Visiting the Fabric Artists

I had a heartwarming experience last Thursday. I had often wondered what went on upstairs in room 228 on Thursday mornings. I would see these women with their big bags quietly go upstairs about 10:00 AM and emerge about an hour later. So a few days ago I followed them to a cozy room where chairs circled the room. Each wooden chair was of different design, a colorful rug covered the floor, and shelves of books and a table of magazines were against the wall. On one wall were hung two quilted vests which were made by Dee Richards. Dee had been a member of the group before her death this year. I was invited to have a seat and observe and listen.

This group appropriately calls itself "Fabric Arts Group." Mary was just showing off her felt slippers which she made first by knitting large wool slippers and then shrinking them in hot water to the right size. I did not know before this was how felt was made. Terry as usual was using her little needle to so some intricate cross stitch on a tiny piece of fabric for the next holiday bazaar at her church. Larry was knitting a baby blanket for her future great-granddaughter. I was touched by the baby clothes which Shirley and Margaret were making. Shirle was knitting a very small pink cap for a tiny newborn and Margaret was knitting a bright yellow baby blanket. These items will be donated to "Touching Little Lives", a nonprofit charity that provides clothes for premature babies and needy babies. I was given a tablet which showed how many items had been made this year. Shirle alone made 29! Wanda was just there socializing because her tarpal tunnel surgery prevented her from doing her usual cross stitch.

When I first came into the room, I interrupted a conversation about Ohio State University's Football Team. Larry thought the punishment was too harsh for the five suspended players, so there was a good discussion that. I have to add this part, just so you know that these women do not gossip when they get together. Instead, they discuss important current news events.

The last thing I was told is that a big welcome is extended to all who knit, weave, crochet, needlepoint, quilt, or even just mend. Emily has done mending for many residents, including some for me. Emily also made bags for the residents of the health care center to attach to their walkers. I so much enjoyed my morning. Please drop in to visit just as I did.

Eloise