NEWS

Missy Rosenberry: You could call this group quite close-knit

Kim Vissa, left — who was brand-new to the group and to knitting — gets instruction from longtime Sit & Stitch group member Marie Ferner.

My mother could knit. Hats, mittens, sweaters, dresses, book covers, pencil cases, purses, you name it.

I, however, could not. She tried to teach me, but I wasn't very good at it, and never quite got the hang of actually finishing a job, which led to some very long scarves.

In the years since, I've often regretted giving up the needles so easily. So when the opportunity to re-discover knitting presented itself, I jumped at it.

That opportunity was an invitation from Webster Public Library Assistant Mary Ann Kwiatkowski to visit the library's "Sit & Stitch" knitting and crocheting group, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary. Mary Ann encouraged me to come by for some cake and to meet the ladies. Mostly, though, she wanted me to meet Marcia Weinert, the group's coordinator, who, she said, "is probably responsible for teaching half of Webster how to knit."

Marcia Weinert, left, receiving a thank-you card and gift card ... to a knitting place, of course.

Ten years ago, Marcia created the group as a knitting and crocheting class for beginners. But it didn't take long for her to realize it needed to become much more than that.

"I found it challenging to narrow my focus to a fixed syllabus," Marcia said. "I would always rather have my students working on whatever interests or challenges them personally." So she proposed a program where any crafter at any level could bring their questions and projects.

"Sit & Stitch" was born. It began small, with only two or three regulars. But before long, that little club started attracting a steady stream of crafters — men and women, young and old.

These days, the "Sit & Stitch" meetings draw about a dozen people each week, more than 5,500 over the last 10 years. And over time, the group has become less about the crafts, and more about the community.

"We have become a very caring group of friends who always have room for a new face in the circle," Marcia said. "At the same time, we reach out to each other as personal issues arise — a new grandbaby, an illness or death.

"You'd be amazed at how healing sticks and string can be."

A group photo of most of the attendees at the Sit & Stitch group’s 10th anniversary party. Many were regulars, many were visiting after a long absence, and a few were brand-new to the group that day.

That sense of family is the direct result of Marcia Weinert's leadership, though she adamantly denies it. At the anniversary party, however, it was obvious how proud she is of the community she helped create, as she circulated among the participants, welcoming old friends, giving advice on new projects, and encouraging the newbies.

And yes, it was Marcia who re-taught me the finer points of knitting. With her patient guidance, I learned how to cast on and the difference between knitting and purling, and that there's no such thing as mistakes; they're called "design elements."

By the end of my lesson, I had committed an impressive number of "design elements." But I had also successfully knitted a full inch of yarn into something that would eventually become a scarf. Or a pot holder. Or a wrap-around Barbie skirt, depending on how far I get.

Mission accomplished.

Read more on the Our Towns East Extra Facebook page . Email Missy at dandceastextra@gmail.com with east-side news and story ideas.

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If you go

The Webster Public Library Sit & Stitch group meets every Monday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Children's Story Room at the library, 980 Ridge Road. Stitchers of all ages and skill levels are welcome (please accompany children younger than 10). Bring your materials, your questions, your patience, and your willingness to learn. Brand-new stitchers are more than welcome!