Knitting Together in Fellowship

To an observer, it would seem that this large group of people was completely zoning out the woman reading from the Bible. Heads are bowed, concentrating their eyes on their fingers and yarn. They are in a circle, but not focused on each other. In a moment of silence, all you hear is the metallic clickety-clack of knitting needles.

Yet Julie Haushalter knows this group of students is listening to the story she is reading. Their eyes might be focusing on what their hands are doing, but their minds are keenly aware of what is being read. Even when contributing to the conversation, few people even look up from their work. For them, knitting is something that demands their visual attention, but leaves their minds wide open.

Knitting is just one part of the Monday night meetings in Northlawn’s lounge. Over the next few months, Kate Nussbaum, Claudia Winter, and Haushalter will be leading Bible studies on the book of Ruth. “We were inspired by her story and the energy behind it,” said Nussbaum, a senior.

“It’s more of a narrative about God’s redeeming work,” explained Haushalter, who is one of the campus pastors. “In this story the events are very ‘knit’ together.”

Nussbaum’s interest in knitting began at the age of 12, when she learned from her younger sister. “My sister had learned how to knit from her mentor at church, and then she taught me,” Nussbaum explained. “It was kind of strange learning something from my younger sister!”

Her sister was an inspiration in more ways than one, and she challenged Nussbaum to try new and more difficult patterns, like socks. “I’ve made about 10 pairs,” she said, smiling. “I like making socks as gifts because then it’s like I’m walking with them.”

Creating something while gathering together is important. Some even believe knitting helps improve one’s concentration. “I hear of people asking their professors if they can knit in class,” said Haushalter. “I think you listen more deeply and in a different way.”

The idea for a Bible study came to fruition during talks with her mentors. Haushalter and Winter had the desire to learn, and Nussbaum had the know-how. “It sort of became a mutual mentor relationship,” said Nussbaum.

“Kate has carried with her this passion for knitting,” said Haushalter. The goal then became a providing a time and a place to combine art and faith, and open it up to the campus.

But the Bible studies did not start right off the bat. The first two sessions were for knitting instruction since many of the newcomers did not know how to knit.

Nussbaum stresses that this is not just for females: “Of course we realize that more women will be interested in this than men, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t invited!”

“We really liked Psalm 39, where it talks about us being knit together in our mother’s womb,” explained Nussbaum. “When you knit, you create something unique and intricate, just as we are unique and intricate.”

The first Bible study began on February 1, and continues every other Monday for the rest of the semester. One chapter of Ruth will be covered every meeting and will be ending on March 29.

Bethany Miller regularly attends the Knitting Bible Study.