Knitting Circle Launch

Today Kathy and I went to VP to launch Women’s Issues Knitting Circle. The women were so excited when we pulled out the crochet hooks and yarn, and the last thing one of them said to us as we left was “I am so happy now.” Getting to watch the talented seamstresses and teach the beginners was an excellent bonding experience. It got everyone talking and involved as our knitting circle kept scooting closer together and we developed an outer ring of spectators. The women even kicked the men out of the apartment within the first ten minutes so that it could be an official, girls-only club.

As part of the circle, Kathy and I learned to count in Nepali, we taught the women key phrases in Spanish, we laughed over dropped stitches and silly two year olds. We discussed health concerns, got updated on the job search process, and shared congratulations on English improvement and new-found jobs. The age of our group ranged from two and a half (ok, our honorary member) to late, late seventies. The stitching patterns, yarn color, native tongues varied, but the sentiment was shared. I think we all needed the time to sit and chat and literally unwind.

Houston, I was genuinely so inspired by this first meeting; I can’t wait to return next week. I think it will be a great outlet for the women to improve their English, share their feelings, strengthen friendships, and relieve stress. The challenge right now is finding a way to get the materials donated so that we have enough for the women to make the blankets, hats, and sweaters that they knit and crochet so beautifully. Then we might be able to cover the vendor fee and get our co-op club into a local craft market- team work, initiative, and perhaps a little microfinance.