Buffalo Rising Online

Jan 15th 2006, 11:38am By

We are two weeks into the New Year and by now most people (like me) have tossed their resolutions into the recycling bin. Maybe next year Iill eat healthier, go to bed earlier, exercise more, stop swearing, floss everydayOe

Instead of lamenting what you tried to change in your daily life, maybe it is time to try something new. It can be hard to find the motivation to begin a regime that is physical (like rock climbing), something complicated (like learning guitar) or something costly (like scuba diving). So here is something that you can do while keeping your butt firmly planted on the sofa. You wonit break a sweat (or the bank), the end product is rewarding, and the process is delightful.

Letis try knitting.

(iComforts of Knitting n An Enjoyable Winter Sporti by B. Battaglia, originally published in Buffalo Rising Magazine - Winter/Spring 2005)

Winter is a great time to try something new. If you are like me and look for winter recreation that can be done fireside and with a cup of tea, consider knitting. When I was eight, my mom taught me how to knit. My first creation was a fringed ivory scarf using the complicated pattern of knit one, purl some, hole, repeat. That proud scarf got me hooked on knitting.

Knitting is a creative outlet and a way to decompress. Getting started doesnit require much talent or expense but does require some patience and basic equipment.

For knitting supplies and instruction visit The Elmwood Yarn Shop on Hertel Avenue. This shop, originally on Elmwood Avenue, has been around for over two decades and in its current location for eight years. It has a kaleidoscope of yarn with a vast collection of pattern books and a wall of needles and ihardwarei. Rebecca Lennox, shop owner for the past ten years, has customers from all walks of life. Sheis noticed more young people taking an interest in knitting. They are making small projects like scarves, hats and mittens using multi-colored and multi-textured yarn. iSoftness is in,i says Rebecca. iAlpaca has been very popular lately.i Also popular are wooden needles. The benefits of woods like bamboo are they are not as slippery (or noisy) as metal needles and according to Rebecca iyou can take them on airplanes.i

iPeople want to make something unique in a mass-produced world,i says Rebecca. For as little as $20, beginners can be outfitted with a set of needles and yarn to create a simple scarf. Holly Constantine, Buffalo Rising contributor and avid knitter, offered this advice iSometimes first-time knitters get intimidated because they try to tackle a cable-knit sweater. They should start with a simple scarf.i

If you think you donit have time to knit, consider the appeal of multi-tasking. Knitting is great for filling time while waiting at the doctoris office or the airport. Recently when I was on the telephone with a computer technical support representative, I discovered that my helpful assistant was simultaneously knitting a blanket. For me, knitting is a great excuse to hunker down in front of the television. Some knitters do it to create custom projects to wear or give as gifts. My husband says the wool socks I made for him are like isweaters for my feet!i Other knitters just like the process. When my mom knits, she enjoys ithe mindless repetition. It is relaxing. It feels like taking a vacation.i

Unlike solitary handicrafts like machine sewing, knitting is very portable and sociable so knitters can enjoy each others company while purling away. At Buffalo State Collegeis Commuter Council, there is a group of men and women, lead by Andrew Luly, who meet weekly to knit and crochet hats and mittens for a good cause. When they create enough warm items to fill a garbage bag, they donate them to organizations such as the Newman Center and the Friends of the Night People.

If youire seeking help with a project, or some knitting camaraderie, stop by The Elmwood Yarn Shop during their open lessons ($5) on Monday mornings or Tuesday and Friday evenings. Call the shop for a schedule of project-based classes.

From hooking rugs to quilting, Iive tried them all but return to knitting every winter. Curling up by the fire with a skein of fuzzy yarn to make yet another scarf is like warming up with a big bowl of stew and crusty bread. Knitting is comfort.

The Elmwood Yarn Shop 1639 Hertel Ave | 716.834.7580 call for hours and lesson times www.elmwoodyarnshop.com

photos by Denise Carr