Andover School fifth-graders learn to knit
Students get to stay out of the cold and learn a craft at the same time.
By Terry Karkos
Staff Writer

ANDOVER – To escape this winter’s frigid temperatures and do something constructive, eight Andover School fifth-graders formed a knitting group.

After a month of twice-a-week stitching and yarn purling sessions, one student is now teaching her mother how to knit, while others are still trying to learn the craft.

“It takes perseverance in getting used to the material, and working with it, and being comfortable with it,” knitter Sharon Hutchins said Thursday. “The challenge after that is creating something and having the stitches look nice and even.”

But the hardest part, several students said, was trying not to split the yarn with the needles. Others said it was difficult to learn how to manipulate the needles to make a stitch correctly, or not to add an extra stitch.

“There is a saying you can do to help you stitch. It’s ‘Down, around, up and off,'” said 10-year-old Whitney Palmer, who had already made two colorful scarves for herself and one for her doll.

“I like to knit because I can make some really nice things for people,” she added.

Hutchins, who also doubles as a SAD 44 bus driver, custodian and substitute teacher, has been teaching the children how to knit when the group gathers every Monday and Thursday at noon in the library.

“They started after Christmas when it was really, really cold and we couldn’t go outside,” Hutchins said Thursday. “It’s been really kind of neat because the ones who are doing really well, help those who aren’t.”

Some students were knitting scarves, some were stitching mittens, and some were trying to purl (do reverse stitches).

“Knitting is the craze of the nation right now. I’ve been told it’s to get away from the techno-world,” she added.

That seemed to be true Thursday as computers sat idle on tables in the background while six girls, four boys and a staff member stitched, ate lunch and shared humorous conversations.

“We both enjoy working in a group, even though we have to miss recess,” said 10-year-olds Nicole Ripper and Whitney Palmer, nearly in unison.

At a school assembly toward the end of March, the group will conduct a fashion show, displaying everything they’ve made using the life skill.

Hutchins said that since the eight fifth-graders formed the knitting group, several third and fourth graders are “excited to try it.”

That’s why she’s seeking donations of size 8 and 10, single-pointed knitting needles, and 4-ply worsted knitting yarn.

To learn how to donate the items or get directions, phone the elementary school at 392-4381.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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