Do you have a practical reason, or creative impulse, to stitch? Are you looking for

time to get going on your holiday gifts or decorations you’ve planned? Is your

daughter’s skirt missing a button? When local fiber artist Mary Kate Jordan anchors

A Stitchin’ Time at the Monterey Library, she might be working on a new wall quilt.

Or maybe you’ll find her mending a seam on a favorite blouse. Either activity fits,

because she just wants to encourage folks who indulge in activities which require

thread -- or yarn -- to get together.

The meetings began a few years ago with homeschooled kids who wanted this kind

of activity. That focus peaked, and other local folk began to gather informally in a

fluid handwork community. In the past, some have sewed or mended. Others have

knitted, crocheted, quilted or embroidered. And we’ve all enjoyed the company of

other congenial stitchers.

Our current schedule at the Monterey Library is from 10:00 – 11:30 on these

Tuesday mornings: September 22 & 29; October 13 & 20; November3 & 10, and

December 8. This fall Laraine Lippe, an accomplished knitter, will join Mary Kateon

a regular basis (except possibly on October 13) and they invite you to join them.

No matter what your reason to stitch, drop in to A Stitchin’Time before the end of

the year. The size of this handwork gathering is likely to vary from week to week.

(No contract required!)

     Because the schedule goes well into New England’s potentially “weather-ish” season,

keep in mind that when the schools are closed, so is the library. And if it’s bad enough

outside that you’re not sure you want to leave your house, we’ll probably feel that way,

too. (My driveway curves down a small hill…) If you have a question about that, call

the library to confirm. If you have any other questions before you drop in, contact me

at 413-528-1011. – Mary Kate