Mississippi State Universitys Mitchell Memorial Library hosts technical skills workshops throughout the year inside the Digital Media Centers makerspace, one of which is a knitting workshop.

The last workshop was taught by Teri Robinson, an assistant professor in the Office of Thesis and Dissertation Formatting, and Caree Sisson, Technology Specialist for the Digital Media Center. Attendees were instructed in basic knitting skills, such as how to make a garter stitch, and practiced using skeins of yarn and 3D-printed knitting needles. Attendees got to take home their yarn and needles at the end of the workshop.

Sisson acknowledged the 3D-printed practice needles were not high quality, but she added that their lower cost, compared to metal needles, is beneficial for the library and the students.

It allows people to have something to take home and practice with. We want to provide patrons with materials instead of having to keep them here, Sisson said.

Robinson, who has been knitting for over 10 years, said she hoped those who attended the workshop gained an appreciation for the art.

Knitting is considered an old lady hobby, but theres a lot more to it than most people expect," Robinson said.

This is the first workshop Robinson has taught on knitting, but she said she would teach more if asked.

Robinson noted the positive benefits community members could find in knitting.

If you can learn some of the basic techniques, then it opens up a whole new world of creativity for you, Robinson said.

Sisson said she has been crocheting for almost 10 years, but she has only been knitting for three weeks.

Its really difficult, so I might not keep it up. I have a lot of crochet projects I would like to do, Sisson said.

Sisson has also taught a crocheting workshop for the Digital Media Center. These workshops are part of a larger effort by Sisson to promote the Makers Space.

Weve had a crochet workshop, a knitting workshop, a decal workshop and were having a Christmas t-shirt workshop in December, Sisson said.We want to give students access to things they might not otherwise have access to.

Sisson hopes to expand the workshops further by collaborating with student groups and offering tutorials on more advanced techniques.

I spoke with the fiber arts club about possibly working together, Sisson said. We hope having more teachers will allow us to offer more workshops at more levels beyond beginner.

Sisson also said she hopes to create more informal knitting events where students can collaborate and share knowledge.

Its helpful to have other people as resources, Sisson said. If someone knows how to do a stitch I dont, I can just ask.

Sisson also said students can set up individual appointments if they would like to continue developing skills from a workshop or if they missed a workshop but still want to learn.

Laura Terry, workshop attendee and staff member within the forestry department, has been knitting for seven years but found the workshop to be a helpful confirmation of her knowledge.

Im mostly self-taught and dont practice much, so I wanted to make sure I hadnt made something up about how to knit, Terry said.

Terry described the workshop as an affirming experience.

I was struggling, but I could see other people struggling too, Terry said. It helped me remind myself that its okay to not totally get it.

Terry said attending the workshop has inspired her to continue with knitting as well as start new projects.

Im making a scarf for my girlfriend which I hope to have done by December, Terry said. Im thinking about setting up a one-on-one appointment to find some direction on starting other projects.

Terry said she hoped to go to future workshops.

I think it was a great experience, Terry said. Ive even had coworkers ask about it to see if theyd like to do it, too.

Mitchell Memorial Library offers workshops for academic and extracurricular topics. Details on upcoming workshops can be found on the MSU events calendar as well as the Mitchell Memorial Library website. Students interested in setting up one-on-one lessons in knitting or crocheting can email the Digital Media Center at dmc@library.msstate.edu.

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Students stitch in style in MSU library's makerspace - The Reflector online