Local knitters and crocheters are invited to participate in a "knit in public" event June 18, in Rock Springs.
This is the eighth year a World Wide Knit in Public Day event will be held locally. More than a dozen knitters and crocheters participate each year, sharing their projects with each other, teaching new techniques and just having fun. Since they knit at local coffee shops, outside near a busy street corner, or in a restaurant enjoying lunch, many passersby stop to find out why the group has gathered.
World Wide Knit in Public Day is unique, in that it is the largest knitter-run event in the world. Each local event is put together by a volunteer or a group of volunteers. They each organize an event because they want to share their craft with others. They bring their own fresh ideas into planning where the event should be held and what people would like to do.
"We are meeting outside between the train depot and caboose downtown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.," coordinator Debora Soule said. "The Rods and Rails Car Show is taking place that day, so it should be a lot of fun."
Plans are to knit outside under the trees. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, umbrellas, water, snacks and of course their yarn projects. Bring some wool or wool blend yarn leftovers to join in a knit project that can be traded with others.
"There are many individual knitters and some get together regularly in town but we want everyone to enjoy a day getting together. I have met many folks through the years since I have been teaching knit and crochet at the Community Fine Arts Center. This would be a wonderful chance to get reacquainted."
World Wide Knit in Public Day was started in 2005 by Danielle Landes. It began as a way for knitters to come together and enjoy each other's company.
The web site describes knitting as a solitary act that "it is easy to knit alone somewhere and sink into your work without thinking about all the other knitters out there. Neighbors could spend all their lives never knowing that the other knits."
The event is really about showing the general public that knitting and crocheting can be a community activity in a very distinct way.
"Today knitting is a way to socialize, but it's also a stress reliever and some say it is cheaper than therapy," Soule said. "Well, most of the time!"
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