You’ll find them every other Tuesday gathered in a room at the Easton Public Library with crochet hooks and knitting needles in their hands, yarn in their laps. They call themselves the Easton Yarnsmiths. They meet to knit and crochet their own projects, anything from sweaters and afghans to stuffed toys. But what truly brings the members together transcends their shared love of knitting and crocheting.
“We laugh together and enjoy each other’s company,” said Laura Salma, a member of the Yarnsmiths. “We share our lives.”
The Yarnsmiths formed in 2017. Any adult can attend their gatherings in the Library conference room every other Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. regardless of their skill level. The group doesn’t offer classes on how to knit and crochet. Yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks are available to borrow from the Library.
Jane Helfgott, a library assistant, said the Yarnsmiths consist of six members who are current and former Easton residents. Each meeting is an opportunity for them to work on personal and/or group projects, share techniques, ask questions and socialize.
Helfgott, who used to own the BOLT Quilt Shop in Monroe, said experimenting with different yarns and texture is all part of the fun of knitting and crocheting.
“The vast fibers and yarns available today speak to our creative souls,” said Helfgott. “Their beautiful texture, quality and color inspire us.”
There is also an element of giving back to the community. The group has knitted and crocheted squares that were later stitched together for Project Linus blankets. Project Linus is an organization that provides handmade blankets to children ages 18 and younger who are ill or in need.
Ginny Berry said the group gives her a creative outlet to work on her craft.
“We make unique custom handmade items for ourselves or others,” said Berry. “No one else has what we create.”
Peg Kiely invites anyone to join the knitting and crocheting circle because it’s fun.
“There is something for everyone, and there is always something to learn from a fellow knitter and crocheter,” said Kiely.
