Princeton Weekly Bulletin March 8, 1999
Students knit hats for the homeless
"You're relaxing, doing it in your own time, and still giving something to the community"
By Caroline Moseley
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Seniors Katherine Lee (l) and Erica Just |
And, thanks to a cooperative town-gown endeavor, pursuit of the venerable craft is benefitting the wider community.
Hats for the Homeless, a social action project of the Student Volunteers Council, has this semester produced 75 woolly hats for the Arts Council of Princeton to distribute among area homeless children, according to project leader Erica Just '99.
Knitters meet in the SVC lounge in Murray-Dodge Hall every Wednesday evening at 10:00 p.m. In addition to the Wednesday sessions, many knitters turn out hats on their own time. The total knitting force, says co-leader Katherine Lee '99, is about "40 active participants."
Just, who has been "an avid knitter for years," passed on her expertise to former roommate Lee; both now teach the novice knitters and give encouragement to the more experienced members of their group. Also wielding a practiced needle is Jinyoung Choi '02, who will be project leader when Just and Lee graduate.
Hats help more individuals
Why hats, rather than scarfs or mittens? "You lose most of your body heat through your head," points out Just. In addition, "A hat takes less yarn than a scarf, so we can help more individuals."
The Princeton knitters generally use "worsted weight yarn, which is a medium weight, and size eight round needles." Beginners are taught on straight needles "because it's easier to cast on," but when it's hat time, they progress to the round needles. "As the hat decreases in circumference to fit the head," says Lee, "we switch to four double-pointed size eight needles -- it looks like four chopsticks sticking out of the hat." And when the hat is done, adds Just, "You pull out the needles, tie off the yarn, and put on a pom-pom or tassel."
Hats for the Homeless is partially supported by SVC. It also receives "generous support," according to Lee, from the Arts Council of Princeton, which hosts a biweekly after-school arts program for area homeless children at its headquarters on Witherspoon Street; it is through the Arts Council that the hats are transmitted to their future wearers. In addition, says Lee, "Woolworks at Terhune Orchards gives us great discounts on needles." Many individuals on and off campus contribute wool to the knitters. Color doesn't matter, says Just. "In fact, we like leftovers, because they make up into such colorful hats."
The appeal of knitting is strong, says Just. "Everyone at Princeton is doing such theoretical things that producing something tangible is very satisfying." Also, points out Lee, "It's easy to learn. In half an hour you've done an inch or two."
The project appeals to many students who "may not have a large block of time to give to service, like every Saturday morning," says Just. "With Hats for the Homeless, you're relaxing, doing it in your own time, and still giving something to the community."
Anne Reeves, executive director of the Arts Council, notes that some of the hats also go to WomanSpace, an area women's shelter. "We're so appreciative of what these students are doing," she says. "They're an inspiration to us all."
If you are a knitter, a would-be knitter, or would like to contribute wool (any color, any weight), call Just at 258-7549 or Lee at 258-7126.