Communiversity Course Clicks With Those Who Have A Yen For Yarn

Homemade hats, mittens and scarves are “hot” this winter, as more women under age 45 discover that knitting is a timeless hobby. Based on growing demand for some pointers that don’t drop a stitch, UC’s Communiversity is offering two classes about knitting for winter quarter: “Knitting for Novices,” and “Knitting II: Taking It to the Next Level.”

Since 1949, Communiversity has been a University of Cincinnati adult learning program that provides quality, non-credit classes that are open to any adult who has an interest in learning something new. These learners do not have to be registered UC students to take a Communiversity course.

Communiversity director Donna Burns says Communiversity has provided knitting courses in the past, but not for three years or so. She says the new winter courses were developed because of the demand, as the hobby makes a comeback in popularity.

The growing interest in the old-fashioned hobby here in Cincinnati is reflecting a national trend, according to a survey sponsored by the Craft Yarn Council of America. That survey, reported in 2002, suggested that the number of women under age 45 who knit or crochet has doubled from nine percent to 18 percent in the past six years. “This is especially the case among women in their 20s and 30s,” says Mary Colucci, executive director of the Craft Yarn Council of America. “They’re looking for a little more personal time and this is a very portable hobby. You can just pick it up and put it down.

“Plus, there are so many beautiful yarns available today, and I think that might also be why the hobby is becoming more popular,” says Colucci.

Communiversity course instructor Becky Gigliotti agrees. “The yarns are so amazing! The higher-end yarns are hand-painted and hand-dyed. You just have to see them to believe them.”

Gigliotti has been clicking her own knitting needles for 35 years and has taught knitting classes around the area. She says the repetitive motions of knitting can relieve stress. “But, it can also be extremely challenging. Some of the top designers of knitting patterns are artists. There’s something for everyone”

She says the hobby’s growing appeal results from creating something unique and personal. “It’s not mass-produced. The yarn that you use and the pattern that you select make your creation one-of-a-kind.”

For information on registration for the knitting courses and about other Communiversity classes, call 513-556-6932 or view a brochure by checking the Communiversity web site.
       
Knitting Course Dates and Times

• Knitting for Novices
  6:30-8:30 p.m. over six Mondays, from Jan. 26-March 1
  Cost: $79
  What to Bring: One skein of worsted light-colored wool yarn, plus size 8 knitting needles
  Class registration number: #6615-01
•  Knitting II: Taking it to the Next Level
  6:30-8:30 p.m. over six Thursdays, from Jan. 22-Feb. 26
  Cost: $79
  What to Bring: One skein of worsted light-colored wool yarn, size 8 knitting needles and a cable needle
  Class registration number: #6616-01