It is early morning at Ridgefield Community Library and already there are people crowding into the meeting room. Tables are reconfigured, chairs are unstacked, and balls of yarn are pulled out of bags. This is the weekly Adult Fiber Arts Social Circle where any stitchery hobby is welcome: knitting, crochet, spinning, lap quilting, needlepoint, counted cross-stitch—even mending.
Moving through the room, it becomes easy to stop and take a closer look at the incredible projects being worked on. Conversation comes just as easily—the group is quick to welcome others in. One attendee even invites someone to her house to borrow a book about Sitka, Alaska she had mentioned. This group has been meeting for over 25 years at the Ridgefield Community Center and now at Ridgefield Community Library. “We welcome everyone,” one of the attendees says. “We currently have about 20 people who regularly come every week.”
There is a moment of surprise when one of the attendees shows up with a wooden spinner and bags of Angora goat fiber saved from goats she raised on a previous farm. Using her foot to spin the wheel, she gently threads long strands of fiber, twisting it into yarn that she will later use in a knitting project.
Crossing the room, there is an opportunity to speak with Shirley, one of the longest-attending members (she has been coming for over 20 years). Her friend Hope points out the crochet project Shirley is working on. “I gifted her the yarn she is using in this project,” Hope says. “I was trying to encourage Shirley to start a new project because for two years she diligently spent her time knitting one small washcloth.” They both laugh.
Libraries are often applauded for their ability to create a “third place” for community, and the Fiber Arts Circle offers a clear example of how powerful a free community resource can be for residents.
Find a Fiber Arts Circle at a branch near you on our events calendar>>
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