Building Friendships with a Ball of Yarn

Saturday’s icy weather couldn’t stop a group of women from taking part in their favorite pastime.

Brighton Presbyterian Church in Zanesville hosted its annual knit-in, which brings area knitting groups together in the same circle.  Pastor Suellen Skinner said these ladies are actually "addicted" to knitting because it’s how they express themselves.

"I personally believe that humans are made to be creative, and our society doesn’t encourage creativity," said Skinner.  "It encourages consumerism.  I think we have an innate desire to be creative."

Skinner said knitting is also a form of therapy, because the women spend time getting to know one another.  She said the clothing they knit is put to good use in the community.

"There’s nothing warmer than a gift of a shawl, so one of the things we do as a group is we knit shawls for folks who are sick or whose family member is sick or has lost a loved one," said Skinner.

Skinner said the group is always looking for new members.  If you’re interested in joining, you can stop by Brighton Presbyterian Church on Lexington Avenue on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.