The COVID-19 pandemic changed all of our lives in so many ways, notably during lockdowns.
For many people across the world, knitting turned out to be a way to ease anxiety, keep busy and feel a sense of achievement.
Knitting courses and clubs became very popular via Zoom and while much of society is returning to in-person activities, the online option remains very popular. The Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library is embracing this activity. A Virtual Knitting Sweater Club with Arlene Lund will take place every second Thursday, online via Zoom, from 3 pm to 4:30 pm, beginning September 15. There are six sessions planned (Sept. 29, Oct 13, 27 and Nov. 10 and 24). It is free for library members, but advance registration is required. You must bring your own materials to the Zoom experience.
Participants will knit their own sweater (see the examples pictured in this article) over the course of this series, with tips and tricks from established knitter Lund about all things related to successful sweater knitting.
“Everyone will be working on a sweater of their own choosing,” Lund explains. “If making an adult sweater seems too daunting, they can choose a child's sweater or a vest.”
Each session will start with Lund presenting a sweater related topic and then she will go around the group and see everyone's progress on their sweater and hear about any difficulties, challenges or successes they have had since the previous session. Since this will all be done via Zoom, members will need to be able to turn their camera on for when they are showing their work. They do not have to do so the entire time if they don't wish to.”
Lund notes that this club is intended for people who are already knitters. She has given several knitting lectures/presentations in Westmount and in Côte Saint-Luc virtually. “These were lots of fun and well attended,” she says,
There are lots of positives related to the Côte Saint-Luc Knitting Sweater Club proceeding online this fall. “It is accessible for everyone and in all weather,” Lund emphasizes. “The visuals are actually better because when holding something up for others to view everyone can see it, instead of passing it around the room. Some of the members may have hearing difficulties and the online format is better for them. As well, there is no background noise with the ability to mute everyone while each person is taking their turn to speak. All in all it really works well!”
A 2013 study published by the British Journal of Occupational Therapy found that knitting confers the well-being of those who engage in the hobby. The responses from 3,545 knitters worldwide showed a significant relationship between knitting frequency and feelings of calm and happiness. Lund concurs. She has certainly met many people who are new to knitting over the last three years and others who have resumed the hobby. Indeed she looks forward an interesting fall session of the the Côte Saint-Luc Knitting Sweater Club
To register go to https://csllibrary.libcal.com/event/3690864. You can also e-mail reference@cotesaintluc.org or call 514-485-6900 ext 3.
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