Connolly owns Stitch D.C. She teaches people to knit, crochet, quilt and make lace in classes at the Barracks Row store on Capitol Hill.
How did you get started knitting?
My mom taught me when I was 9 or so, and Girl Scouts reinforced that.
Why do you think knitting is becoming more popular?
It’s a return to home, a return to quieter times, where you can do something that is meditative and also productive. You can relax while you’re doing it, but at the end of your time you can have something to give or wear yourself. You can do it on downtime. Start watching on the Metro — you’ll see people knitting on the Metro.
Just how popular is knitting these days?
We just did a special deal on our classes. We had over 300 people sign up for our “Learn to Knit” classes in two days.
What kind of age group are you seeing being interested in knitting?
Our base ranges from 8-year-olds to 88-year-olds. … But most of them are in their mid-20s to mid-40s.
Is it all women, or are men involved?
No, lots of men are involved. We have a whole men’s group that comes and knits on Wednesdays.
What kinds of things do people make?
People make a lot of things for babies. Baby blankets are one of our big sellers. … People knit socks, scarves — everyone needs a new scarf — hats.
What’s the most unique thing you’ve ever made with fiber?
Right now we’re doing pieces for the coral reef exhibit that’s going to be at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. So we’ve been teaching people to knit … shapes that mimic the shape of coral in nature. … The exhibit will be at the [museum] from September to July.
– Liz Essley
