Merokean Offers Assorted Knits From the Heart

Merrick resident Donna Scalice has made a name for herself in the local community with her new home business, Sew Who Cares.

The New York City native has been knitting since she was a child, but just recently took her favorite hobby to the next level within the last year, specializing in handmade gifts for any occasion.

"Since I was really young, my mother was a seamstress and a very good knitter," said Scalice. "She taught me and it's been a passion ever since. I made my first gift when I was 7 years old."

In recent years, Scalice found herself in a rough patch when her mother fell ill and utilized that time to knit more and more.

"My mother was very sick and I was taking care of her," she said. "All I really did was knit. I have such a large inventory now."

Scalice's collection features one-of-a-kind items ranging from adult sized sweaters and hats, to baby blankets and booties, to dog sweaters and home décor. Her showroom currently offers an extensive stock of nearly 500 ready items, but Scalice can cater to custom orders as well.

"I can make just about any pattern if I don't have what a customer wants," she explained. "I try to feel out what they would like and would want to see."

Prices vary depending on each item and its size, but most items range between $30 and $100, but smaller items can start as low as $7, Scalice said. On top of their specialty items, Sew Who Cares can also provide alteration services.

For newcomers to the knitting and sewing, Scalice encourages practice and persistence.

"You have to be patient like everything else," Scalice said. "If it's worth doing, it will take a little time to get there."

Below, find an easy-to-do stitch that Scalice has made for more than 50 years.

The Bunny Stitch:
Multiple of four plus 3/2 colors

Row 1 – with color A knit across.
Row 2 – with color A purl across, drop A.
Row 3 – join color B – knit 3 *holding yarn in back of work, slip 1 stitch, knit 3* repeat between *’s to end or row.
Row 4 – with B purl 3 *holding yarn in front of work, slip 1, purl 3* repeat between *’s to end of row. Drop B.
Row 5 – with A, knit 1, then repeat between *’s of row 3, end last repeat knit 1 instead of knit 3.
Row 6 – with A – purl 1, then repeat between *’s of row 4, end last repeat purl 1 instead of purl 3. Repeat row 1 to 6 for pattern.