There's Always Room For More in the Knitter's Nest

Last week, I noticed an announcement in the Bolingbrook Patch that there is a free knitting and crocheting group at the .

As someone who started knitting more than 50 years ago and hasn't done much lately, I was inspired to attend. What a great way to meet new friends, listen to some inspirational stories and get experienced advice on knitting and crocheting. 

Appropriately called The Knitter's Nest, it's a diverse group of creative individuals, who meet in the library's board room on Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon.  There's nothing like a good cup of coffee and an engaging conversation to keep your fingers flying as you knit.

With the holidays coming up, everyone seems to be making some sort of scarf, afghan or mittens. Some of these gals are really quite advanced and it's amazing to see how fast their work progresses in two short hours.

Knitting is not just for the ladies, though. We also have a pleasant young man whose needles are clicking away, too. He doesn't seem to mind being in the minority, but if any of you guys are out there who are thinking about joining, please do so. We don't bite!

My brother is an advanced knitter so I know what great handiwork guys can create. They don't call them fisherman knits for nothin'. We all joke about taking a field trip up to Michigan to visit my brother for a knit seminar someday.

Our hostess, Deb Dudek, works in the library and is the story-teller of the group. Her imaginative tales are humourous with a Lake Wobegon-appeal. Deb is the young lady in the photo knitting a gorgeous russet table runner. Shhhh, it's a surprise for her mom in Michigan, whose home is also going to be part of our imaginary trip.

This week, we had background music playing that one of the ladies brought in. It was soothing Native American Flutes with natural cricket sounds. It gave a spiritual, meditative feeling to our morning and took the edge off the coffee. We may be different ages and backgrounds, but having this hobby in common brings us together week after week. 

The Nest get's your creative juices flowing and these new friends are all enthusiastic and willing to share and support.

This week was the first day I met Judy, who asked me to come and sit in the empty seat next to hers instead of at the back-end of the table. How nice. She's crocheting a powder-blue baby blanket in an unusual brick stitch and was just full of tips.

That's how everyone has been. And that's why I'll be back again, the first Thursday after Thanksgiving when we Nesters will meet again.