Even though it involves hooks and needles, knitting is great social therapy, according to a group that gathers weekly at the Kirk-Bear Canyon Library.
The knitters club members meet from 1 to 3 p.m. at the library, 8959 E. Tanque Verde Road, to chat and catch up on the latest news as they whip up sweaters, hats, scarves, vests, and just about anything that can be created from colorful yarn.
The club was founded a year ago by Pat Flanagan and a couple of friends as a way to meet new people while doing something they love.
"I enjoy knitting, and the library is more of a community gathering place and we just wondered if maybe it could be a community gathering place for knitters once a week, and this is what has happened," said Flanagan.
The group's members range in age from 40 to 93.
People are also reading…
"We've already outgrown our first room, with more than 15 people," she adds with a chuckle.
You could say it's a loose-knit group.
"There are no requirements, no rules, no dues, and all levels of knitting are welcome," Flanagan said.
Some members enjoy sharing their friendship and love of knitting, while others seek challenges in their craft.
"I was a very beginner, so I am getting a little bit more practice and trying harder things (to knit)," said Carol Merriman. "Everybody here is very supportive and helpful."
Knitting also has mental-health benefits: "Knitting is very relaxing; I feel like my blood pressure just goes down when I knit," Merriman said.
It makes sense that people who crochet and knit enjoy doing so as a group, because their hobby so often involves giving.
"You don't knit to save money, you knit because it's something to do with your hands and you create something that you can wear or give to somebody else," said Naomi Kasle, a winter visitor from Michigan.
"You are constantly looking for different patterns and challenging yourself."
Contact photographer David Sanders at 573-4155 or dsanders@azstarnet.com
