Our dearly missed former library clerk, the irrepressible Becky Williams, was fond of saying, “This ain’t your grandmother’s library!” Perhaps there is no better example of that sentiment than the “Threads” group, which meets each Tuesday evening at the Spalding Memorial Library.
At first, this may seem counter-intuitive. Grandmothers are known the world over for their fabulous hand-made knitted and crocheted items. But in this mixed-age group, only a few of the members are grandmothers. And, all of these ladies do something their grandmothers never did. They gather together weekly around the hearth at their friendly local library. They work on their chosen handicraft and talk, filling the library with their stories and their laughter. They teach and learn from each other and poke fun at the library staff as though everyone is part of one big, fun-loving family.
In short, they have created a truly homey atmosphere in a unique public space. And they want you to join them.
But first, let’s introduce you to “Threads.” Linda Searfoss and Kathy Blackman (not pictured) have been coming since the group started about six years ago. Dianne Campbell, Dietlind Crain, Patricia Wolcott, Charlene Dauberman, and Chelsea McNiel have each been coming for three to five years.
Sally Babcock (not pictured) has been coming on and off for about two years. These ladies are gregarious, fun, and dynamic. They all have things they “geek” besides knitting or crocheting. Linda also geeks reading. Patty enthusiastically geeks fishing. Kathy geeks drawing and painting. Charlene, Dietlind, and Kathy geek gardening. Sally and Patty geek books. Sally also geeks learning and the outdoors. Linda and Charlene geek their grandchildren. Dianne geeks her family, including her husband of 50 years. Chelsea geeks crafts of all kinds when she has time for them. Chelsea has two small children and often brings them along to the group.
Almost all the group members have been either knitting or crocheting for decades. Linda started crocheting 40 years ago, and five years ago she taught herself to knit. Chelsea has been crocheting for just five years. Charlene has crocheted for as long as she can remember, and she learned to knit just two years ago when other group members taught her. Patty has been at it for almost 30 years, which means almost her entire life. Dianne has done it for over 50 years. Sally learned knitting from her mother and crocheting from her grandmother when she was just a little girl. She says that she has been doing it for “a long time.”
The ladies of the group agree that there are tremendous benefits to geeking knitting or crochet. It is relaxing, creative, and passes the time. Linda says, “It’s my Zen!” Patty points out that you can make great gifts. Chelsea saves money by making things for her home. Dietlind says, “It’s a productive way to unwind.” For Kathy, it is good therapy as well as a way to connect with other people. Sally likes being able to choose her own yarns and colors. Dianne loves being able to give hand-made things as gifts, but she also likes how knitting keeps her busy. “If I’m waiting in the doctor’s office, I can knit,” she says.
But knitting and crocheting can be expensive too, considering the price of yarn. These ladies are thrifty as well as crafty. They know that yarns and fabrics can be found at rummage sales and thrift stores. Dietlind also points out that “people always know what to get you as a gift.”
It would be impossible to speculate on how many projects these ladies have completed over the years. And they readily admit that it is hard to pick a favorite. “Everything I make is my favorite,” declares Linda.
Dietlind has a penchant for making baby hats for Robert Packer’s maternity department. Dianne loves to make socks, and always has socks on her needle. But another favorite project of hers was a large colorful shawl made with 14 different and intricate stitches. Sally also loves to make socks, but she was intimidated by the thought of making them before she came to the group. Dianne showed her how, though, and now Sally’s family members are asking her to make them socks of their own. Chelsea just loves making baby blankets.
Charlene is currently working on a baby blanket for her niece’s little boy. “Everything I do, I do because I like doing it,” she says. Kathy’s favorite thing is the look on the people’s faces when she presents them with a gift she has made. “It is a real pleasure of mine,” she says. Patty is fond of a large afghan she made that was part of a benefit auction for “Christmas is for Kids.”
While I sat talking to these ladies a couple of weeks ago, I witnessed the real companionship they share with each other. I saw that they knew each other’s tastes and interests. And, I found it remarkable to watch the projects in their laps get larger, stitch-by-stitch, as the evening wore on. You can see the real pleasure that their togetherness and their crafts give them. With her eyes twinkling behind her glasses, Patty pointed out what a blessing it is that “things others enjoy are created by us doing something that we enjoy.”
Each of the group members also expressed gratitude for the library. Linda says the library has helped her to “share experiences with the other geekers in the group. The atmosphere is great. We have a good time.” Kathy takes advantage of the books and instruction materials on crocheting that the library has to offer. She likes that “the library is such a friendly place.”
Sally says, “there is a lot to learn in a bunch of books,” but she is also a fan of the library’s events, like “Tween Craft Night” where her daughter has made a few friends. Chelsea has checked out some books on crocheting. “The books and the ladies at the group have helped me to improve my skills,” she says.
The ladies want you to know that the library is a fun place. “It’s the staff,” says Dietlind, “the staff more than the books!” Kathy points out that there is something for everyone to be found here, “From children to adults, they have it here,” she says. Linda says the library “is about the people who work here.” Chelsea comes to the library multiple times a week. “It is a wonderful place to be!” she says. Dianne says it is “such a welcoming place. It looks big and austere from the outside, but inside it is warm and welcoming. I just love the library!”
The “Threads” ladies would also like to welcome you to their group, which is open to everyone regardless of age or skill-level. “They are always willing to teach,” says Chelsea. “It is a fun place to hang out and talk about projects.” Patty says, “Some of us can be big hams and try to crack each other up with our stories.”
Dianne knows the group “enhances the [craft] experience. There is a camaraderie you just miss when you aren’t in a group like this.” Sally says, “Everybody who has an interest in learning and sharing in projects should join us!” So, if you are searching for a way to share your love of knitting or crocheting with others, look no further. You could not find a more open or welcoming group, and maybe not a more fun one. “The more, the merrier,” says Linda.
If you would like to join the ladies of “Threads,” stop in at 724 South Main St. in Athens on any Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. If you are looking for a craft book, the Spalding Memorial Library has a large selection to choose from, and they would love to help you “get your geek on!”
