Knitters at Grace UMC share common interest
By LINDA M. LINONIS
WARREN
They’re a close-knit group in more ways than one.
A shared interest brought the Thursday knitters at Grace United Methodist Church together and made them a family. The group meets weekly, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. into midafternoon at the church, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW.
Roberta Davis, a church member, coordinates the group she founded in 1984 after retiring as a home economics teacher in LaBrae Local School District. In retirement, she wanted to do something to occupy time, be creative and constructive. She decided to organize a knitting group at the church as an “outreach program.” News of the group spread by “word of mouth.”
A recent Thursday, 11 women sat around tables put together, working on various projects; the number of participants fluctuates. Some also participate in the Witty Knitters, which meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month from September to May at the church, and the prayer shawl ministry.
The Thursday knitters have knitted clothes for teddy bears, which were donated to Warren and Warren Township police departments.
“They’re given to children who have been in a traumatic experience,” Davis said.
Preemie hats, caps for kids, cancer hats and blankets are among projects that the knitters have done and continue to do as part of their charitable efforts.
Davis said a great-aunt who spent summers with her family taught her to knit. “I made my first sweater in high school,” she recalled, noting she couldn’t count the number of knitted items she has made. She was wearing a ruffled scarf she made that is popular now.
Davis said knitting is enjoying a renaissance now. “It keeps your mind active,” she said.
Pat Vargo, a former Warren-area resident, makes the drive from her home in Cuyahoga Falls because she likes the group and its conversation. “This a way to meet people with a common interest,” she said.
Some participants belong to Grace UMC; others are members elsewhere. They’re bonded by a love of knitting and enjoying one another’s company.
Lynn Marlin, a Grace member, said she believes a renewed interest in fiber arts has benefited knitting. She knits for family members and church projects. She said some 40 knitted and crocheted cancer caps are ready to be delivered. “It’s fun to see the creative process,” she said. She added that the knitting group “solves the world’s problems” and provides wonderful camaraderie. “I’ve met people I never would have,” she said.
In her third year with the group, Marcia Jenkins, a member of Braceville United Methodist Church, credited Davis as her knitting teacher. “I found out you’re never too old to learn something new,” she said as she worked on sweater for her granddaughter.
Marilyn Kegarise of Delightful Evangelical Congregational Church said the group is more than people who meet to knit. “We’ve shared laughs and tears. They’re dear to my heart.”
A member of Windham Hill United Church of Christ, Shirley Prindle has knitted for 40 years. “I like to make gifts,” she said.
Judy Toth, a knitter and quilter, was working on a shrug. She said the group has a family feel to it.
Joy Heins, a member of Bristol Christian Church, has participated for 11 years and thinks of the fellow knitters as her “extended family.”
She was working on a baby blanket to donate to a craft booth at a Relay for Life event.
Lois Kaye described knitting as “therapeutic” and something you can do while watching TV or conversing. She is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Elaine Mears, who was wearing a cowl she knitted, was working “in the round” making a sock using multiple needles. In this technique, the sock comes out as one piece and there is no sewing pieces together.
For information about the knitting group, which meets year -round, call the church at 330-395-5231.