About four years ago, NIU Internal Auditor Kathleen Clark had an idea while she was knitting at the Employee Assistance Program’s monthly grief group.

As Clark held the yarn and needles in her hands, she thought about how it would be a good idea to start a knitting group at NIU, because she believes knitting has a calming affect on people. After the meeting, Clark approached the two social workers and shortly after the Knitters & Crocheters group was formed.

The Employee Assistance Program sponsors the group, which has about five regular members. Knitters and Crocheters is open to students, faculty and staff of any experience level.

Clark said attendees work on individual projects, and usually bring their own supplies, but if someone is brand new to knitting or crocheting, members can help him or her get started with yarn, needles and crochet hooks. There are always enough supplies because people donate them when a relative dies or when they are trying to clean out their house, she said.

Clark said the two hobbies have become more popular among a younger generation with blogs and websites.

“It’s a very lively community in a lot of ways, online and in person,” Clark said. “It’s not something a person needs to do alone anymore because they can do it together with friends.”

Nancy Apperson, coordinator of the employee assistance program, attends the meetings because knitting is a relaxing hobby and experience for her.

“Knitting is something women have done for centuries to sort of calm down when life is stressful,” Apperson said. “Knitting is soothing when you have lots going on, because it occupies your mind.”