Knack for knitting: Old-fashioned hobby is making a comeback with younger generations

Jeff Broddle | Cadillac News Lois Bishop knits a baby sweater at the KnitterŐs Nest east of Cadillac.

An old art replaced crossword puzzles, books and boredom during long trips for one Evart teen.

Lacee Nadig began knitting last school year when her school offered a class on the subject.

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During the 2005-2006 school year, Evart Middle School introduced a new take on electives. The students could choose classes from a list including sewing, physical fitness, cake decorating, knitting and fishing.

The classes gave teachers the opportunity to teach students curriculum concepts without them actually knowing it, said Ann Feikema, who taught the knitting course.

“I chose to take the knitting class because I didn't know how to knit and I wanted to try it,” Nadig said. “I thought it looked fun.”

The teen stayed busy in class, making a purse and three scarves. She even made another scarf during Christmas vacation.

The incentive to work out of class has stuck with Nadig.

“I have knit a little over summer break,” she said. “I'm still knitting.”

One of knitting's attractions is it provides an outlet for originality.

“I like knitting because you can make your own stuff,” Nadig said.

Having the ability to create something useful out of a skein of yarn helped her out during the holiday season.

“I made scarves for Christmas presents and people liked them,” she said. “Some people saw what I had made and were like ‘Hey, can you make me one?'”

Trying something new was another reason middle-school students enjoyed knitting class and the other electives, Feikema said.

Knitting was popular and 40 fifth- to eighth-graders participated. Even some boys signed up for the class, Feikema said.

“Knitting is hot right now,” she added.

Enthusiasm for the hobby is not limited to Evart young people.

There has been an increase in the number of young customers at Knitter's Nest in Cadillac, said owner Pam Walker.

“We have seen more high-school age kids this summer,” she said.

Some young knitters have participated in classes at the store.

“We had a few teens in classes this summer, but not a lot,” Walker said.

The relaxed pace of knitting is a good contrast to the pressure many younger people are facing. Knitting is a good antidote for stress, Walker said.

“One of my customers even told me knitting helped lower her blood pressure,” she added.

Knitting groups meet 6 to 8 p.m. every other Tuesday at Horizon Books. There is also a group in Lake City that meets 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at Baked Beans coffee shop.

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Knitting notes:

€ Self-striping yarns, ribbon yarns and felting yarns are popular items

€ Furry-type yarns are no longer hot products

€ Projects such as socks, felted purses and sweaters are common right now

€ Scarves, which were must-have items in past winters, are sliding in popularity

Knitter's Nest offers classes Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings

Classes run three to six weeks and include beginning courses

Cost begins at $6 a night and varies depending on the class

For additional information on classes or knitting groups, call Knitter's Nest at (231) 775-9276

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