The Pastor saw a shawl designed for use by someone in a wheelchair. It was a triangle shape and a little smaller so there was nothing to tangle in the wheels. In preparation for the opening of Debert Court, the new home for special care, he thought the church could knit a few as a welcoming gesture.
The ladies of the church were quick to the challenge but Bill Martin wanted the men to get involved too. He set a time and invited the men to join him for lessons, but he was the only male on the scene. "They don't know the fun they missed," says Pastor Bill. "My knitting won't win any prizes, but some day it might make a shawl for somebody."
The group gets together at the church on Tuesday's at 1:30. They spend two hours together, not just in work but in fellowship and lots of laughs.
The pastor may have thought simple knitting, but the ladies are teaching much more. Some knit while others crochet or stitch squares. There are a number of sophisticated patterns and the stitchers hope to produce a number of lap shawls, prayer shawls and other goods for residents in the special care home.
The Debert stitchers include: Vell Kennedy in the foreground, then L to R Priscilla Jennings, Ethel McInnis, Pastor Bill, Ida Mae Myers, Donna Eastcott and Trudy Goodwin.
photo by Ken Kennedy
The big challenge now is gathering supplies. The group has funded the initial round to provide needles, hooks and yarn. But, as they ramp up production, yarn will be in short supply. There's about $25 worth of yarn in a finished shawl. The stitchers hope other church members will want to help.
The pastor still wants some men to get involved. He says if they don't want to stitch, they can help with supplies. Either way, everyone is welcome for the fellowship. Debert Court holds its open house for the community this weekend. The first residents are expected by month end and the church ministry in the new home starts right away in June.