Yarn ‘knits’ a group together for a cause
It all began with a simple plan for one woman to share her passion for handcrafts with others on Pine Island.
About a year and a half ago, Susan Johnson began to lay the foundation of a group that is now known at “Knit Two Together” or K2tog which meets twice a month to knit or crochet, share books they have read as well as handicraft tips and patterns.
“It was my idea to turn what is viewed as a solitary activity to one that is a creative community,” Johnson said. “I began by making flyers and posting them at several locations around the island. At first it was an invitation to non-knitters who wanted to learn, but today, our members come with a wide range of experience.”
Creating a comfortable, congenial atmosphere, K2tog offers a venue that is enjoyed by male and female members as well as beginners and others who have years of experience like seasoned knitter, Emily Lindsey.
“When I started having babies my mother taught me to knit and crochet and I began to crochet little booties,” Lindsey said. “I had four babies and it was a lot of booties. I love seeing what I’ve created, to know I did it. By now I’ve made afghans for grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
Among the beginners joining the group is Sonny Koutsoutis who heard about K2tog from fellow church member Johnson.
“When I joined the group I instantly enjoyed the camaraderie, the fun and the learning. My mother was a phenomenal knitter. Dad would draw a pattern and mother would knit the sweaters. I always wanted to be able to create things like my mother did,” Koutsoutis said. “It is a challenge. It makes you want to do bigger and better things and I am now doing things I never thought I could.”
Koutsoutis is now an accomplished crocheter and knitter.
As the group grew from just four or five members to now well over a dozen, it was decided collectively that they could use their talents to benefit others. Utilizing an accumulated total of over 500 years of knitting and crocheting experience, the group has fashioned a variety of items which they donate to charitable causes.
“Susan often brings English teas and munchies to the meeting to help keep it open and informal. Her vision to create a community, to have a group that engages not only in personal work, but also in projects to help others,” said K2tog member Lynn Sarda. “Our group has knitted hats for people in the Samaritan Shelter in Connecticut, created baby hats for newborns at Cape Coral Hospital, wee blankets and burial buntings for the Special Care Center at the hospital and 8-hour afghans for Lifeline Family.”
Many of the members of K2tog are part-time island residents who enjoy the group activities when wintering on Pine Island. Jan Clement divides her time between Pine Island Cove and Sodus Point, New York where she is currently residing for the summer.
“I’ve been knitting for over 60 years and find it relaxing and promoting a sense of well being,” Clement said in a message to the group. “The group provides time to socialize with each other and to knit items for deserving people. The two meetings are two of my favorite days of each winter month. I miss you all, but I am still knitting.”
When asked about what a knitting group can do for a person, Johnson said, “It has a purpose, it is an identifier. It is an extension of who you are, It’s existential, in the present. Knitting is solitary, but this group makes it community and there is no better feeling than creating something and then giving it to someone else. Each piece we make, we put in a small piece of ourselves that hopefully provides comfort to those who receive it.”
The K2tog group meets on the first and third Thursday each month year-round, at St. John’s Episcopal Church Comfort Hall in St. James City from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call Susan Johnson at 283-1306.