Not long ago on Ravelry I wrote thread in tribute to my
knitting group. I went like this:
Once upon a time there were two women who met in a waiting
room. One woman was knitting and the other woman was very interested in what
the first woman was knitting because she was also a knitter. A conversation
started and before long a friendship developed.
Both women wished that they belong to a knitting group. They
wanted a group with a mix of people with different knitting styles and
experience levels. They wanted a group in which members could learn from each
other and exchange ideas and tips and techniques, but neither had ever found
such a group.
They soon decided that they would meet at their local book
store’s cafe with their magic wands and fairy fiber and see what would happen
next. Almost before their very eyes, just like the magic that knitting is, the
group began to grow! Before long there were knitters and crocheters and
spinners!
Soon, the knitters were spinning, and the crocheters were knitting,
and more and more people were joining the group, and the group was going on
trips to fiber festivals, and it was everything the two women had hoped for.
Yes, the group was wonderful indeed. The members were old and
young, seasoned and novice, and represented many different needle arts. But,
there was still one thing lacking. Sadly, there was only one male knitter and
one male “mascot” who didn’t knit. The group needed more men!
Then one day when the group was about three years old,
another man showed up to knit! It made the group so happy. It even inspired the
mascot to start knitting. Then another man joined. Then two more men arrived
asking to be taught how to knit! The magic was working again!
Now the group was the best knitting group in all the land and
everyone lived happily ever after!
The End
Ahhh, but that’s not where the story really ends. It should have a sequel:
One day the evil witch, Economy, came along and locked the
doors of their book store cafe meeting place. The members were cast out into
the wilds to find a new home. They were very sad and a little bit scared. They
not only missed their meeting place, but also missed having a wonderful book
store in town. And so a new adventure began.
On the night we found out the store would be closing, my
group had much discussion about what we should do. There really aren’t any coffee
shops centrally located that have evening hours- except one small Starbucks
with dim lighting. We didn’t want to go to a restaurant where we would need to
order food- it would start to cost too much every week. We didn’t want to meet
at the local libraries because they close too early for us- we don’t start
until 7:00 and like to knit to at least 10:00.
I looked at the sad faces of the members and that’s when I decided
to offer my home as a temporary location until we found a new location. I have
to say, it has actually been quite fun having them.
I put out the drinks, usually just coffee and iced tea or
lemonade. It's always a surprise what snacks will arrive at my door. It has been
everything from guacamole dip & chips, to home baked cake, to OREO cookies!
This week was yummy Ricotta Cheesecake and “Hexapuff” shaped Rice Crispy
Treats. (Hexapuffs, in honor of The Beekeeper's Quilt that has taken us all by
storm.)
I've been able to accommodate everyone nicely around my dining
room table with an overflow into the living room (which is open to the dining
room so no one feels separated).
I was given a very cute thank-you gift from the co-founder of
the group. It makes me smile every time I look at it! (I’m saving for Rhinebeck…
or Stitches… or more likely, Maryland Sheep and Wool next spring.)
Recently, there has been talk of another book seller taking
over the location of the old bookstore and hopefully there will be a café and
some good hours of operation
But, until then, I think the knitters like it here.
