I’m Otis, Prairiewoods’ favorite squirrel, and I’ve taken over this blog for 2016 in honor of Prairiewoods’ 20th anniversary. You’ll hear from me or one of my friends each Friday.
Today I want to introduce you to Linda Martin and her friends, the Prairiewoods Knitters & Stitchers. This group of crafty humans knits and crochets items for area charities. (They’ve even offered to make me a sock to keep my tail warm this winter!) Feel free to join Linda and this fun group …
A group of ladies gather the second Tuesday morning and fourth Wednesday evening of each month at Prairiewoods, with the intention of knitting or crocheting items for donation. The Prairiewoods Knitters & Stitchers has 18 members. Yarn that has been donated is used to make hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, and sweaters. Each meeting we share patterns and techniques and give help to those that need it. We welcome people with varying skills, including beginners. There will always be someone available at each meeting to assist.
This year we gathered over 500 items for donations to 8 local groups! Items were delivered to Veterans Outreach, Olivet Church, Catherine McCauley Center, Mission of Hope, Young Parent Network, Salem United Methodist Church, Linn County Child Development Center and a Baptist church in Marion.
In the past our group has participated as a Prairiewoods representative in Earth Day activities. We use our craft to knit and crochet with plastic bags we called plarn.
Prairiewoods Knitters and Stitchers participate in the yearly Prairiewoods Holiday Bazaar. Proceeds from the bazaar are used for needed supplies and operating expenses. We have donated money to Prairiewoods, to Grant Wood School Back Pack Program, and to Olivet Church.
Members of our group spend time during the summer in the Sprint Program at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. We help children learn how to knit, crochet and do other yarn crafts.
If you would like join us in our endeavors at Prairiewoods, call Prairiewoods (319-395-6700) and ask to be put in touch with Linda Martin.
—Linda Martin, member of Prairiewoods Knitters & Stitchers
I’m a Veteran and have received done of your wonderful donations from the Freedom Foundation in Cedar Rapids. Thanks for the donations,,,!!! Your work is beutiful. Jerry Garner , Disabled Veteran, USAF
I have a bunch of yarn I am looking to get rid of. Is there a time I can drop it off?
Hi, Jennifer. Thanks so much for thinking of us! Our office is open every weekday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and many evenings and weekends. If you’d like to stop by after our normal hours, just give us a call at 319-395-6700 to see if we’ll be here. Thanks again for your generosity!