Stowsentry.com - Stow Blanketeers hooked on knitting, crocheting

by Holly Schoenstein

Correspondent

Stow -- "Some people think, 'I don't want to sit and knit when I retire,' but I say, 'Why not?'" said Jonna Wallin, a 72-year-old North Akron resident, between stitches for the blanket she was knitting.

Wallin, who learned how to knit socks as a 7-year-old while growing up in Europe, said she knits using the "Continental" way because it's faster than the European way. She can knit one to two blankets a week.

She joined the Stow Blanketeers, a group of knitters and crocheters who donated blankets, afghans and other home-made items to people in need, last year.

Wallin and the other 27 members of the dedicated group have collectively donated more than 500 blankets since its formation more than two years ago.

The group has donated to Akron organizations -- including the Safety Youth Center for Girls, Summit County Children Services, the Battered Women's Shelter, Pregnancy Care of Summit County Inc. and Haven of Rest Ministries -- among others.

John Carney, clothing coordinator at Haven of Rest Ministries, said donations such as those from the Stow Blanketeers have helped approximately 1,400 people each month. Some of the blankets are used at Haven of Rest, and some are passed out to people in need.

The group also has donated items to cancer patients and to people who have sustained injuries.

The Stow Blanketeers is a local chapter of Warm Up America! Foundation, based in Ranlo, N.C.

Thirteen members gather on Wednesdays for a weekly meeting at Stow Safety Center at the Stow Police Department.

"We just feel that somebody's got to do something," said Margrit Portaria, co-founder of the group. "We have the time and desire to help others. We donate most in fall and around Christmas time and in the winter. The [Pregnancy Care of Summit County Inc.] makes gift baskets for babies, children and mothers with bonnets, booties and scarves that our group has knitted. When the staff [at the Center] received them, they were in tears."

Every member has her own talent. Members have made everything from 10-inch by 10-inch squares to 49-inch by 63-inch blankets. Some have crocheted or knitted sweaters, jackets, bonnets and baby booties.

"There are no two blankets that look alike; they're beautiful," Portaria said.

Not all of the group's members have grown up knitting and crocheting. Stow resident Alice Pamer, 80, did not learn how to crochet until joining the group in 2005. She has crocheted six afghans since then. She recently learned how to knit, too.

Dottie Wiley, 72, of Stow, has taught new members how to crochet and knit since she joined approximately three and a half years ago.

"It's simple to learn. All it is is a bunch of loops, and you just have to know how to put them together," Wiley said. "We don't push anybody; we don't have a set limit or amount."

Maria Weiher, 79, of Stow added, "It's good to get together and gab for a couple of hours and make friends. It's a good way to get out of the house, but it can also keep you busy at home."

Weiher has made at least 30 full-size afghans, eight infant afghans and 10 pairs of baby booties since joining the group less than two years ago.

The Stow Blanketeers meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Stow Safety Center Community Room, 3800 Darrow Road.

For additional information about membership or to make a donation of cash or yarn, call Portaria at 330-677-5511 or Wiley at 330-688-8866.

E-mail: stowsentry@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088