Rachel Davidson knits her way to the county fair
Staff reporter
The 4-H program promotes "hands on" learning and encourages the pursuit of creating projects as individual as the 4-Her.
Sometimes individuality means choosing a project that isn't as popular as others.
Rachel Davidson likes to knit. A member of Happy Hustler's 4-H Club, she has been enrolled in knitting for 10 years, and has been a 4-H club member for 11 years.
"My mom taught me how to knit," Rachel said. "My sister (Sarah) took the project, so I did, too."
However, not everyone is as interested in knitting as the Davidson sisters.
As far as back as Rachel can remember, she and her sister have been the only ones in the county who were enrolled in knitting.
"I've taught two of my friends how to knit," said Rachel, "but I'd like to teach others, especially younger kids."
She thinks if others would take the time to learn the craft, they might enjoy it as much as she does.
Rachel has made numerous projects for her family.
"I've made 20 different kinds of dish cloths," Rachel said. The dish cloths have unique shapes, some resembling articles of clothing.
She's also made scarves, baby ponchos, and other items.
"A baby poncho went to a cousin in Seattle," said Rachel.
A man's sweater is her current project that she is trying to complete in time for the Marion County Fair, which begins today (Wednesday).
This particular project has been her biggest challenge thus far.
"I've been working on it for seven months," said Rachel. She said she'll be glad when it's finished and will probably take a little break from knitting for a while.
She plans to exhibit other knitting projects at this year's county fair.
Rachel has had success with her knitting project — advancing to the state fair numerous times.
Knitting is a craft that takes time to perfect.
"I was told to always finish a row before setting down the needles," said Rachel. "Otherwise the stitches will have different tightness."
The Marion High School senior plans to continue doing knitting projects after her 4-H days have ended.
Despite fads that come and go, Davidson figures knitting is one craft that will always be in style.
