I geek Knitting

For those unfamiliar with the craft it is known as something only “old ladies” do. However, those who knit know that most older people knit because during the two world wars, those not old enough to serve were asked to do their part by knitting socks for soldiers overseas. The rich history of knitting and much more is in the book Knitting America by Susan Strawn. Today, knitting is done by folks of all ages and genders, including boys and girls in grade school. In any case, gone are the days of knitting being done by grandma and in comes a fresh, new generation of knitters.

People unknowing of the craft frequently confuse knitting with its cousin, crochet. While I do not crochet, I believe you can distinctly identify the two by the number of sticks being held by the crafter. If there is one stick, it’s crochet. Two or more sticks? That’s knitting.


I learned to knit in college. My political science professor gave each student a copy of the school paper and asked us to read the editorial. On the front page was an article covering the university’s newest club, the knit and crochet club. I was curious and showed up with my knitting needles and yarn and asked them to teach me. After learning to knit, I began taking my knitting to other classes. This is where I slowly trained myself to knit without looking at what I was doing, a skill that I now use when at the movie theatre. Not just during the previews, but during the movie itself my eyes are glued to the screen while my hands are busy working on a scarf or another project.

Knitters are like Mac users. When one person sees another, they flock together and before you know it, the group doubles in size; and even though these people may have just met, they are already the best of friends through their passion for knitting. Knitters are also known for taking their craft with them. If your project fits in a bag, why not?

If you don’t knit, but have always wanted to learn, check out the Village Yarn Shop right here in Zionsville. They welcome guests who both knit and crochet. Don’t be surprised if it seems more like a petting zoo… crafters love to feel the differences between yarns. If you are too busy to get out, you can always share your passion for knitting on Ravelry, a free online site for knitters and crocheters.

I could go on and on about my love of knitting. If you ever want to celebrate strides in knitting or crocheting, please bring your project to the library and ask for the teen librarian. I would love to see what you are working on.

Teens Geek Chocolate

Christmas. Valentine’s Day. Easter. Three holidays known for chocolate and we are currently in the midst of the three. With chocolate being the center of attention at any home, we are making it the center of attention at the library. Teens in grades 6-12 and college students are invited to participate in our barrage of chocolate for the month of February. On Wednesday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m. we’ll make Chocolate Sculptures using chocolate fondant. On Monday, February 20 (a no-school day) at 1:00 p.m. we’ll do a Chocolate Tasting. Featuring four kinds of milk chocolate and four kinds of dark chocolate. We’ll compare several popular American brands of milk chocolate and also try some of those brands in dark chocolate. Hey, it’s free chocolate and if you’re at home on a no-school day you might have to clean your room, so you might as well come to the library and enjoy (I will say it again) FREE CHOCOLATE! If this isn’t enough chocolaty fun, all month long you’re invited to grab an entry form and participate in our “Guess the Candy Bar Contest.” All you have to do is correctly identify the most candy bars based on a cross-cut photo of them. It’s harder than it sounds.

Oh, and I’m fully aware that mom wants to come to the chocolate tasting. Here’s what you tell her: “Sorry, it’s just for teens, but we could make a chocolate cake or something.” And the next time you come to the library, check out some chocolate cookbooks, such as Bittersweet by Alice Medrich and I Want Chocolate! by Trish Deseine. It will be fun to cook with mom, plus, the end result is… chocolate.

I Geek Hobbits

I don't personally geek Hobbits, but I found someone who does. His name is Buck and when he is not being incredibly passionate about Hobbits, he is playing sports, playing with his son, or working as an attorney. When I asked Buck why he geeks Hobbits, this is what he had to say.

"At the beginning of seventh grade, I was very much a Hobbit without knowing it: short, curly-haired and fond of going barefoot and eating five meals a day. A friend suggested that I read J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” over Thanksgiving break and I only surfaced from Middle Earth long enough to eat a turkey dinner. I returned to Middle Earth that Christmas break, reading “The Lord of Rings.” I’ve reread both books dozens of times since. The impact of Tolkien’s writing on my life can’t be understated. All of my favorite things, from hiking and camping to foreign travel to my college degree in history to sword fighting all derive inspiration from his works. However, the most lasting impact comes from the Professor’s (it’s what we Hobbit-geeks call Tolkien) love of languages. I’m studying Chinese, my sixth language, thanks to a spark kindled by the Elvish languages I encountered in the books."

So there you have it. One man and his passion for Hobbits. If you share Buck's passion or are a fan of all things Middle Earth, you should join us at the Library for Baggins' Birthday Bash. It is none other than September 22, the birthday of both Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. Hurry! Seating is limited and registration is required.