Love Knits

I met Julie at camp and heard amazing stories about a dream she had a while back. I heard about this Love Knits thing and really had no idea what it was but I knew I was going to be a part of it. So after getting in contact with Julie and discussing what some of the foundations that Love Knits was built on I decided to attempt to bring it to Brock. It started off with just a few of us knitting and hanging out brainstorming what we could bring to vision.

Then it grew and more people started coming, talking about Love Knits even outside of the gatherings… there was a buzz going around. Girls and even guys were telling us that their grandma’s had taught them how to knit and they would be at our next meeting. Our next meeting was very exciting and we had so many people that we ran out of needles and knit using pencils! It was a blast!!! There was so much learning and love floating around it was very heart warming.

We had to conclude our gatherings at Brock because we all went different directions for the summer, but we are all continuing knitting and teaching others. Our plans for next year include making hats for the homeless shelter across the street as well as selling our headband creations around school and giving the money to the homeless shelter. I’m sure more ideas and knitting and crocheting skills will come out this summer and I can’t wait for the next year!

Kristyn Wagner
St. Catherines, ON

I first heard of the Love Knits movement a few years ago, probably just creeping on Julie’s page or something. I didn’t know how to knit, but I thought “what a cool idea!” At the time I was really unsettled in a new community, just trying to meet people and feel like I fit in, so I could really appreciate the idea of getting together with other people, maybe just for that purpose alone. As time went on the thought stayed with me, because I believe God put it on my heart, but also told me to “wait” while He was cooking something else up.

My husband and I had the opportunity this past fall to take a commercial office space and transform it into a meeting space, with the idea of using it for some sort of community outreach, whatever that was going to look like. We both had felt like this was God’s timing to do this, so we collected as many old couches, tables, chairs, lamps, etc. as we could. Our initial idea was to start a community meeting place, but for the moment, it remains our Love Knits meeting spot, which is perfectly nestled about halfway between the two farthest members.

Our group, while still pretty new to the community, has been a great getaway for young women and young moms. A fair amount of women even bring their little ones with them and just let them play about on the rug while we knit, drink tea and talk about what’s happened since we’ve seen each other last. The most fun I’ve had since starting this Love Knits group is helping the new knitters and watching their excitement for the craft grow. At the moment we’re knitting hats for a local group that is going on a mission trip to New York City. I’ve had the opportunity to pass out yarn and talk to other women outside the group about knitting and kind of get them excited about it that way, and we’ve had an awesome response. I’m excited to see what God has in store of our little group, and for what new friends we will make.

Ashley Graham
Woodstock, New Brunswick

Earlier this year my Mum fell ill with a virus that the doctors were unable to clearly diagnose. This virus took its toll on her mind and body and for months she was unable to do everyday tasks or think with clarity. As time went on she ended up in hospital, where she received the unwanted news that it was time to change her lifestyle and routines to accept the fact that for the next, weeks, months or even years she would not be able to do everyday tasks and have the energy to live life as normal. This meant it was time to embrace activities which were much simpler and less tiring. Whilst in hospital, I took Mum a crochet hook, and some wool. I thought it would be nice to try to teach her to crochet to give her something productive to do during the days. Mum picked up this new skill relatively quickly and the doctors were amazed when they saw the headband she was working on so diligently. At this stage in Mum’s illness to have learnt a new skill and have the energy to carry out the task was pretty impressive, and this then lifted her spirits, giving her the courage and hope that one day the recovery would begin and she would be better again.

In December 2010 my Mum finally started to recover, and is now almost back to full strength. She has completed several crocheted items, and the headband she made me in hospital will probably be one of the most special and treasured gifts I have ever received. ‘Love Knits’ could not be a truer statement- to work so hard to create something for someone shows dedication, selflessness and love. If everyone had one handmade, crocheted or knitted item from someone who loved them, wouldn’t the world be a better place?

~ United Kingdom

Everybody talks about this ‘huge change’ that happens when you go to high school, but when I got to grade nine I didn’t see it. This year I’m starting to realize what everyone was talking about; there is more drama, your friends change and people move on. That’s why I am so lucky and blessed to have a great group of friends that I can always count on. LOVE KNITS not only changed my summer, my first year of high school, but my life. I realized you don’t need to go to the parties or get caught up in the drama- I’ve surrounded myself with girls with the same values and wants as me- to have fun but still but keeps our values in mind.

I have become even closer with this group of girls, become closer to god AND found my newest and greatest hobby; crocheting! We crochet lots of stuff; I have currently made one scarf & working on my second! We love to knit & we’re doing it all for LOVE, for those who are less fortunate than us – those people who are in need of a scarf or a hat! Imagine the joy on a person’s face, knowing someone out there took the time to make them something, someone who cared and wanted to do good- to better someone’s life other than their own!

With our small group of girls we’re all accepting of one another and are there for each other, we’re always having fun and learning too. It’s nice to know that someone is there for you, even in the worst of times. And the older girls are like big sisters to all the girls. I don’t know what I’d do without LK…and what would life be like without some yarn, crochet needles & a cup of tea?

“Knitting is the excuse, LOVE is the reason” ♥

Meghan Tennant (15)
London, ON

This summer I had the privilege of working at a wonderful little place called Huron Feathers Centre in Sauble Beach, Ontario. There are many amazing things going on at the centre each summer, such day camp, youth programs, community events and worship services. Such a beautiful place and such incredible people to spend my summer with!

One of the community events that we held at the centre this summer was a Knit Night, inspired by the beautiful vision of Love Knits. We advertised for the event by putting up posters in and around town. There were twelve of us in total that came out for the evening. It was a night filled with great conversation, skill sharing and encouragement! There were many different ages and skill levels represented in the group and it was so great to see one generation teaching the next! We encouraged them to donate their knitted/crocheted items to a charity of their choice, but also gave them information on a homelessness initiative in Owen Sound, called Safe ’n’ Sound, which would gladly be accepting their donations.

Community members showed us their support in so many amazing ways. We received large donations of knitting needles, crochet hooks, and colourful yarn, which supplied the tools for the event. Also, an avid knitter from town graciously volunteered her time to offer tutorials on the craft for beginners! We were so blessed!

Bring Love Knits to your community!

Chantelle Ludwig
Hamilton, ON