Ashley McLean has been knitting since she was 7 years old. She learned from her grandmother, and her great-grandparents had done needlework, as well.
In addition to knitting, McLean, a junior studying mechanical engineering, crochets and does a kind of lacework called “tatting” to create things for herself and others.
“I always look for things to do with my hands,” she said. “It’s something to keep me busy, and I feel productive.”
For needleworkers like McLean, creating items like sweaters and scarves for friends and family can also be a stress-reducing and fulfilling hobby.
Knitting is done by creating multiple loops or stitches of yarn, usually with two needles. Crocheting is done similarly but uses only one hook to pull yarn through intertwined loops, among other differences.
McLean said while she usually makes things to be worn in the winter, she does most of her work in the summer so they are finished when the weather turns cold. She sometimes sells her creations to friends and family.
“(My family asks) me to make specific things they end of giving as Christmas gifts,” McLean said. “But I don’t set up shops and sell that way.”
McLean said buying handmade needlework products as opposed to factory-made ones can ensure higher quality and longer lasting purchases.
“Most of the time, handmade items are higher quality,” she said. “Like the last project I did, I spent a lot of money on high-quality yarn because I wanted it to be really nice. If I would’ve bought it at the store, it wouldn’t have been as nice.”
McLean is the vice president of A Stitch in Athens, a student organization, that meets weekly to chat and work on various kinds of needlework projects.
Samantha Sinegar, a senior studying psychology and president of A Stitch in Athens, is also an avid knitter who first learned from her grandmother. Since joining A Stitch in Athens her freshman year, she has learned to crochet.
“We use each other as a resource to learn new things,” she said. “When we meet, usually we pull out stuff we’re working on and meet and catch up and talk. I think it’s kind of a de-stressing thing.”
Sinegar thinks winter is the best time to work on needlework projects because there is much more inspiration to be found in cold weather fashion than there is in the warmer months.
“There are so many more options of things you can make in the winter like scarves and blankets,” she said. “I know for me personally, it’s harder to think of things to make in warmer times of the year.”
Paige Miller, a senior studying chemistry, said she often wears knit clothing during the colder months.
“I wear lots of crochet and knit sweaters,” she said. “Mostly cardigans.”
She said she typically buys her knits at Urban Outfitters, but unfortunately doesn’t own any handmade needlework goods.
“Sadly, I don’t (own anything handmade),” she said. “I wish, because that kind of stuff is really cool.”
