Stow artist collecting yarn blocks to donate to Warm Up America

Seven women sat together in the library at Vitalia Senior Residences in Stow, crocheting and knitting. They were all creating 7-inch by 9-inch rectangles made of soft yarn in a variety of colors.

"I haven't crocheted in decades," said Linda McKenzie. "The thought of doing this, especially for something that gives back, gives me a project where I can dust off my crochet hands and take it up. This is definitely a special project."

That project is to create at least one block to give to Leila Griffiths. Griffiths, a Stow artist who runs The Griffin art gallery, is collecting the projects for two purposes. One is to create at least one tree — more than one tree if there are enough blocks — that will decorate Stow City Hall during the holiday season. Then, once the festive season is over, the squares will be donated to Warm Up America. The organization takes these squares and turns them into blankets, caps and other items for those in need of a little extra warmth and TLC.

There are premade kits, created by Griffiths, for those interested in participating. Each kit contains an informational flyer, which doubles as a template for the size of the rectangles. The kits provide information on where kits can be picked up, dropped off, when the projects are needed by and what yarn is not accepted. Those picking up a kit also don't need to make a special trip to the store, since they include a size five metal crochet hook and three small balls of yarn, which is enough to make one full rectangle with some yarn left over.

Pat Ries said she hadn't crocheted since she was a child.

"I haven't crocheted since I was a girl in Girl Scouts," Ries said. "We were making potholders."

While most of the women were using crochet hooks to make their blocks, Judy Wilmot said she preferred to knit.

"I tried and tried to learn crochet," Wilmot said, who added that she started knitting when she was younger, mostly making items such as scarves and blankets.

And when did Beverly Spinks learn to crochet?

"When my sister needed me to be quiet," Spinks said, adding that she was 7 years old when she first learned to crochet. She is now 85, and said she's continued with crochet and sewing ever since them.

This is open to anyone who wishes to participate, said Stow Mayor John Pribonic, not just for those who live in Stow. These contributions can also be made by individuals or by groups.

"It's something anyone can do," Pribonic said. "We want everyone who wants to participate."

Griffiths said this is a project that students could consider for their service hours.

Stow City Hall, 3760 Darrow Road, has kits available for pickup at the front desk any time, Griffiths said. There’s a limit of two kits per person. Organization who wants to get involved should reach out at stowartscommission@gmail.com to request the kits they need.

"We can put a bag together either for pickup, or to drop off at your location," Griffiths said.

There will be several pop-up booths this summer and fall for those wanting to pick up a kit or find out more. There will be a booth at the Stow farmer’s market every Saturday from June 8 to Oct. 5 9 a.m. to noon. The farmer's market is at the Community Church of Stow, 1567 Pilgrim Drive.

Booths also will be at the Fun in Stow park pop-ups on June 11 at Wyoga Lake Park, July 16 at Northport Neighborhood Park, and Aug 13 at Heather Hills Neighborhood Park. These events are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. In addition, booths will be set up at all the concerts on the green, starting May 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

"We will have kits available, and the public is invited to join us and sit down and crochet along," Griffiths said. "The goal is to create a little sense of community, where experienced crocheters may feel inclined to help someone who isn’t so experienced, or wants to learn, but also just little pop-ups where people can gather and chat and laugh while doing some good."

Reporter April Helms, who can't knit or crochet to save her life despite her mother's best efforts to teach her, can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Yarn blocks created will be made into a Christmas tree, then donated