On a chilly January day, yarn lovers gathered inside The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township to connect through creativity, one loop at a time.
On a chilly January day, yarn lovers gathered inside The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township to connect through creativity, one loop at a time.
Geauga Park District’s Yarn Over in the Park program entered its second year Jan. 14, hosting its first session inside the Oak Room, where a virtual crackling fire and freshly brewed coffee welcomed preregistered participants.
The quarterly, free program invites those already familiar with knitting or crocheting to meet in a different park each session to work on individual projects, often reflecting the season.
Thirteen-year-old Ophelia Silvia plopped down her bag of crocheting materials and quickly began working on her multi-colored winter scarf.
“I enjoy this program a lot because I like to crochet and I like talking to other people who also like to crochet,” said Silvia, of Newbury Township.
Her mother, Amber Silvia, said the family has been attending Geauga Park District programs since Ophelia was young.
“We’ve always enjoyed participating in the programs as a family or individually and the staff has always been very enthusiastic and welcoming,” Amber said.
GPD Special Events Coordinator Holly Sauder started the group to connect yarn artists with the park district.
“Often, these arts happen in a solo environment, but the parks, the seasons and the colors of nature can be very inspirational … so it seemed like a logical program to start,” Sauder said. “This isn’t a ‘learn to crochet or knit’ group. As stated, I’m in my beginner era of crochet, but the attendees have shared techniques and tips with one another throughout the year.”
Many participants said they first learned the craft from a family member. Annie Rohde’s grandmother taught her as a child and she recently returned to the hobby.
“I decided to learn how to do it again a few years ago because I enjoy fiber arts and crafts and thought it would be a relaxing thing to do to make the winters go by faster,” Rohde said.
She credits YouTube tutorials for helping her refresh her skills.
“I love how when you get ‘in the zone,’ it’s almost a meditative exercise and it connects me with memories of my mother and grandmother,” Rohde said. “I enjoy participating in knit/crochet/fiber craft groups, like the one at Geauga parks. You get to spend time talking with other people who are interested in the same thing and can learn from what others are making. The nature center at West Woods is beautifully rustic and the displays of local artwork are inspiring. The facilitator was enthusiastic and fun. I’m really looking forward to the next session.”
Rohde attended with friend Eileen Yates, who learned to knit around age 8 from a friend’s mother.
“I knitted for several years and loved seeing beautiful things come to life using nothing more than two needles and a ball of yarn,” Yates said.
She later joined a knitting group at Holden Arboretum called K.N.I.T.—Knitting in Nature for Inspiration and Tranquility.
“What began as a small group of strangers with a shared interest quickly became a close-knit group of friends who developed a strong bond that has lasted over 20 years,” Yates said.
The group moved locations and went virtual during COVID-19 before landing at the Kirtland Community Center.
“It’s hard to believe we’ve now been together for over 20 years,” Yates said. “We have supported each other through many of life’s changes, including kids graduating, weddings, welcoming the birth of grandchildren and the loss of cherished members and family members. Through it all, our tight-knit bond has lifted and carried us.
“(Yarn Over the Park is) another opportunity to bring people together who share the love of knitting and nature in beautiful settings,” she added. “Coincidentally, this group is led by the daughter of one of the original members of the K.N.I.T. group who is no longer with us. The circle continues.”
For some, the program also serves a philanthropic purpose.
Joni Stebbins, of Chester Township, knitted for her St. Joan of Arc monthly shawl ministry, which provides prayer shawls, baby blankets, hats, bibs and shawls for baptisms to comfort those in need.
“(GPD programs provide) so many opportunities to learn new things, meet new people and enjoy the outdoors,” Stebbins said.
