Needle arts group meets at Atglen Public Library

Every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m., a group of sewists can be found at the Atglen Public Library (APL) completing crocheting, knitting and related projects as part of the Stitching in the Stacks program.

Led by library assistant Elizabeth Hanley, the group began meeting in the spring of 2022.

Attendees are asked to bring their own projects to the session. During the gathering on July 31, items being made included a crocheted potholder, a knitted washcloth and a crocheted stuffed cow.

"This is a needle arts group," Hanley said. "We have crocheting, knitting, hand sewing and spinning. It's not a teaching group, but if you need some assistance (someone) will jump in."

Members also enjoy camaraderie and provide critiques and assistance with each other's projects. "It's a wonderful, giving, sharing, loving group," said member Jimmie Paradise. "It's a place to laugh, have fun and be challenged and pushed outside the box."

"It's a place to come and ... get inspired and go home and jump into new things," said Hanley.

"(Needle art) is a great stress relief," added member Sue Bowen.

The group members also hold regular yarn exchanges as a way to reuse and recycle unneeded yarn, and they bring in handmade items from their families as part of a show-and-tell activity.

The group is currently working to create a mandala, which is a geometrically shaped pattern of symbols. "One of our group projects that we are working on is a crocheted mandala that will be displayed in the library," noted Hanley. "We are all adding in a section."

APL is located at 121 Main St., Atglen. For more information or to register for the Stitching in the Stacks group, visit http://www.atglenpubliclibrary.org, choose "Register for Programs" and search for "Stitching in the Stacks." Those with questions may call 610-593-6848.