Women in America have been knitting together since, well, since before there was an America. During the Revolutionary War, women came together to knit wool stockings for the soldiers to help get them through the harsh, cold winters. In the early 1800s, abolitionists knit caps and shawls they then sold at anti-slavery fairs. During both World Wars, when textiles were less available, women met in one another’s homes to make and repair clothes by hand. And, you may remember, in the months leading up to the Women’s March on January 21, 2017, knitting groups popped up across the country. (Think pink pussy hats.)

Common threads that weave through all these knitting groups are community, connection and conversation. This is true for the Pasadena Village Knitters and Kibitzers as well.

Kibitzer, a Yiddish word meaning someone who chats in a friendly, informal way, defines this group to a tee. Sure, there are times when everyone is heads down, silently concentrating on their projects. Then someone shares some bit of news. At one recent meeting, the conversation flowed easily from a volunteer project Sharon Wolcott is working on for the Village, to the problem of low birth rates in South Korea, to recent and upcoming travel plans.

On the other hand, the word Knitters in the name is a bit of a misnomer. At one recent meeting, Sharon Wolcott was knitting a throw for her friend MaryJo. “I have been promising to knit a throw for her for years and decided now was the time. We’ve been friends for more than 60 years,” she says.

Karen Gross was knitting alien creatures for her two grandchildren, and I was knitting a baby blanket for a friend’s newborn. But the cool thing is, not everyone knits. At this particular meeting, Claire Gorfinkel was embroidering onesies for a newborn. Barbara Madden was crocheting a scarf. And when BJ Ledyard comes, it’s to bead.

These knitters and crafters couldn’t have found a warmer or more welcoming setting for their twice-a-month meetings than Karen Gross’s living room. It’s hard to eat and knit at the same time, but Karen’s hospitality extends to a platter of delicious cookies that are almost impossible to say no to.

In addition to the camaraderie, these women can give a number of reasons why they enjoy getting together as a group. “Knitting together is a very comfortable feeling,” says one knitter. “Knitting is very calming, very meditative,” says another. “This group gave me permission to knit. I wouldn’t do it at home alone,” adds a third.

AN OPEN INVITATION TO VILLAGERS:

Any Villager who is, once was, or would like to become a knitter (or other crafter) is welcome to join this group. Reach out to Karen Gross, for more information. And no worry if you decide it’s not your cup of tea. No one will object if you come for the knitting and stay for the cookies.

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