Knitters find support, camaraderie at Jorgensen Plaza

Laughs, encouragement, accomplishments. That may be the best way to describe what it’s like sitting in with the small group of knitters that gathers every Wednesday afternoon at The Market in Jorgensen Plaza. 

“The size of the group and level of skill varies, but we get together for fun,” says villa resident Barb Larsen. The group began meeting at Western Home Communities pre-pandemic after a local knitting shop closed. 

“A few of us took lessons at the shop and then a friend and I started having lunch together and meeting at the shop every week. We’ve met regularly ever since,” says Barb. They met via Zoom when it wasn’t an option to meet in person. 

Barb says they primarily work on their own projects. Currently, that’s socks and sweaters. “Once, early on, a company provided yarn to the knitting shop for knitters to take and make hats for the Hospitality House in Waterloo.” 

The group takes a light-hearted approach to their work, knowing that dropped stitches happen and that some projects might need a few rows re-knitted. Someone in the group usually knows how to help. 

Any knitter is welcome to attend, no matter the skill level – from beginners to master knitters  For those who’d like to take up the hobby, Barb suggests watching YouTube videos to learn and looking for free patterns online.  

The group calls themselves the Sheep Baatiquers, named after the downtown shop where they first started meeting, and they maintain a Facebook group that’s open to the public. The page is a place to show off newest creations, ask questions and find reminders of upcoming gatherings. 

“Knitting doesn’t have to be perfect,” Barb encourages. “It’s handmade so call it your unique style!”

Barb Larsen, left, and the Sheep Baatiquers meet every Wednesday at The Market to knit and socialize.