During the pandemic, there have been many moments of unexpected blessing. For me, one of those blessings was the opportunity to host the Prairiewoods Knitters & Stitchers on Zoom during the months when meetings were virtual rather than in person. I so enjoyed the conversation that goes along with knitting together and stitching side by side (even virtually!). It was a joy to hear laughter and sharing, and I felt blessed by a natural show-and-tell as each person held up the item they were working on (thick colorful mittens, fun fuzzy hats, gorgeous flowing scarves), each one an absolute work of art made in the spirit of care and generosity. The colors, the patterns, the textures of the chosen yarns were vivid and rich and interesting to see. All the while I heard stories about the many years Knitters & Stitchers have been meeting and teaching at Prairiewoods and about all the wonderful creations they’ve donated to charity over the years. I will always remember that virtual time as one of those unexpected pandemic blessings. And thankfully, the Knitters & Stitchers have been back at Prairiewoods meeting in person once again for the past several months (and you’re welcome to join them!).
The beautiful fall colors on the trees and the chill in the air reminds us that holiday time is approaching. And normally the work of the Knitters & Stitchers (along with the creative work of several other local hand crafters) is available for purchase at the annual Prairiewoods Holiday Bazaar. This event usually brings hundreds of people to Prairiewoods on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, but as we continue in the pandemic, this year once again, rather than gathering in person, we will host a Virtual Holiday Mini-Bazaar over the holiday weeks (Nov. 19–Dec. 20). During this time, items will be available for order via phone (319-395-6700) or email (ecospirit@prairiewoods.org), with contactless pick-up available. (Or you can stop in and browse the Gift Shop.)
The Virtual Holiday Mini-Bazaar will feature the work of the Knitters & Stitchers, the delicious (and popular!) Trappistine Creamy Caramels and some special Prairiewoods items:
- Tree-shirts with our tree top and roots image, in classic black or royal blue (back by popular demand!) ($16 for short-sleeve V-neck, $22 for long-sleeve crew-neck)
- Brand new gardening/trail hats with our tree image to keep the sun out of your eyes and the mosquitoes off your neck (in small/medium or large/extra large, $30)
- Wooden disc ornament kits for creating at home (includes eight discs cut from Prairiewoods trees, instructions for painting both a spiral mandala and a dotted word of intention designed by our beloved Andi Lewis, ribbons for hanging, one set of dotting tools and three full-size acrylic paints)—this is a great activity for the whole family! ($20)
- Reusable Prairiewoods shopping bags ($6)
- Wood-grain journals ($17)
- Trappistine Creamy Caramels ($25 for 24 oz. Finest Caramel Assortment, $10 for 8 oz. Gold Striped Bags of Vanilla Caramels or Chocolate Caramels, limit two of each kind)
- Gift certificates (any dollar amount)
Gift certificates can be mailed. All other items will be available for contactless pick-up at Prairiewoods at your convenience.
You can also stop in to look at the Gift Shop for these items, as well as our wide variety of spiritual books and other gifts. While you’re at Prairiewoods, you might choose to walk the grounds (admiring the colors and creative beauty of the fall season), pray the labyrinth or check out a book from the Media Center. You might pick up a brochure about the Prairiewoods Knitters & Stitchers and decide to join them in person at their next gathering! Even during the continued pandemic there are ways to connect, ways to recognize blessing (in big and small ways) and we hope to see you soon.
—Angie Pierce Jennings, Prairiewoods hosted groups and hospitality coordinator