Carbonear Crafters Circle knitting people together
By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Earlier this year, Judy Krill, Judy Cameron, Edna Roberts, Patsy Rogers, and Terry O’Grady came up with the idea of the Carbonear Crafters Circle. The group meets every Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 163 Water Street.
After hatching the idea of the circle, Roberts contacted Kerri Abbott, Carbonear’s economic development officer, about using the building for their meetup.
“It’s a great building with a kitchen and everything. Town owns it, town is heating it,” said Cameron.
Abbott secured them use of the building, and their first meetup was held March 20.
“Basically, I just thought it would be a nice idea to get together as a group to do crafts and chatter, which is what we do, and eat cookies,” said Roberts.
The group has about 20 members. People of all ages and genders can join, and you don’t have to be a resident of Carbonear. As the name suggests, the group’s members bring their respective crafts to work on. They also share crafts with others. For those who don’t want to craft, there’s cards and other board games, puzzles, and even just a chance to chat and have lunch.
“They learn from each other a lot,” said Cameron.
Many of the members crochet. O’Grady taught two of the younger members, Kaitlin and Sara Clarke, how to crochet. Both are proficient now, working on their own projects. Sara is crocheting a blanket, while Kaitlin is working on a cardigan, which she is making blue and white for her favourite NHL team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Leanne Hicks, another member of the circle, is originally from Ontario. She moved to Newfoundland a couple of years ago, and said the group has helped her meet people. She works from home, and is able to stop by on her lunch hour. She said that those who want to join do not need to feel obligated to attend for the duration of a meetup, nor must they attend every one. Hicks is currently practicing weaving on an inkle loom.
One member of the circle is practicing Tunisian crocheting, and has been teaching the craft to other members. She is also practicing tatting, a weaving technique that dates as far back as Ancient Egypt and involves weaving thread to make lace.
O’Grady sews, crochets, and makes earrings. She enjoys fixing things and teaching people crafts. During the pandemic, she taught her nieces to sew, helped her cleaner make a denim bag, and taught her nephew’s girlfriend how to repair things.
For some older members of the circle, crafting is second nature, something they have done most of their lives.
Lori Rowe attends the circle every second Thursday, when she is off work. Usually, she comes to do jigsaw puzzles. Sometimes her mother comes to the meetups with her, knitting or joining in the puzzles. “There’s something for everybody here,” said Rowe.
Cameron noted there is a bus service that runs on Thursdays, which can help members get to the circle and back, especially in the case of bad weather. “Sometimes it’s just good to get out,” she said, adding some members live alone, and the circle gives them the chance to enjoy some company and share a bit of news. For some, the circle is how they keep abreast of local information. Members of the circle promote things like the library, food bank, and other things they think are important. Roberts said that some of the older members are particularly interested in healthcare.
Anyone interested in joining the Carbonear Crafters Circle or wanting information about it can call Roberts at 709-743-6216, Cameron at 709-596-7100, or Abbott at 709-596-3831 ext. 235.