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Community Corner

Summertime Knitting

Have fun making something new this summer!

Debbie’s Daily Dose of Food for Thought

The relaxed atmosphere of summer is the perfect time for creating beautiful handmade items. Warren Gohsler, owner of The Yarn Basket in Branford, recently shared his thoughts about knitting and crocheting with me. He suggests, “knit throughout the summer because you will get a head start on your holiday gifts” and told me that he “wants to keep everyone in stitches.” Here are a few things to know about summertime knitting and crocheting.

About The Yarn Basket

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The shop is located in the Mews Shoppes at 288 East Main St., in Branford and is full of gorgeous, colorful yarns, books, and samples of completed work. They offer classes to teach you how to and crochet or to work on a specific project. Free “Open Knitting” times are scheduled Sunday afternoons from noon – 4 p.m. and free “Drop-In Knitting Nights” are Tuesday evenings from 7 - 9 p.m. Our local libraries also have drop-in knitting groups meeting every Wednesday. Call the or the for times and locations.

Project Ideas

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Scarves, fingerless mittens, shawls, and prayer shawls are summertime project favorites. Warren recommends knitting with cotton, linen, and rayon during the summer because they are not hot to work with and will keep you cool. Many Yarn Basket customers also knit for charity, making handcrafted items for church fairs or working on caps for preemies and newborns and donating them to area hospitals.

Warren’s Tips

If you are working on an afghan or bigger piece and need to hold it on your lap, place a beach towel across your knees. It will keep you cool.

If you are having a problem with your project, stop in at the store. Warren calls Marlene, the store manager, “the goddess of knitting” and quickly added that “we are here to help, anytime.” 

Knitting and Crocheting Websites

Visit The Yarn Basket at www.yarnbasketct.com to learn more about this lovely full-service shop and to check out their list of summer classes. Other helpful sites are: www.Ravelry.com, a worldwide on-line knitting and crocheting community; www.berroco.com; and, www.knittingfever.com.

Debbie’s Tip: Stop in at The Yarn Basket. If you admire handmade items and always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet or enjoy knitting and crocheting already, you will be inspired to take a class and learn or to start a new project. Either way, you will find the shop and staff charming. If you do visit, there is an amazing knitted beaded necklace by the register – be sure to take a look at it! 

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