Knitting For A Cause

There is no obvious link between knitting and chocolate. Or so I thought, until I spotted an event listing on last Friday’s Patch announcing a charity knitting bee to be held at Chocolations in Mamaroneck for the benefit of My Sister’s Place, a Westchester charity which helps the victims of domestic abuse.  My Sister’s Place had received a donation of a large amount of yarn and given their need for hats, scarves, blankets and sweaters, etc., a program, Knitting for Charity, was established, sponsored by Chocolations and Lola’s Tea House.

As a life-long knitter who had recently been looking for ways to give back to the community, this seemed like the perfect opportunity: a chance to spend two hours knitting with a like-minded group of people, all for a good cause – and in the ambience of a chocolate shop! Patterns and yarn were provided; all we had to bring were some knitting needles.  

The ‘kick-off’ meeting was on Saturday between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Never having been to a knitting circle before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the friendliness of the staff of Chocolations and of coordinator Carol Costa soon eased any shyness I had about my participation. The group took over a cozy corner of Chocolations which soon became a hive of industry as everyone chose from the wonderful yarns on offer and got their individual projects under way. While we worked, Silvia Lederman, My Sister’s Place Volunteer Coordinator, told us a little about the organization which offers legal advice, education and mentoring to domestic abuse victims as well as shelter if necessary.

The two hours flew by as projects progressed amidst the heady aroma of chocolate drifting from the back of the shop and friendly conversations on everything from knitting techniques to opinions on the movie Les Misérables.

Given the success of the first meeting, the plan is to have further meetings every two weeks – same time, same place - so if you enjoy knitting or crocheting and would like to help a good cause in the company of a friendly bunch of people, in a charming environment, please join us.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday February 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Chocolations, 607 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck.  Tel:( 914) 738 2100

Don’t forget your knitting needles!

If you would like further information, please contact Knitting for Charity coordinator, Carol Costa, at Carolcosta47@gmail.com

Mel Parish is the author of “Silent Lies’. Her next novel ‘Ulterior Motives’ is due out in spring.  www.melparish.com