Group bonds over knitting, sewing

All around Bloomington, groups devoted to knitting have been popping up. They are united through a recently revived trend with one important conclusion: knitting is no longer just fun for grandma. \nAmong other groups, including the IU Knitting Librarians, the Bloomington "Stitch 'n' Bitch" meets weekly to sew and rant about the week's events. Brought together through an online journal community, Stitch 'n' Bitch's fitting name is one that's shared with others nationwide. Attendance varies, but five to 20 people show up any given week.\nSenior Carolyn Kibbey has been sewing most of her life and was happy to find people with the same enthusiasm for it in Bloomington. \n"I had learned how to crochet and knit from my mom when I was little," Kibbey said.\nOn the contrary, IU Alumna Dara Allen only recently picked up the activity.\n"One of my friends said I needed a hobby," Allen said. "So here I am."\nJennifer Cohen, an IU alumna and devoted group member, said Stitch 'n' Bitch is not exclusive to knitters only, but opens its doors to other skills as well, such as crocheting and cross-stitching. \n"The Stitch 'n' Bitch is open to all crafts," Cohen said. "We have always tried to make it so it wasn't just for knitters." \nAs for purchasing materials, various options exist, depending on price and quality of the yarn.\n"When I want really nice yarn I go to Yarn Unlimited," Kibbey said. "For cheaper materials I usually go to Hobby Lobby or Michael's." \nAlso, Cohen recommended searching online for a greater variety and perhaps a better price.\nThe group tends to stick to smaller items when knitting, in effort to avoid the tediousness of more long-term projects.\n"We typically knit little things like socks, hats and scarves," Kibbey said.\nGroup members tend to give away their work, often presenting the small craft pieces as gifts to friends and family or to other local organizations.\n"The hat that I am making right now is going to charity because I don't know any infants to give it to," Cohen said.\nThe group prefers knitting to other hobbies because of its ease and tranquility.\n"Knitting is very soothing," Cohen said. "It's the two hours a week when it's guaranteed to be peaceful."\nAlong with all of the "bitching" that goes on, talking is not always a necessary part of the process. This adds to the laidback characteristic of knitting.\n"Sometimes we talk and sometimes we don't have to talk at all," Cohen said.\nFor solitary sewers, the group encourages assembling with others in public once in a while. It creates a different environment than sewing alone and helps developing skills.\n"Knitting with other people is a lot different than knitting alone," Kibbey said. "Sometimes I need to knit with other people; sometimes I just need to knit by myself."\nMeetings are consistently held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons at the Bazaar Café. Current members encourage people of all ages and skill levels to come and try it out.\n"We've taught a whole bunch of beginners how to knit," Kibbey said. "We encourage beginners to join us." \n-- Contact staff writer Teri Rosenbaum at terosenb@indiana edu.