The Joy of Needlework

By BRAD DICKERSON
Glasgow Daily Times

September 08, 2007 11:21 am

— Ann Marie Reese is looking to expand her knitting and crochet expertise beyond just comfortable afghans.
“That’s what I do a lot (but) I’m trying to learn to make socks,” she said.
Although she has been knitting for 12 years, Reese is learning new techniques, as well as interacting with other needle and yarn enthusiasts, at a class offered at the Mary Wood Weldon Public Library.
The class meets twice a month and has been under the direction of Zadie Barron, who has taught for several years.
“I was originally asked to come in and teach knitting and crocheting for beginners,” she said.
Now, the class incorporates veteran knitters like Reese and Christine Scott, who has returned to the hobby after a hiatus.
“I’ve just started back, so I’m like a beginner,” Scott said.
The Glasgow resident has used the hobby as a way to pass time on car trips and to benefit various charitable groups.
“There are a lot of organizations that are needing craft items,” Scott said. “You can have fun and enjoy it, but also do something worthy.”
Two younger members accompanied Reese to Wednesday’s class, her daughter Abby, 5, and son Vincent, 9 months.
Mom said her young daughter has been around knitting for years and is beginning to express an interest in learning the craft.
It would appear to be ingrained in Abby’s DNA, as Ann Marie said she was working on an afghan for her unborn child during the nine months she carried her.
Reese’s miniature dachshund was also the recipient of one of her creations, although it was not on purpose.
“I made a big knitted floor pillow and he took it over as his bed,” she said.
No matter who the works are for, or whether the recipients have two legs or four, Barron said the true joy of knitting for her is the simple art of creation.
“It’s seeing what you can create with your hands,” she said.

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