knitters anonymous

Today the puffy mitten came to school with me to enjoy lunch with the “Knitters Anonymous Club”. It is such fun to spend time with such creative young minds.

working on squares

Some students are learning to knit, others are mastering different stitches, some are making socks, and others are bravely venturing into the land of lace scarves.

Branching out Scarf in soft blue cotton

While we eat, and talk, and collaborate on pattern ideas, we are actually “knitting together” a wonderful creative and welcoming community within the school. We even have a mascot named Bertha that was created as a result of several “happy accidents”.

Bertha, the mascot

As students learn they make squares that we sew into blankets to donate to various charities (which I will talk about another day…that deserves an entire post to itself!) Some are now getting very good at squares, and are venturing out into the wilds of Ravelry to knit other fancy things.

multi-tasking...knitting and homework!

In the upcoming weeks we look forward to learning new skills like spinning and dyeing

casting on

We keep each other up to date about local knitting related activities and yarn sales

focus

We share our latest patterns and projects

determination

And we usually end up having a laugh!

making sure no extra stitches creep in there!

I think everyone is amazed at how much we can accomplish if we each do a little bit

our "lord of the needles" a very fast learner!

Here is a picture of our most recent blanket which is a metaphor for our group. Each square is unique, some are bright and crazy patterns and colours, some are calm muted tones. Some are conventional patterns, others are invented (on purpose or accidentally). But together, when all joined up, it is a very warm and beautiful object.

blanket (work in progress)

This is the fifth year that I have been a part of this amazing group. We have accomplished a lot, learned a lot, and experienced a lot. We even met the Yarn Harlot!

Knitters Anonymous field trip to meet The Yarn Harlot

Thanks to those anonymous knitters who have agreed to have their photos on this page. You are an impressive lot!