When Kathy Keyes first started teaching knitting classes, she did not think that anyone would be interested.

The response turned out to be overwhelming.

Keyes, public relations coordinator at the DeKalb Public Library, said she had to expand classes and even turn some away.

Sign-ups began in late December and classes are already filled. Keyes has two classes, a beginner and intermediate class, with 17 students altogether.

The intermediates will make mittens, while beginners will work on the basic skills of knitting.

For each class, Keyes said she does not accept more than 10 students because that is the amount she’s comfortable teaching.

The amount of students for her intermediate class is even lower because she spends more one-on-one time with each student.

Keyes originally started crochet lessons in 2004 then decided to switch to knitting.

To Keyes, knitting is something that is amazing to her.

“It is absoluty exciting being able to make something out of string,” Keyes said.

For students who take the knitting class, Keyes said they feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

When it comes to knitting, there are benefits as well.

“It gives people patience,” she said.

When waiting for the doctors or dentists, if they have their knitting they don’t have a problem waiting because they can knit, Keyes added.

Also, opposed to buying items, students can take pride in what they make, Keyes said.

The DeKalb Public Library has yet to make any plans for another set of classes.