Amy on knitting

As the school year comes to a close, we have been reflecting on projects we have undertaken with students. Amy writes about the evolution of the knitting craze:

CO 81 sts. *K2, P2.* BO in pattern.

With language and terminology that would mystify even a native English speaker, knitting patterns are difficult to read yet simple to follow. Several of our after-school regulars discovered this back in January and have been so enthusiastic about their new activity that they have gone yarn and needle shopping on their own and even taught their friends how to knit.

Our first project was a simple ribbed hat, and students personalized them with pom poms, stripes and earflaps. From there, they transitioned to finding their own patterns online and knitting on their own. Showing initiative and courage that even some seasoned knitters lack, one student decided to learn intarsia (color work) and cables for her second project. Another designed a hat-scarf combination for herself. Some also brought their projects into school and made an informal knitting circle. Although we’ve only had one formal workshop on knitting, the students have really taken this new skill and run with it, pushing themselves to learn new techniques and to play with all the possibilities that knitting has to offer.

Just as these students are working to overcome the English language barrier, they have also succeeded in learning the language of knitting.