Learn To Knit Now. It's Free, Too!

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The city has risen to the occasion once more and is offering many creative ways to surmount the winter blahs.  They've come up with a program called The Stitching Salon (large sign in view), right across from the Cultural Center at 72 E. Randolph. 

I learned to knit many years ago from my grandmother, but my crochet lessons were aborted too soon.  I yearn to crochet something bizarre from metal wire but am stumped until I actually learn to crochet more than just a flat old piece.  I called the city for help and they urged me to stop by the "salon".  Chances are, they said, someone with expertise will be on site to demistify the crochet hook just for me.

Of course they teach knitting and other sewing arts as well.  It's akin to an old fashioned sewing bee resurrected for 21st Century life. 

You may be aware that knitting has become newly fashionable of late. Yarn stores have responded with an array of exotic yarns of all kinds.  Explore the workshop, "Knitting With The Experts" for both basic and advanced techniques.  New projects are offered weekly.  It's on Wednesdays from 6-8PM.

The Stitching Salon was initially scheduled to close at the end of February but it's been such a phenomenal success that it's been extended through March 31 says my friend Barbara Manning, a true fiber afficionado.

She and I attended opening day in January, a festive and lively affair.  Artists such as Pate (pron. Paddy) Conaway and Danny Mansmith held forth on their current and past projects.  Pate was encouraging a woman who was knitting plastic bag material with the aid of enormous knitting needles and Danny stood alongside an exhibit of his stitching projects which I though especially inventive.  He was wearing cut off jeans with long wide-legged fabric added.  When Barbara remarked on his garment,  he revealed he'd used the reverse side of faux snakeskin for the unusual effect.

The exhibit remains as a backdrop for salon activities.

Try this website www.winterdelights.com to access info on other activities of all kinds or call 312.744.2400 and ask for "Stitching Salon", specifically or whatever other field you're looking for.

The Stitching Salon, 72 E. Randolph.  Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM;  Saturday, 9AM-5
PM;  Sunday, 10AM-6PM.