Needles clicked, fingers moved and a fire roared as Saint Mary's knitters gathered together for Knit Night Tuesday in the Welcome Center. Developed this year by Catherine DeCleene, who works at the College's health and wellness services, Knit Night is open to students, faculty, staff or anyone on campus interested in taking up knitting as a hobby.
"It's so much fun for knitters to sit and knit together," DeCleene said.
Though many in the group are experienced knitters, some, like first year Danielle Franklin, are learning to knit for the first time.
"My grandma knits, so I thought it'd be something we could share, especially over the holidays," Franklin said, adding that she has just begun work on a scarf.
Senior Elizabeth Voss started knitting a month and a half ago. She is currently working on a scarf for her mother.
"I decided not to tell my mom that I'm knitting - it's going to be a surprise," said Voss.
Knitting enthusiasts at Knit Night said that knitting provides an interesting, personal link between students, faculty and staff. With more than 20 people attending the event, the club proved to have a solid following.
"It's a very fun group," said counseling center counselor Gina Christiana. "We all love it. It's addicting."
Knitters use the time to "share ideas and show each other what we're working on," Christiana said.
Sophomore Anna Martinez, who began knitting last Christmas, recounts her time as a scarf fanatic.
"I've become addicted to the craft. I've made several scarves, including one for a baby," she said.
Martinez's newest project is "a hat for [her niece]. It's supposed to look like a pumpkin when it is finished."
Though all the knitters at Knit Night were enthusiastic about knitting, some realize the possible downsides to the craft.
"[With] a full load of classes, work and homework, it's often hard to find time to knit," Martinez said.
Knitting, though growing in popularity, is not often heard of among younger people.
"My roommates laugh at me, but I've got to finish this scarf," Voss said.
Martinez, who hopes to share knitting with her grandmother, endures the ribbing of her mother, a non-knitter.
"My mom calls me Susie Homemaker," said Martinez.
But despite possible drawbacks, the knitters are quite enthusiastic.
"I took my knitting to class this week. [My professors] looked at me funny at first, but I was still participating in class," Martinez said.
Though still getting the hang of knitting, some new knitters have high hopes.
"I love jackets, so I'm hoping to make a scarf for each jacket. Hopefully I'll accessorize my whole wardrobe," Franklin said.
Many knitters said they find Knit Night, and the hobby of knitting, to be a relaxing part of their week.
"I knit because it is relaxing and it is fun to make things," said senior Allison Nichols, who began knitting last year during finals week.
DeCleene encouraged any students, staff or faculty to attend Knit Nights.
"It's great to have a diverse group of teachers, staff and students. It's very informal and casual," she said.
