Meredith knitting group provides fellowship, stitched in with fun

MEREDITH — Hands were busy and knitting needles clacking, the metallic scraping sound gently reverberating around the historic reading room at the Meredith Public Library, as a handful of people gathered for their weekly fiber arts get-together.

What started as a group of knitting enthusiasts coming together decades ago has since transformed into an ongoing assembly of fellowship, friendship and laughs.

The Knotty Knitters, open to new members at any experience level, gets together in front of the library’s fireplace every Thursday, seats in a circle with skeins of yarn balancing on armchairs. They’re ready to settle in and gab, and eager to help one another navigate knitting problems, or life in general.

“If you have a problem, there’s probably somebody here who can solve it,” said Cindi Pelczar. “If you don’t understand [knitting] instructions ...”

“... or it just could be something that’s happening in town, or the world,” finished Lynnann Dionne.

Decades of friendship

Not so naughty after all — but punny for sure — the Knotty Knitters are a welcome bunch. They listen, and don't critique.

“We don’t gossip and we don’t judge,” said Pelczar, who seemed to play the role of host last week.

She brought a 4x6 photograph print and shared its 2014 backstory: The Knotty Knitters at a Christmas dinner adorned in celebratory sweaters. The fellowship takes place at the library in the form of woven yarn, but friendship extends beyond its walls.

Ages 66 and beyond, and having met for 18 years with crafters coming and going, members join for a myriad of reasons. Members place high value on the social aspect, evident in the number of conversations happening around the room on a recent Thursday.

“These are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life, and I am so happy to have found this group,” said Cathy Maguire.

For Dionne, there are mental health benefits to being part of the group.

“Your mental health is piqued by coming here,” she said. Everyone is "so supportive.”

Pelczar agreed.

“For me, I get out and see people, instead of staying home alone.”

Kathy Muldoon likes the social aspect.

“It’s good socializing.”

For others, the group lends a helpful hand when knitting snafus happen or advanced knowledge is needed. Ruth Dunnavan was recently working on a hat, but struggling with it.

“I’m making ties for a hat that I already made, but it kept falling off,” she said. “I worked hard on it, so I don’t want to give up, but every time I wear it, it hits my collar and the space between.”

While she didn’t need the group for the idea itself, she definitely welcomed the agreeable support of her decision to add ties to her hat.

“This is just an experiment to see if I can attach these.”

Weekly yarn therapy

Others in the group were working on scarves, pocket prayers and chemo caps.

Many of the women at the Knotty Knitters gathering also knit for a second, charity-based group, so some of their projects were items for donation.

“I’m knitting a scarf and hat,” Maguire said.

Crochet is welcome, too, and Natalie Smith recently endeavored to crochet a sentimental wrap for a pet, the colors hand-picked by her grandchildren.

“Lots of different things [and] projects get done in here,” Maguire said.

Anyone is welcome to join the circle, regardless of age, gender and hometown. They meet every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the historic reading room of the Meredith Public Library on Main Street.

“It’s not restricted to females, either,” said Laurie Brothers, who was working on a cap.

The library is happy to host the legacy group each week.

“The Knotty Knitters was started about 18 years ago by one of my book group regulars, Christine Oldeman, who has since passed away,” said Erin Apostolos, library director, in an email to The Laconia Daily Sun. “They are still full of laughter and chatting each week when they meet.”

For more information, visit meredithlibrary.org.