PLATTSBURGH — Knit one. Purl two.
Local seniors teach each other the timeless art of interlocking loops or view YouTube. The intersection of fiber arts and tech is the latest initiative of Senior Planet from AARP at the Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh.
Every Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. (exceptions Monday, May 26 or any other federal holiday), a group of creatives aged 50-plus gather for a 90-minute working session hosted by Senior Planet Center Manager Jess Fortin.
“There’s a group of, currently just ladies but open to anybody, who come in and knit and crochet and generally becoming a good crafting group,” she said. “We have a lady who was doing some embroidery and other stuff. They come in. Some of them are very experienced and just want the social aspect of it, and some are actual brand-new learners. We worked tech into it as to how to find patterns or YouTube videos on how to do various things.”
All walk-ins are welcome to watch YouTube tutorials for new stitches and download apps for pattern storage, to discover new designs on Pinterest. The group is a dynamic example of how older adults embrace tech in joyful, practical, and creative ways, according to Senior Planet from AARP.
“The world is changing at a very fast pace. I’ve been coming to Senior Planet to learn ‘tech’ and to appreciate it and not be fearful. The offer of a fiber arts group gave me a chance to slow down, and it reawakened the creativity in me. This group has helped me to use the creativity of tech while spending time with a wonderful group of ladies each week. Life is short—leave something beautiful,” says participant De Elser.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Fortin said.
“We’re anywhere from eight to 15 every week. A bunch of regulars. The ladies have said that I’m not allowed to stop because they’re really having a lot of fun. Getting out and having the social discussion aspect for the ladies’ time. We’re always making different things. They are having a blast teaching each other and seeing what they are doing. Giving each other tips. We are always, always, welcoming any donations of yarn or materials that people might have stockpiled and are not utilizing.”
The group’s fabulous creations include a collaborative project of a blanket from salvaged scraps.
“It’s kind of like a granny-square blanket,” Fortin said.