Albert Campbell District Blog

We'll soon be celebrating the second anniversary of Kennedy/Eglinton's "Tuesday Night Knitting Circle".  It's composed of a motley crew of (mostly) ladies of a certain age who (mostly) knit and tell the (mostly) most mischievous stories!

The group had a very community-type beginning. In 2010 a neighbourhood grade 7 teacher gave her class an assignment  to "knit scarves for the homeless".  Our library regulars soon bombarded the staff with pleas of "teach me, teach me how to knit." 

One of the things the library is really good at is connecting demand and supply.  We may not know everything there is to know, but we can certainly guide you in the appropriate direction on your quest for knowledge and enlightenment.  A few skilful seniors from the Don Montgomery Community Centre Seniors Group volunteered to run a one-day "knitting bootcamp".

Seniors, staff and youth knit together, and everyone had so much fun that they asked to come back.

The group has grown to include elementary school students

(sometimes), newcomers, and those who didn't know one end of a knitting needle from the other.

The group kept in touch with that grade 7 class. Several students knitted their scarves with the group. When the project was finished the Circle made a healthy donation on behalf of the class to an organization which assists the needy. They supplemented the donation with several of their own warm and cozy creations.

Of late they've made a large donation of baby and child goods to a homeless shelter

 
This group of dedicated and talented knitters keep ideas flowing and share experiences as they work on their projects.They discuss future projects and consider possibilities for new connections with agencies who serve people in need. 

Getting started is easy:  new knitters overcome their fear by creating "The Introductory Project".

This simple doll is good practice.  Tangible results of your efforts in a short period of time.  Of course, the experienced ones in the group always give good feedback. And our little cabal of dolls is growing! The dolls seem to reflect the personalities of their creators.  (If this means anything,the branch head's doll is still not – and may never be – complete.)

You may ask about books.  Many good projects have come from library materials, and more than one knitting session has been full of discussion about this mystery, that author, who's writing what these days and more.  Many good reads have been shared around the table. But that's the subject of another blog entirely.

If you're in the neighbourhood on a Tuesday night, drop in and join our group.  Even if just for an hour.  You will learn something new, get a few good reading suggestions, and maybe develop a new network or two. It's an easy way to make a rewarding and positive difference in your community.

We're waiting for you!