Knitters unite at NEMI Public Library for a good cause

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LITTLE CURRENT—The calendar is slowly creeping toward December, and that means the Manitoulin Family Resources’ (MFR) team is already busily preparing their Christmas hampers. At the NEMI Public Library, Gloria Goodwill-Aelick, Senior COMPASS Facilitator, has implemented the ‘Creative Connections for a Warmer Community’ project, bringing together yarns, knitting needles, crochet hooks, patterns and, most importantly, knitters and crocheters to put a little warmth into those MFR Christmas baskets with hats, mitts, scarves and neck warmers.

“Sixty-eight items were donated last week, and we still have items coming,” Ms. Goodwill-Aelick explained. “They (MFR) want the items by the beginning of December, so we’re going to wrap it up the first week of December,” she said.

Knitters have been meeting at the library every Tuesday afternoon from 1 to 3 pm since mid-September. On the day the Expositor showed up, only two knitters were busy at work – Julie and Paulette. “Last week it was only Marlene,” Ms. Goodwill-Aelick said. “Those who have picked up the materials and patterns can do the work at home, that’s the great thing about it,” she said.

“We purchased all the supplies with the grant money for the Senior Compass, and with the amount of interest and people that we’ve had show up, I think it’s a been a great success,” Ms. Goodwill-Aelick reported.

Paulette and Julie have been knitting up a storm since the project began. They make quite a team. Paulette is blind, and she refers to Julie as Mrs. Fixit, because if her finished project has any dropped stitches, Julie is right there to correct the mistakes.

“It really gets my hands so that they can act like my eyes,” Paulette explained. “When I have the knitting needles, I tell by feel where it is. Where I have difficulty is with the knit and purl, keeping track and not dropping a stitch. And here’s where Mrs. Fixit helps. She’s just wonderful to do that,” she said.

“Many people find it very difficult to accept help,” Paulette added, “like I was here, but to do something like this gives an opportunity to give back. So, it helps not only the one who gets it, but also the one who’s giving.”

“You know, we’re doing stuff to keep people warm, it makes you feel like you’re contributing. You’re contributing to others who receive the help, but we’re contributing to each other. I have met so many different people and just enjoyed their company, their wisdom, and their friendship. And they’re also finding that one of the best ways to stave off dementia is the social aspect plus learning new things,” Paulette said.

The Creative Connections for a Warmer Community project continues for several more weeks. Knitters and crocheters are still welcome to come to the NEMI Public Library on a Tuesday, choose a pattern, some yarn and make a difference.

“This is one way, no matter who you are or what is happening, that you’re able to help others and you help yourself too,” Paulette said.