Knitting the Perfect Christmas Gift
“Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy yarn, which is kind of the same thing.” – Anonymous
Garrison Green’s Fibre Arts Club is one of the busiest groups in the community. Sitting together each Monday to knit, crochet and quilt has built up friendships and created a strong community.
“Do you knit?” Trudy Martin says it’s one of the first questions she asks new residents. “It’s a great way to introduce yourself and something lots of others have in common. Many of us have lost our spouses, so a club like this is an excellent way to make new friends.”
Trudy moved into Garrison Green four years ago, and often knits with her two daughters, Rose Thomas and Terri Cassidy, when they are in town. Both are also knitters who learned the art as children.
“I’ve been knitting since I was in Brownies,” said Trudy. “At that time, you could knit to earn a badge. As my children grew, they also went to Brownies and learned to knit.”
Rose and Terri often come to Calgary to visit with their mother, and are very involved in the Fibre Arts Club. “This is a special way to stay connected when we do not live close,” said Rose. ” I have friends and cousins who have also contributed ideas and patterns to the club. I find the group at Garrison Green are amazing ladies. I enjoy their company on my visits. They made me feel welcome from the first time I joined them. It is great to see their efforts assist a variety of charities in Calgary. The knitting, crocheting and quilting keeps them engaged in a meaningful way. All the members contribute their talents.”
Learning to knit, crochet, quilt or do needlepoint are fine arts that many people are no longer familiar with. But as an older adult, these art forms were commonplace and hold an important place in their lives.
“I’m always looking for new patterns, to find something new and different to make for the sale,” said Trudy.
The Fibre Arts Club holds two sales a year, with all money raised going to four charities they support – Children’s Cottage Society, Women in Need Society, the Mustard Seed and Sonshine Community Services. The sale this year will be on Nov. 20 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. , continuing Nov. 23 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Garrison Green community. So if you’re looking for that perfect gift – potholders, dishcloths and towels, scarves or mittens, shopping bags – friends and family are welcome to stop by and pick up a Christmas gift or two, all for a worthy cause.
“Friendship is what I get out of being part of the club,” said Trudy. “I’m alone now, except when my girls come to visit, so being part of a group like this and part of a larger community is really important to me.”
Ask us about our short-term respite stays and other short-stay options.
Photos and video by Sherana Productions, Trudy Martin
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.
Or, to find out more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.
