Stitches and Stories is an open group to the community that welcomes anyone interested in needlework and storytelling.
The needlework group is made up of talented community members who all have a shared love of the craft. The group meets in The Plaza Arts Center conference room every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to work on their individual crafts and tell stories around the conference table.
“Jane Cartmill came up with the name. It summarizes exactly what we do. We gather together, stitch projects we enjoy and tell each other stories,” said Sandy Collins, member of Stitches and Stories. “We are all just here to enjoy the company and peace.”
Going to stitch night, everyone brings their own project to work on. Some work on blankets, on shawls or even on bags. No materials used are the same either. For example, Debra Newsome has used t-shirt yarn and plarn to make various things from handbags to trash cans.
“I really just use anything I am interested in,” said Newsome. “It’s all about doing what interests you or something that inspires you.”
Another member of the group, Beverly Veal, was working on a shawl using Tunisian Crochet. According to We Crochet, a crochet community, Tunisian crochet is considered the combination of crochet and knitting because it uses a crochet hook but requires the crafter to hold stitches or loops on the hook as if they were knitting.
“I’m making a shawl using Tunisian Crochet because it’s one of the projects in this book that I’m learning from,” said Veal.
Other projects that members work on are given back to someone else or the community. For example, Collins creates Linus Blankets for Project Linus. These blankets are given to children in need. Another member, Lynn Genutis, made about 24 kindergartner chairs for her daughter’s classroom. These chairs each come with little pockets for the children to put things into.
“We are here to support each other, and we try to give back when we can,” said Collins.
Each member of Stitches and Stories donates a dollar at the beginning of each meeting. Throughout the year, these dollars are saved and then donated at the beginning of the next year to a good cause. In addition, the group is very resourceful in reusing leftover yarn and pieces from projects. They may donate it to somewhere it is needed or just refurbish the leftovers into their next projects.
“When we come, we donate $1 each time and at the beginning of the year, the money is given out to help people who need it,” said Collins. “In the past, people have been surprised that there is a group looking out for them like this and it makes us happy to assist them when there is a need.”
Stitches and Stories welcomes members of all ages to come and join them, whether that person lives in Putnam County full time or only through specific seasons. There are no penalties for missing meetings either. The group is built on a wholesome love for needlework and members can choose what meetings to attend and how long they stay.
“We welcome everybody, young or old,” said Collins. “This is just a time to enjoy each other’s company, work on some projects and enjoy some smiles and laughter.”
To become a part of Stitches and Stories, visit The Plaza Arts Center at 3 p.m. on Wednesday with a needlework project to work on. Anyone is welcome.