cool, and it doesn’t matter to me what age you are,” Lynch said. “I do it while watching TV or talking to friends, instead of eating.”
Jessie Fazio, a senior in nutrition dietetics, learned to knit from a friend three years ago.
“I usually make blankets or scarves and give them as gifts because it’s pretty practical,” Fazio said. “It’s also good for stress relief.”
Many students at Wolfe Fiber Arts Inc. are in search of a new form of relaxation, Wolfe said.
“I know that’s why I do it,” said Ignatoski. “It helps me listen because it’s very rhythmic and therapuetic.”
Ignatoski said some residents of Lincoln Tower tell her they would rather knit than do their homework.
“It’s definitely become more popular here, and other dorms refer to us as ‘the knitting dorm,'” she said.
About 50 to 75 students have learned how to knit within the past year in Lincoln Tower, including men and women. Some of the men are engineering students and want to understand the construction process.
Lynch said it was weird at first because there are not many resources for men’s patterns.
“It’s kind of discernning because it’s a middle-aged woman kind of thing, but most people are just excited that you’re knitting, regardless of what sex you are,” Lynch said.
Lynch said he did some research before he began, but one could learn in a weekend.
At Wolfe Fiber Arts Inc., the classes range from beginning to advanced, with several different techniques. Although they vary, most classes meet once every week for two hours and last four weeks. Classes cost $45 for the first set.
