Knitting Club Members Find a Common Thread at The Allendale Community

Hobby Creates Ties That Span the Generations

For members of the Knitting Club at The Allendale Atrium, their weekly gathering is not only an opportunity to create beautifully handcrafted garments but also a chance to stitch together new friendships, spin a yarn or two about days gone by, and share the evolving patterns of their lives.
The Club, which began a few months ago, is led by volunteers Pam Mills (second from left) and Jane McAuley. Jane has been knitting since childhood, joining her grandmother, mother and family friends in this inter-generational activity. Pam has been knitting for several years and finds the hobby to be very rewarding. Both women have welcomed the opportunity to come to The Atrium, a supportive independent senior living residence, to help others experience the joys of knitting.

Most knitters agree that there is a special camaraderie that develops as they sit around the table, working together and chatting. “It’s a very nice experience, with everyone knitting,” said Jane. “Most of the Club members are knitters themselves, so they don’t need to learn from scratch,” added Pam. “Together, we make gloves, scarves and other wearables.”

Knitting not only crosses the generations, it also creates international ties. Recently, The Atrium Senior Social Club members received a box of lovely hand-knit sweaters from a group of senior Japanese Pen-Pals with whom they communicate. This gift was sent to celebrate the first anniversary of friendship between the two senior groups.

It would seem that knitting yarn truly does create ties that bind.