Advancing in a hobby or learning a new one has become the way many people are coping with pandemic anxiety. Knitting is at the top of the list. According to the Craft Yarn Council, over 53 million Americans are knitting, and yarn sales are booming. Depending on your skill level, when you know how to knit, you open up a whole world of creative fashion for yourself and gift making for others.

Lori Hyde-Galati, owner of YarnDezvous at 495 Cedar Lane in Teaneck, said she has customers of all ages, some who are returning to knitting and many who are beginning to learn. People are knitting sweaters, hats, scarves, shawls and baby blankets to relieve stress creatively, and master a skill that is both relaxing and productive. “People like making a garment that will match their own fashion sense,” she said.

YarnDezvous carries a full line of knitting and crochet yarn from all over the world. Lori reserves mornings for appointments with people who want guidance to shop or help with a project. She also gives one-hour classes by appointment. Purchases can be delivered or picked up curbside. She doesn’t have the time to knit herself now, but she works on other people’s projects doing finishing and repairs.

Knitting starts with choosing a pattern, and then the yarn and needle. Yarn comes in different fibers, textures and weights, and must be used with the correct size needle for the yarn. The easiest garment for beginners is a hat or scarf, Lori advised. You should be able to make either one after taking two one-hour classes. YarnDezvous has many patterns for beanies that can be made with yarns of different fiber content and weight.

Lori will make recommendations for customers who want advice, based on the pattern they chose. “In this region, black and gray is always popular,” she said, “But if the pattern calls for detailed and intricate stitches, we won’t encourage black—the stitches won’t show as well.” She has samples of garments in the store to give customers inspiration. To get creative juices flowing, or find patterns to purchase, Lori recommends looking at Pinterest, the websites for yarn companies like Cascade and interest groups such as www.Ravelry.com.

By Bracha Schwartz

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