Every student at CHS has a hobby, whether it’s collecting things, playing a sport or playing an instrument. However, sophomore Anand Viswanathan, a student in the autism program, has managed to turn his hobby of knitting into a business.

According to Anand’s mother, Usha Viswanathan, Anand was able to learn knitting because it is so repetitive. Anand’s tutor taught him how to knit as a way to keep busy and focused.

“Originally, knitting was to be a break or [a way to] calm down,” CHS autism program teacher Coleman Hall said. “But he keeps getting better and better and can do it fairly independently.”

Anand’s tutor, Hope Aryaee, taught Anand how to knit a little over two years ago. When Aryaee saw Anand was able to tie his shoes, she decided to teach him how to make simple knots without using the knitting tools.

“It took a long time before he used equipment,” Aryaee said. “[He] learned little by little.”

Anand also learned to sew and he can sew on buttons and do minor alterations. According to Aryaee, sewing helped him “understand the relation between thread and a needle.”

Using basic tools, Anand was able to learn to knit. He is now able to use both knitting needles and looms. Aryaee hopes that soon Anand will be able to crochet, which is more complicated than knitting.

Last year, Anand knit hats and scarves for his teachers for the holidays. The teachers and students wanted more of his products, so Anand decided to start selling his things.

“[Anand’s] tutor and parents wanted him to have a sense of pride and accomplishment,” Hall said.

Anand can knit shawls, ponchos, hats and scarves. He is learning how to knit small purses and Christmas ornaments.

“I anticipate him learning to knit many different things,” Aryaee said.

According to Aryaee, Anand’s favorite thing to knit is hats. Making hats involves folding and sewing, both of which Anand enjoys.

When somebody is interested in purchasing a product from Anand, they tell Aryaee what they want. Aryaee will pick out the yarn with Anand and he will then knit the product.

“Anand is very quick,” Aryaee said. “He can make a scarf and hat in six days.”

On weekdays, Anand spends about an hour knitting and on weekends he spends up to six hours knitting. However, his family and tutor ensure that he still spends time on his education and other hobbies.

“We keep balance and budget time,” Aryaee said. “[Anand] has a very involved life.”

Currently, Anand sells his product to family and friends, but his family is working on a website to advertise his products.

“Eventually I want everyone in the world to know about his abilities,” Aryaee said.

Students interested in purchasing Anand’s products can visit him in the autism program room, across from the cafeteria, at the end of the school day.