In the Loop, October 2021
Happy Halloween from CKC!
CKC Board member, Suzann Thompson, added these crocheted doilies to her haunted Halloween decor. Learn more about the black, orange and yellow doily in CKC’s Crowdsourced Collection.
Project Knitwell, founded by Carol Caparosa in 2010, provides a proven wellness tool that helps people cope with stressful situations in hospital and community settings. Carol Caparosa’s personal experiences of caring for a very sick child inspired her vision of providing knitting and crochet instruction to patients, families, and medical staff. Today Project Knitwell continues to expand its activities to those in need.
Afghan refugees find comfort and community through Project Knitwell
In cooperation with the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington in Virginia – a refugee resettlement agency – Project Knitwell volunteers started providing knitting and crochet instruction and a sense of community for Afghan women and their families entering the US as Special Immigrant Visa holders starting in June 2021. Project Knitwell coordinates a bimonthly in-person knitting group for these women that offers them opportunities to meet and support each other and to learn new skills that counteract the stress and tension of dislocation and relocation and promote creativity, relaxation, and self-care.
During the pandemic, Project Knitwell also developed two virtual programs – “Knitwell in the Cloud “ (one-on-one knitting instruction using Zoom) and “k2tog” ( a bi-monthly virtual knitting group) that are now reaching those in need throughout the country.
You can donate to Project Knitwell to support these programs, or you can contact Project Knitwell for more information about how to volunteer or to set up a similar refugee support program in your area.
Membership Corner
Just a few reminders!
We need you! CKC members can volunteer on various committees. Not sure what you want to do but would like to help CKC? Contact Marina Scott, CKC Membership Chair, for more information and to learn about opportunities.
Searching for a holiday or birthday gift? How about a CKC Membership? Click here to buy a membership for a friend or loved one!
Is your CKC Membership about to expire? Click here to renew!
Thank you for being an important part of CKC!
More Zoom Meet-Ups Scheduled!
We love getting to know you! Please join our two upcoming Zoom Meet-Ups to get to know your fellow CKC members, relax, and enjoy some time to work on holiday projects. Open to all current CKC Members.
Please bring and share your vintage-inspired projects, your WIPs, and any items you are making for holiday gift-giving!
Save the dates and stay tuned for call information via email:
Tuesday, November 17, 2021, 7:00 to 8:30 PM, Eastern Time
Sunday, December 5, 2021, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Eastern Time
New in CKC’s Crowdsourced Collection!
CKC Treasurer Marilyn Huset recently added these adorable, crocheted teddy bears to CKC’s Crowdsourced Collection. During a family visit to her grandmother’s cousin, Clara Schultz-Sierrko, Marilyn was allowed to play with the original bear, and she was so enamored with it that her relative allowed her to take it home. Later, Marilyn made her own version of the bear, carefully crocheting it using the original bear as her example. Both bears are made using multi-colored yarn. Read Marilyn’s sweet story here.
November and December Collections Challenges:
We encourage you to watch the new video about how to add your items to CKC’s Crowdsourced Collection, featuring Board Member Heather Hernandez. During November and December 2021, any CKC Member (except for CKC Board members) who adds knitted and crocheted items that fit our monthly themes will be eligible to win a donated prize — one drawing entry per item added. Visit digital.centerforknitandcrochet.org.
November 2021 Collections Challenge: Add your Decorations, Table Linens, and Home Decor. Any and all holidays are welcome and encouraged!
December 2021 Collections Challenge: Add Your Socks, Stockings, & Slippers
Knitting and Crochet in the News:
In the community:
- Exmouth Mail Trail post boxes get crochet toppers. There’s first-class mail, and then there’s adorable-class mail.
- Knitting a solution: Women join effort to provide soft and comfortable prostheses.
Relevant threads:
- Everson Museum’s ‘AbStranded’ exhibit showcases fiber arts’ newfound relevance.
- The Textile Artist Employing Centuries-Old Practices and Pop Culture Imagery.
Contemporary crochet:
- Woman turns plastic bags into wearable crochet fashion.
- Where’s the catch in the crochet trend? That’s some serious food for thought!
Crafting through uncertainty:
- A stitch in time: Fiber artistry during the pandemic. “You can see the little bits and pieces of progress…”
Artist spotlight:
- Will C.’s (crocheted) portraits. The artist as a young man.
Knitting Goes To Broadway:
- Lion Brand recently announced they are Doubtfire on Broadway‘s official yarn partner! The Mrs. Doubtfire Cardigan (Knit) was made with Vanna’s Choice® Yarn, and you can make one for yourself by using the free pattern.
Your Voice Matters!
We encourage you to contribute to CKC’s monthly Newsletter! Please email your inquiries, ideas, and stories to newsletter@centerforknitandcrochet.org. We hope to hear from you!
October Newsletter Contributors:
Callie Lasch, Anne Lies, Jennifer Lindsay, Kay Simmons
