If Syracuse University students have anything to say about it, knitting will no longer be associated with images of Old Mother Hubbard, rocking chairs or anything related to a dusty attic. Due to a recent spring in popularity for the hobby, it’s become the latest technique to easing the anxieties of college life as well.

This week, SU community members have the opportunity to perfect the art of this timeless practice during ‘cabin fever blues,’ an event in which professionals will share expertise on knitting and gardening.

‘A few weeks ago, we decided that the winter was just dragging on and wanted to come up with a few activities to tie into the books we sell … to have a fun, nice break,’ said Elena Devita, an employee at Schine Book Store.

Those who do knit love it, said Devita, who also claimed that the hobby is the new yoga. She hopes this week’s programs will provide relaxing and enjoyable outlets for those who participate in the event.

Monday’s program consisted of a knitting demonstration taught by Carmel McColgan, a friend of SU faculty, who explained the basics of knitting for those who don’t know where to get started. She also displayed books on knitting and some of the scarves and sweaters she has created. On Wednesday, the Hendricks Chapel quilt makers will be discussing their group, which hand-sews quilts and sells them to charity.

In addition to knitting tips, garden professional Carol Watson will teach participants how to create the perfect spring garden through a display of many different flowers. Professor Don Leopold, who has written two books and is coming out with a third novel, ‘Native Planes on the Northeast,’ will provide a slide presentation on Thursday and discuss conservation in the Syracuse area. All of these events will be held on the lower level of the Schine Student Center Bookstore.

The event has so far been especially popular with people expressing a passion for the practice of knitting, a span ranging from grandparents to grandchildren.

‘It’s relaxing,’ said Erin Schechtman, a freshman illustration major, ‘and I do it as often as I can, right before bed.’ Schechtman was taught by her grandmother last Thanksgiving, and is so excited about it that she has already taught the two children she babysits for at home.

McColgan began knitting when she was 6-years-old and has continued ever since. She was extremely enthusiastic about the advantages of knitting for college student.

‘It’s portable because all you need are needles and yarn, it’s relaxing and also nice to unwind to, a good break, and creates an excellent social component,’ she said. Other benefits include the accessibility of cheap homemade gifts for friends and family. She added that women typically are the first people to become involved with the hobby, but men are taking a surprising interest in the hobby as well.

‘Nowadays, more and more males are becoming involved,’ McColgan said.

The Craft Yarn Council of America states the percentage of women younger than 45 who knit has doubled in recent years, going from 9 to 18 percent between 2000 and 2002, supporting the craft’s recent rise in popularity.

Thanks to the efforts of knitting fans like Schechtman and McColgan, who have either passed down their knitting skills or plan to in the future, these trends may continue as time goes on.

‘My grandmother knit for her fianc in the war,’ Schechtman said. ‘I definitely want to teach my children because she taught me.’

Published on February 21, 2005 at 12:00 pm