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At craft group, members ‘show and tell’

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Michelle Pettit (left), Carolyn Scott and Marcia Clark gather by the McGregor Public Library’s fireplace, where the craft group meets each Thursday, beginning at 3:30 p.m. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

A LOOK AT LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Over the next few weeks, the North Iowa Times will highlight some of the unique programs and activities offered regularly at the McGregor Public Library. Our second feature focuses on the weekly craft group.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

Gathered around the cozy fireplace at the McGregor Public Library, director Michelle Pettit and patrons Carolyn Scott and Marcia Clark reminisce about some of the beautiful items past and present members of the library’s weekly craft group have created over the years.

“Carolyn has brought in many beautiful quilts,” Pettit noted.

“And Toni [Kann] has knit hundreds of sweaters,” added Clark.

“Rosie Richards was known to take a pair of shoes apart, then re-configure them,” Scott supplied.

Whether it’s quilting, crocheting, felting, coloring or painting by number, any craft interest or art form is welcome in the group, which meets each Thursday, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

“Everyone can pick their project. We’re open to anything,” shared Pettit, who estimated the group first began meeting around 10 years ago—an offshoot of a painting group formed by one-time resident Vangie Hansen.

You don’t even have to be great at crafts, Pettit said. In fact, you don’t have to work on any project at all if you don’t want to; simply come and socialize.

“In the winter, it kind of morphs into games,” she remarked. “And in a way, it’s kind of become a talking group.”

As Scott put it, “We’ve become diversified.”

The group meetings are fun, she added, and offer good fellowship. It also gives her an opportunity to work on craft projects she might not take the time to tackle at home.

“This is my time, she said. “I guard it.”

“It’s something to look forward to,” Clark quipped.

For those who enjoy crafting, Pettit said the group is a fun place to share ideas.

“We learn a lot of things from each other,” Scott agreed.

Over the years, members have taught one another. They’ve also guided local kids who wandered into the crafters’ area, hoping to learn more about the projects.

Pettit recalled making an afghan with one brother and sister.

“It was not by design, but happenstance,” she stated. “Curiosity brings them over.”

Surprisingly, she said, several boys have expressed interest in knitting and crocheting. They’ve all been around the age of 10 at the time—to her, a good age to start the hobby.

“They like to learn,” she noted. “One boy did a scarf.”

No matter the age—and no matter if it’s a project or a story from their own lives—Pettit said the crafters group gives everyone the chance to “show and tell.”

If you’d like to learn more about the craft group, stop by the Thursday meetings or contact the McGregor Public Library at (563) 873-3318 or mplib@mchsi.com.

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