One might wonder why a group of women at the Avalon Library are having so much fun with sugar cubes, cables, bobbles and honeycombs. For people like me who thought a raspberry and a lily of the valley were simply plants found in a garden, these are actually some of the beautiful stitches knitted by members of the Avalon Library Knitters Club.
What began as just a three-week program by librarian Melanie Matt, has now become a permanent activity. Meeting every Monday from 3:30 to 5 p.m., the group of about 15 knitters gather from 7-Mile Island, Court House, Wildwood Crest, and as far away as Marmora to work on individual projects, to fellowship and to socialize. In fact, the group celebrated their one-year anniversary in February.
Members represent every level of expertise. Two longtime knitters are Serena Smith of Avalon who has been knitting for 30 years, and Francine Duncan of Avalon, who not only has been knitting for 50 years but also taught art in Delaware.
Some members are working on washcloths and handbags, others are stitching blankets and baby sweaters. One is even knitting a lovely multi-colored orange coat for her “granddog.”
These colorful creations aren’t the only thing the lively group of women work on. “The really nice thing about it is we’ve become friends. We support each other with problems outside the knitting realm,” noted Duncan.
Regular participants include: Melanie Matt, Mary Miniter-Versage, Nancy McKelvey, Mary Lou Bogia, Olympia Kresge, Charlene Smith, Serena Smith, Robin Stewart, Marcy LeFevre, Joyce Johnson, Peggy Clarke, Francine Duncan, Jane Stone and Alice Smythe.
Look for a show sometime in the summer when all the projects the group has been hard at work on will be displayed in the library. I’ll keep you posted. New members are always welcome; any level from beginning to advanced. By joining now, your creations should be completed just in time to be included in the show.
If painting is more your thing, local artist Cheryl Crews will offer a free “Still Life Oil Painting Workshop” art class on May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
You know Crews from the August 2005 “Bill Smith’s Kitchen” exhibit at the Avalon Museum. She is also an adjunct professor at ACCC (I had her and she’s great!), and a former Avalon resident. Please register as space is limited, and make sure to bring your own supplies including a 16 x 20 canvas.
Meanwhile, the library had a meeting in mid-March to determine interest in a permanent chess club. One will now meet every Monday at 7 p.m.
Just show up and join in the fun.
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There will be an information meeting on the proposed building of a community center in Stone Harbor on April 14 at 11 a.m. at the Stone Harbor Fire Hall.
