Gillian Feehan

Contributing Writer

I am affectionately known to my roommates as “the mod grandma.” Why is this, you ask? Well, this 22-year-old grandma loves to knit.

As we all know by now, the University often causes massive amounts of stress in our lives, especially during the dreaded midterms and finals weeks. From Monday to Friday, it seems like there is just not enough time in each day to cross off everything on our never-ending to-do lists. Everyone needs a way to unwind during their down-time, and I am not ashamed to admit that my favorite way to relax is by knitting.

Studies have shown that knitting is a great way to combat stress and can even lower your heart rate. I can justify my sometimes-excessive knitting by pointing out the health benefits, but I also simply enjoy the act of knitting itself. I can spend cold, winter days watching movies and knitting scarves, hats and ear warmers to prepare me for the freezing Lewisburg weather. Call me lame, but I love being able to match my scarves with my outfits. Knitting isn’t just limited to the winter season, either; my friends and I have also made knitted tote bags for the beach in the warmer months. Knitting is relaxing and creates practical items that anyone can use.

Hand-knit items also make excellent gifts for family and friends, largely during Christmastime. As an unemployed college student on a budget, it’s hard to afford the nice Christmas gifts that I would love to give all my family and friends. This Christmas, I learned I could be crafty and make plenty of gifts while staying within a budget. Hand-knit items may not be expensive, fancy gifts, but the time and effort put into them more than makes up for the inexpensiveness—and they’re fun gifts to make!

I may be known as a grandma to my friends (and now many readers of The Bucknellian), but knitting is an amazing way to relax and let out your inner-crafty side. Knitting allows me to unwind while still being productive. I know knitting is often associated with 80-year-old women in rocking chairs, but it is an activity that women and men (yes, men!) of all ages can enjoy. Seriously, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.