I LOVE fiber arts. I remember my Nanny teaching me to knit at the young age of 7 –something?? Since then my love of knitting has waved in and out of my life. Since my young one is starting to nap regularly and sleep through the night (jinx), I find myself with the need to sit and relax with a cup of tea and a pair of knitting needles in my hand. I have heard of other schools in the district hosting their own knitting clubs so I decided, for the rest of year to start my own club.
By all means, I am in no way an expert. However, if there is one thing I have learned teaching Library and technology, is that it doesn’t matter how little you know, just jump in where you are and go for it. Take risks. Learn from each other’s mistakes. I am really good at basic garter stitch scarves so that is what we are doing. Basic cast on, and go!
The turn- out has been terrific! I about 10 girls that attend, ranging from grades 4-7, with all different levels of knitting knowledge. There are a few whose grandmother’s have given the basics and just needed somewhere to practice, there are a few ‘experts’ who bring in their own projects and they just want to be around fellow classmates (they are WONDERFUL role models to those who are just beginning) and those who have never picked up needles in their lives. Funny enough, I find new technology has crept into my knitting circle, using YouTube as a go-to source for those students who are stuck at home or waiting for me to help them out has been wonderful! I strongly recommend using the site as a quick how-to jump off point. Another great site I have fallen in love with is Ravelry.com. Here knitters and crocheters from around the globe can join forums, post patterns, and share their projects.
To those wondering if they should start a knitting club in their school, my suggestion would be to just go for it!! Getting to know the students on a personal level is great- especially as a Librarian I only get to see them for a 30 minute block of instructional time a week. The club runs once a week during long recess in the Library. I keep a good supply of knitting books and gizmos for students to flip through to get inspired, and lots of yarn that came pouring in after putting in a request for yarn in the school newsletter.
Showing students what you are passionate about creates a level of community with students. Starting to introduce the use of the Library as a social hub was another intention of starting a knitting club where students feel they can come and relax has been a great spin-off since starting the club. Another perk is that knitting is a wonderful way of just sitting and talking with students about their interests….and if the topic just happens to fall on children’s literature so be it. Either way, I know my Nanny would be proud.
Here a few sources that I have found to be been invaluable:
Stitch and Bitch: A Knitter’s Handbook by Debbie Stoller (I use this one as my own personal reference due to the racy title)
While my own level of craft usually involves a stapler or glue stick, there are very accomplished knitters in the family including my daughter who makes her own patterns (she has always been obstinate!).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, have you thought of pairing the kids with the grannies as part of the club...direct mentors. Could be a sin-win situation.