'Knitting Behind Bars' Helps Inmates Cope

Wow what do you think about hardened criminals serving time behind bars you probably don't think about -- it. But -- want president Marilyn to determined retirees are turning dozens of convicts into... See More

Wow what do you think about hardened criminals serving time behind bars you probably don't think about -- it. But -- want president Marilyn to determined retirees are turning dozens of convicts into -- -- with the help of yarn needles. And the zen of the stitch here's ABC's TJ -- -- wire fences watchman -- Group of men with felony convictions -- because that category -- so possession. Putting criminals back. This is no white collar country club. -- -- four. Kidnapping attempted murder book listen a little closer that had been and you realize there's more here than meets the guy -- that a small head fourteen years. That's softer side appears every Thursday around -- With two unusual visitors to the pre release unit in Jessup Maryland. -- wind swirling in Sheila Robles that. You wanted to give knitting needles -- hardened criminals is that a good idea. Rob man to have picked up knitting needles and walked through that door to -- c'mon let me teach you -- -- net. -- -- Terry respond to being top and that they've already shown themselves as being open people people that want more. Would male inmates have any interest in a hobby traditionally reserved for women. -- -- Rapper and Ireland women Sheila still remember the department of corrections in initial response time. What men want an -- -- they want to net I just won't anyone admit you like it right there. Nearly three years later and believes in their knitting behind bars volunteers. -- taught more than 100 prisoners to -- while dozens remain on a waiting list. Some of the inmates have even skipped dinner to make class. I feel -- -- the yield peace in my own. It doesn't do you peace and I think you were imprisoned some of the focus on her own mind. Only Procter compares -- to hanging out at a coffee house in his leg -- -- -- books without the -- we. Just don't just show them. And John day did you get your way from non -- utilized. They're going to be people that we'll see this story and might feel like we should do hard time in. You know going to a knitting class. Might not sort of -- their idea of what serving a jail sentence should be it would say that I don't something constructive -- not to be doing a lot of work. Beyond this -- you not that we. -- not. Been offended me. That's he's become -- -- -- Felicia Stratton and on -- then. -- Sheila give all the men up five minute knitting lessons she swears she can teach anyone. Into the front door there I have one of the guys put meat through the paces and the front door -- in the front order grassy yards for me you have to set yes. And you go I did -- yeah. Everything they needed goes to charitable causes like these happens for students at troubled inner city schools. You know we get out of the wrongs of society so our businesses -- way given back do you think you continuing when you when you get out. I don't know they're -- in the house -- humble it might do about thirty -- -- -- say they've seen their students change. For the better these guys are getting out. They can't go one day from doing hard time to the next -- -- on the street they have to make transitions. For Nightline I'm TJ Winick in Jessup Maryland.