This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

From blankets to Sweaters: Knitting at Patricia's Yarns

Kate Rockland tries out a knitting class at Patricia's yarns.

After giving birth to my son back in January, I was longing for an activity I could do in Hoboken that would be just for my own self-discovery. I wanted to escape the thousands of diaper changes, bottle warming, and crying episodes. I loved my family, but I needed some release.

As someone who loves to hang around Empire coffee and Fourth Street in general (looking in the windows at Belle and Katrina, ogling the cupcakes at ) I frequently would run into Patricia, of . With a daughter just about a year older then my son, she would dispense wonderful parenting advice to me when I needed it most, just post-partum. I decided taking her Beginner’s Knitting class was just the ticket for some peace of mind.

After working out with my husband that he comes home by 6:30 on Tuesday nights, I began one of four sessions with Patricia. There were two other women in my class, and we were all beginners. I have to admit I had my doubts: as someone who failed Home Ec in High School (twice), I am not very nimble with my fingers. I was also worried and hiding a deep, dark secret; wool makes me sneeze.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Over the next four weeks we learned four basic stitches: Knit, Purl, Seed and Garter. We also learned increasing and decreasing, and casting on and binding off. We enjoyed showing one another our efforts, what we had completed during the week while we were away. I was able to pick out several pretty cotton yarns, which held my sneezing at bay. During class we’d chat about our lives, enjoying cupcakes and banter. The mood was light and fun, with the warm blonde floors of the store and bright colors of all the yarn on the shelves making for a beautiful and peaceful backdrop.

I learned one important thing: The act of knitting, looping yarn over and over your needles, is very relaxing. It also creates a relaxed atmosphere for women to talk to one another. I got a lot of advice for taking care of my son, who ended up coming to the class once when his dad couldn’t get out of work. Patricia’s small dog Riley is the mascot of the store, and my son fell in love with him, following him around the shop with his big blue eyes. Riley would sit near us, providing a warm, furry presence. He was also very non-judgmental when we would miss a few knits.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

On the last night of class, we picked out a project. Some of the options were hats, scarves, or blankets, which all three of us chose to make (Handmade baby blankets make great presents at showers).

Picking out the yarn I would use was a big decision. Should I play it safe with the oversized organic cotton, which was so thick the blanket would be finished sooner? Or go with my heart, and purchase the thin, multicolored wool that would make my blanket look like a designer Missoni dress? Reader, I chose the wool. Somehow, after being around it for the four classes, I was no longer allergic. And my blanket, which I get to work on between diapers and baths and making bottles, is looking fantastic.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?