The Spectrum

Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Features

Media Credit: Contributed Photo/ Mandy Pittman

A cozy comfort, knitting has become a popular pastime for the SHU community.

A specialty for the members of the Knit Wits club, yarn and needle, has given students a new trade to practice and to pass on.

Knit Wits is located in the Campus Ministry department and is an organization dedicated to the teaching and utilizing the skill of knitting.

It is a social gathering, a place where students can come to sit, relax, meet new friends and try something completely different.

"It was started four years ago by a professor here, Marion Calabrese, who commonly used and still uses her creative abilities to benefit other people," said Mandy Pittman of Campus Ministry.

Students can come to Knit Wits and learn the basics of knitting or pick up a new stitch and expand their talents.

Some of the club members are more than happy to be able to join in on the Knit Wits gathering.

"My favorite part is learning new stitches from everybody and getting a chance to socialize," said Katie Dodaro, sophomore, Hingham, Mass.

"I joined knit wits my freshman year and had no idea how to knit, the older girls who knew how to knit lent me a set of needles and let me pick out my favorite color yarn" said Racelle Deshaies, junior, Chicopee Mass.

"She [Marion Calabrese] had some students who were interested in learning how to knit and crochet and so she began this group" said Pittman.

"She opened it up to anyone in the SHU community who wanted to come together to make items for those in need," said Pittman.

Knit Wits participates in a charity effort to help others by knitting various attire and outdoor woolen accessories to wear and keep those in need warm during the cold months.

"Over the years the group has made hats, scarves, and mittens for the Evergreen Network," said Pittman.

The Evergreen Network works with and supports those affected by the HIV/AIDS virus.

The club supports them by putting together the effort to provide people with comforting and motivating gifts of warmth and inspiration.

"Knit wits is where people get together to knit or crochet hats, scarves, mittens, baby blankets, and prayer shawls for people in need in the community" said Dodaro.

"Cancer caps for cancer patients in local hospitals, and healing shawls for the oncology ward (specifically for breast cancer survivors) at St. Vincent's Hospital," said Pittman.

"Knitting may seem difficult but there are a few quick and easy steps to follow. Just cast on, knit and then maybe purl," said Pittman.

All are invited to come and participate in Knit Wits.

"They taught me how to knit basic stitches step by step and were very patient. It was actually really fun after getting the hang out if" said Deshaies.

"It meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and also there is a faculty Knit-Wits during a lunch hour," said Dodaro.

"Students, faculty, and staff participate year round (we even have a staff/ faculty group that meets in the summer)," said Pittman.

"We meet at least twice a week in the evenings while school is in session," said Pittman.

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