The “Yarn and Yap” program at the Ashcroft Library has been going for two years, and is an opportunity for crafters of all sorts to get together from 2 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday, work on projects, have some tea and goodies, and socialize with other crafters.
However, a recent donation of wool from the Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop in Ashcroft prompted some of the regular participants to lay aside their own projects and knit blankets, which are intended to be used by residents of Jackson House at the Ashcroft Hospital.
“We designed the blankets for people who are in wheelchairs,” says Sibylle Trimble. “We decided on the size of the blankets, and the size of the squares needed to make up the blankets. Then the squares were stitched together to make the blankets.”
Six blankets were completed, each one designed to fit over the lap of someone in a wheelchair. Trimble then added unique decorative embellishments to each blanket. “It was a really neat project,” she says. “It was nice to see people donate their time and efforts.”
Work on the blankets started in September, with some of the knitters also donating wool from their own private stashes. Trimble admits that it was sometimes tricky to match the different-coloured squares together in one blanket, but the knitters rose to the challenge.
“We wouldn’t have done this without Yarn and Yap,” she adds. “It’s a lot of fun, and we enjoy the companionship; and it’s nice to see we’re getting people coming out week after week.”
“It’s a great way to socialize and meet new people,” says Pat Brown. “We make new friends. For newcomers to town it’s a really nice way to discover new people.”
The members also said that having the program available encouraged them to get out of the house and craft in the company of others. Members also help each other learn new skills and crafts for more projects. “You’re not a real crafter unless you have half-a-dozen uncompleted projects on the go,” quipped Brown.
There is also a “Yarn and Yap” session each week at the Cache Creek Library, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Both programs are on a drop-in basis, and are free.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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