Olde Gaol hosts virtual knit-along

The Olde Gaol Museum is hosting a virtual ‘knit along’ this summer for Staycation 2020.

While the museum stays closed due to COVID-19 precautions and also road work that is preventing accessibility to their building, volunteers are continuing to provide education and entertainment for our community on their website www.oldegaolmuseum.ca and their Facebook page with new posts and virtual exhibits being added on an ongoing basis.

Barbara Doyle, a director at the museum, is host of the event and excited for the ‘cast on’ party online June 20 at 10 am via a Facebook Live event.

“We really want to support people that are staying home this summer with an activity that is creative, fun and practical. We will be knitting the pattern Norah’s Vintage Afghan. The pattern is free and has 20 different cabled blocks that are knit and then sewn together, which make it an excellent choice for a portable knit that won’t be too hot to work on this summer,” says Doyle.

“We will also be showing a simple garter stitch version will be offered for new knitters or those that want an easy meditative knit. We were pleased to get a sponsorship from Berroco Yarn Company to enable us to offer this project and locally, Heather Breadner from Aberdeen’s Wool Company in Lindsay is donating 15 per cent of the sales purchased for this event to the museum. People can order online and do pick up at the store or have it delivered. It is also a wonderful project to ‘stash bust’ and use up yarn you already have on hand.”

“The wonderful thing about the knitting community is that it is so supportive and encouraging. We already know that we have a love of knitting in common. we will be posting lots of helpful tips and tutorials, as well as lots of encouragement.”

Historically, communities have come together, she says, through knitting in hard times and for those in need.

“When people are at home and scared, or unable to go about their daily routine, being able to pick up two needles, some yarn and soothe the soul with repetitive motion and purpose may be just the answer.”

The Staycation 2020 event will run for 10 weeks but participants can also work at their own pace. To join you need to join the Facebook group OGM Creative Club and get the details. This event is free to participate in, the pattern is also available as a free download but it is recommended you print it out in colour. You will just need to supply your own needles and yarn of your choice.