The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times
The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times
The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times

Island knits

Bonnie George
Bonnie George holds her first-prize shawl made from Jamison yarn in the linen stitch. Photos by Danielle Zerbonne

By Anna Marie D'Addarie - November 15, 2007

It was standing room only at the Clark House in Vineyard Haven last Saturday, for the second annual Knitting Show sponsored by the inn and the Heath Hen Quilt Shop. Knitters entered their creative pieces in the show and ribbons were awarded in several categories, including sweaters, shawls, felting, young adult knitters, scarves, and knitted decorations.

Julie Winter, 12, of Mullica Hill, N.J., won first prize for the two felted handbags she entered. "I never really use a pattern," said Ms. Winter when describing her knitting style. She does read books about knitting, a craft she took up four years ago with instruction from her aunt, Judy Winter of Oak Bluffs.

"I'm seeing a lot more teenagers knitting," said Donna Saiia, senior buyer for Stitchery Catalogue. Ms. Saiia brought loads of raffle gifts and lent her expertise to the show.

afghan
A work of art, this afghan won the Best in Show award.
An afghan made by Zelda Rosequist won the top prize of Best in Show. The crocheted blanket was done in the afghan stitch and counted cross-stitch flowers adorned the panels. Barbara Almquist made dozens of tiny sweaters that could be used as tree or gift ornaments. Some of the sweaters were offered for sale with the money being donated to the Unity Club at the Federated Church in Edgartown.

So many people showed up for the Knitting With Beads class that instructor Jessica Oas had to teach two sessions. Ms. Oas is a representative of Westminster Fibers in Nashua, N.H. She had a very busy day, between teaching her classes and answering knitting questions.

Bonnie George, who took first prize with a linen stitch shawl, said, "People always think of the winter here as dreary, but if you have a project going it really helps. A ball of yarn and some knitting needles can be a great friend. And you have something when you're finished."

Lisa Rusche, owner of the Clark House, and co-host Lynn Benson, owner of the Heath Hen Quilt Shop, were thrilled with the large turnout and also with the quality of work entered in competition. The two women have already set the date of Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 for next year's show. Get knitting so you can enter your work next year.