Library Fiber Groups in Massachusetts

When I talk to friends who knit and crochet they often talk about wanting a place to gather with others who share their interests. It can be hard to find a place. Some LYS stores offer groups but there can be a subtle pressure to buy while you are there. After all it's only fair they are offering you a place to work, they expect something in return. As someone who works almost exclusively in acrylic and cotton yarns I often feel uncomfortable pulling out my store brand yarns there, too.

Therefore I've been pleased to see local libraries following a trend of offering space for knitters, crocheters, and other fiber crafts to meet up and spend time with each other. The library spaces are free and they offer the chance to borrow and preview books of interest without the pressure to buy anything. These are the 3 library groups I've encountered in the area. Feel free to add any other Massachusetts library groups to the comment section and I'll be happy to add them.

Marlborough Public Library has started a new fiber arts group that meets the third Thursday 10-2 in the Bigelow Auditorium. Park at the library, on the street, or in the parking lot across from the street. Group is small and looking for new members.

New Ravelry group started here

Next meeting February 15 10-12


Hudson Public Library

First Monday of the month 6 PM

Framingham Public Library

Every Wednesday 10-11

2nd and 4th Saturday10-11 Main Library Homework Center

edited to add

Maynard first Wednesday of the month, 10:30-noon

My hope is that if libraries see an interest they will offer more times and flexibility in meeting times. Day hours aren't the easiest for most people. If it doesn't work for you, it is worth letting your library know you are interested and what hours/days would be a better fit for you than what is currently being offered. If they don't see an interest my fear is that this is an idea that will be replaced with something else.

My First Prayer Shawl

I mentioned last week that I had joined a Prayer Shawl Ministry Group at my Church. When I got home from the first meeting, I dug out some leaflets I had, downloaded some free patterns from the Internet, and even went online to reserve some books to preview from the library. I like variety.

As I started working on this project, I realized how nice it is to have a project that I can work on and just relax as I am doing it. This particular project works in threes so when you get to the end of the row, if you have done the row correctly, you have an even outcome. If you made a mistake, it is very clear. It makes it the perfect project to work on when you might be distracted.

This shawl is called Comfort and it comes from Prayer Shawls II (Annie's Attic: Crochet) a leaflet I picked up when it was on clearance at Annie's Attic. I love the texture it created as I was working with the yarn. I used a One Pounder of Caron I picked up while I was at the meeting. While the pattern didn't finish off the ends, I didn't like the leaving the ends unfinished so I chose to finish it off with a shell. The One Pounder didn't leave me with enough to finish off the shawl so, I chose grey because I thought it looked good against the blue.

I am used to taking pics of dolls and toys. I need to find a better method to show off the shawls.

I started the Double Hug Shawl from Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion, The: 37 Patterns to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life that I borrowed from the library. After previewing it, this is on my buy list. I have a wedding to attend in July and I am thinking a Double Hug one in black might be a nice addition to my wardrobe. There are several other patterns I can see making to donate.

This is also helping my stash busting goals. I had bought some I Love This Yarn for a project and never got to it. Now it’s going to a good cause.

Thankful Thursday: Prayer Shawl Ministry

I have posted many times how thankful I am for my online groups, especially Crochetville. The online community is wonderful and supportive. However, I have long wished for a local community to sit and work with to meet people and to have that personal experience. I recently started going to Church in a town not too far from here. I was thrilled to see a notice for Prayer Shawl meetings and while I had to wait a few weeks for the monthly meeting, I got to go this week.

It was so wonderful to sit with a community of women and just chat. I was the only crocheter, but I can live with that. I even had the chance to teach someone the magic circle. One of the woman, also gave me information about another group that meets in the same town twice a month and I am going to see what I can do to make some of those meetings, too. I am feeling very blessed and hopeful as I post this. One of my dearest wishes has been granted.

When I got home, I dug out some Prayer Shawl books I had purchased on clearance from Annie's several years ago and downloaded some free patterns from Ravelry. The rules are pretty open about what styles we can make, size is more the issue. I also have a couple of books on reserve at the library to preview. I know from making doll clothes, I don’t stay motivated repeating patterns. Having variety will keep me motivated. At some point I think I'll start another page for free patterns as I collect them.

Working on human clothing is a big jump for me, but I will still have my doll donation project going. It is just nice to work with a community on something.

On another note, I would like to wish Happy Birthday to my Mom and my nephew. I hope you both have special days.

Crochetville Holidays in July Package

I received my first package from Crochetville's Holiday in July RAOK. A very kind elf sent me a row counter and an angel spoon.

This is the first time I have participated in this event and it has been fun. I am looking forward to trying more events there.