Using a decades-old craft, two Penn State students want to unite artisans and give back to the community through their new club: the Nittany Knitters.

Janis Hansell (junior-biology) said she looked on the Internet and didn't find a crafts-oriented club at Penn State.

"We started the club so people could learn to knit, exchange patterns and learn new stitches," Hansell said.

For $10 dues, members will receive a beginner's kit with needles and yarn. Because the club is still forming, the founders have not chosen a meeting location but would like to work on projects twice a week.

"We want to do some community service," Hansell said. "I'd like to knit caps for preemies at the hospital and auction off afghans for charity."

Dan Trout (junior-journalism and history) and Hansell met in a martial arts club and did not like its demanding, strict atmosphere.

"I didn't enjoy it," Trout said. "We want to provide a more relaxed setting and get away from the confined structure that other clubs have."

The club, which had its first meeting Saturday, is for both new and experienced knitters.

Trout said he had never knitted until this year.

"The biggest project I've completed is a square," he said.

However, Hansell possesses more knitting experience and has completed several scarves and afghans.

"The afghan took about a year but would've only taken several months if I devoted more time to it," she said.

Some students who came said they joined the club to learn how to knit.

"I don't know how to knit, but it seems like it'd be fun to do and useful," Caitlin Griffin (sophomore-human development and family studies) said.

Tara Saunders (sophomore-history and comparative literature) said she had hoped someone would start a crafts club.

"I'm kind of a crafts dork," Saunders said. "I'm interested in sewing and other fiber and textile stuff. I just started knitting, but I figured this was a good opportunity to learn."

Other students said they started knitting as kids and found the craft relaxing and fun.

Elizabeth Baer (sophomore-graphic design) said she liked using wire to make knitted bracelets.

"I started knitting when I was 10. My mom and I learned from a book. It was kind of a special thing," Baer said. "I'm looking forward to teaching other people to knit."

The best part of knitting is the useful projects, Trout said.

"It's rewarding to see a completed project after all the hours you put into it," he said.