By: Stephanie Turaj
Posted In: News
Photo credit: Jaclyn Jaquette
Dana Lewis, a junior, relaxes and knits in the Mercy Center for Spritual Life.
While most students are busy with their hectic lives including work, homework and clubs, some students are taking time to unwind and knit. Salve Regina’s “Sabbath knitting” group is open to students, faculty and staff. The knitting group meets from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Mercy Center, and is sponsored by the Office of Human Resources and the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life.
Salve faculty and staff have talked about a knitting group for a while, but it has been difficult to get started, explained Jaclyn Jaquette, who works in Human Resources and founded the knitting group. Jaquette decided to utilize Sabbath Time to start the knitting group. Salve implemented Sabbath Time this fall semester. Sabbath Time takes place from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. According to SalveToday, this is a time for quiet reflection, prayer or rest. No classes are held, and work-related meetings are discouraged. “It’s a way to relax after class,” said Jaquette. Jaquette said sometimes people bring food and the group talks while they knit. Students are even welcome to come to hang out during the knitting group. “It’s kind of like an open thing,” said Jaquette. “I’ve been teaching students for fun.” There is no commitment required, nor is any prior knitting experience. Those who crochet are also welcome. Jaquette said that while there are some supplies available, currently she does not have a lot of knitting supplies for the group, but would like if someone would donate supplies. She does teach beginners how to knit though, and mentions that knitting is not as hard to learn as some may think. Jaquette is currently teaching two students how to knit. One student is working on a baby cap for a new baby in the family. Jaquette said the students get really excited when they see a new craft, and often ask her to teach them how to make something specific, like a scarf or a hat. “It’s not all old people stuff anymore,” said Jaquette. “It’s an old fashioned craft that’s making a comeback.” Dana Lewis, a junior, attends the Sabbath Knitting group occasionally. Lewis started knitting four years ago. “Knitting is calming, well, most of the time,” said Lews. “Except frogging, which is taking out rows.” Lewis knit a Yarmulke in silver and navy for her father once. She said it was easy because it was so small. Right now she is working on a cardigan. “It’s very intricate- it’s got cables and bobbles, and that’s why I need help on that one,” said Lewis. Jaquette began knitting about three years ago. “I knit while I watch TV,” said Jaquette. Jaquette knits Easter baskets, toys and decorations, but hats are her favorite to knit. “We all like cool stuff, and a lot of people’s stuff can be recreated,” said Jaquette. She told a story about how she recreated a “Mohawk hat” that sold in stores for $50, but it cost her $25 to make. “You can save money and make something creative that you can keep,” said Jaquette. The Sabbath Knitting group allows students to take advantage of Salve’s Sabbath Time and use this time to be creative, relax and even learn a new craft.
