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| One-for-knit and knit-for-all at Knit Together By Ofelia Saenz, Signal Tribune staff writer
Gill, who first learned to knit at age 12, became interested in the hobby again 20 years ago. However, things got serious 10 years ago. A severe car accident left Gill with the need to occupy both her time and her hands. Her knitting needles became the wings of her saving grace. While recuperating, Gill focused all her energies into tackling complex patterns and allowed the meditative effects of the task to consume her concentration. By the time Gill became well, she had a new passion and a budding profession. This month Gill opened Knit Together. To help inspire her students, Gill morphed a drab little office space into a hospitable gathering place. Elegant curtains camouflage any telltale signs of a business, and the walls of the cozy room are decorated with some of Gill's creations. Class sizes at Knit Together will vary, but Gill intends to keep the number of students to no more than 10 per group. However, since the business has had its doors open less than a month, beginning students and advanced students looking to learn a particularly difficult project are currently benefiting from some very personalized instruction. The classes are designed for all ages and levels, and Gill points out how children appreciate the ability to watch their skills develop at a rapid rate. "Kids learn at the same pace as adults," says Gill. "There's so much gratification from being able to create something, a lot of positives for personality development." Sheri Douds, a social worker at Hughes Middle School and a student of Gill's, agrees. Douds has observed how learning to knit impacts children with behavioral problems. The skill, according to Douds, teaches kids concentration, encourages self-expression and creativity and, most importantly, gives them a sense of pride. "It's just amazing," says Douds, "to see the effect on their self-esteem." Gill also believes children battling Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) stand to benefit from the knitting process. She says, "It's wonderful for ADD kids because it occupies their mind and it's a calculated thing." Gill prides herself on her ability to explain complicated techniques and make them easy to understand and do. Even those facing mental or physical challenges can knit. "I have yet to come across somebody who can't do this if they really have the desire," says Gill. "It may be harder for some, but everyone is able." Whether it's socks or a baby's hat, a stylish wrap or a whimsical felted purse, Knit Together offers fun and enrichment for one and all. Knit Together is located at 4320 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 133, in Bixby Knolls. For more information, call (562) 595-4020. |
Until recently, the idea of knitting was likely to conjure up images of matronly grandmothers toiling over intricate patterns. But Norene Gill, owner of Knit Together, knows better. She can name more than a few reasons to explain why young and old are discovering, or rediscovering, the benefits of this inexpensive and rewarding pastime.