Lewes club celebrates Worldwide Knit in Public Day
Lewes Public Library’s In the Loop: Knitting and Crotcheting Group recognized Worldwide Knit in Public Day for its second annual celebration June 14 at the Mary Vessels Park gazebo in Lewes.
The dozen or so participants met from 9:30 a.m. to noon, each bringing their own yarn, needles and other supplies. The organizers displayed signs outside the gazebo to invite others to celebrate the yearly event, which falls on the second Saturday every June.
“When I moved here four years ago, the first thing I did was try and find knitting groups,” said member Diane O’Brien. “I’ve found a few, and it’s my home.”
O’Brien has been knitting for 50 years and came across an advertisement for the club after its founding in 2023. She enjoys being part of the circle for its inspiration, community and sense of belonging.
Fellow knitter Marie Temple found a similar connection when she joined two years ago. She was in a knitting group in New York, where she formerly lived, and thought joining the Lewes club would be a great opportunity to meet other women.
“[There are] many different levels with knitting and patterns and personalities,” Temple said. “It was a great way to meet people and learn about the community.”
Carolyn Bly was previously involved with the Georgetown Public Library’s knitting program, but the group’s numbers dwindled due to COVID. The Rehoboth resident found the Lewes library’s club online, and now she continues doing what she loves with other like-minded women.
“Everybody’s a great bunch of ladies,” Bly said. “If you need help, there’s plenty of hands to help.”
Members don’t teach knitting or crocheting, but they welcome experienced crafters, share creative ideas, exchange yarn and support each other in their designs.
They also celebrate each others’ birthdays with snacks, and host social outings at local restaurants a few times a year.
The club’s creative efforts will be featured later this year in the library’s display case in the lobby, which changes every two weeks to exhibit work completed by various local groups.
The club meets from 3 to 5 p.m. every Thursday by the fireplace in the Lewes Public Library. No registration is required and walk-ins are welcome.
