PITTSTON — Peggy Burke, of West Pittston, is passionate about knitting — so much so, she took her quest to the streets, literally.
During the September Pittston 2nd Friday Art Walk, Burke, along with a group of knitters from The Knitting Ministry of St. John the Evangelist set up shop on the sidewalk of the lower Tomato Festival lot.
There, a group of eight women pulled out their yarn and knitting needles and got busy as several folks passing by stopped and inquired about the ministry.
Burke’s goal was to create awareness of the knitting ministry, look for new members and show what knitting is all about.
The knitting ministry started in the late 1990s at St. John’s in an effort to encourage people to knit items all year round.
“We knit for, what I call, ‘our neighbors in need for those registered at the food pantry,’” Burke said. “In December, we donate all the handmade hats, blankets, shawls and scarves that we made for the low-income friends.”
The food pantry is a branch of St. John’s Care and Concern Ministry, along with the Free Health Clinic, Kids Clothes Closet, Free Pediatric Clinic and the Toy and Book Corner.
The ministry accepts donated yarn, needles and crochet hooks for future projects or for newcomers to the club who wish to learn how to knit or crochet.
One item on display during the art walk was a men’s 10-speed bicycle decorated in yarn.
“The yarn bomb bike is a type of art for artscaping or items on the street,” Burke said. “It’s a fun thing that catches people’s attention.”
Yarn bombing is the art of attaching fiber or yarn to outdoor items on the street.
Anyone walking along Pittston’s downtown area can see lamp posts, trees or bicycle posts adorned in yarn.
Corky Krupp, of Forty Fort, knitted a mat from recycled plastic grocery bags. According to Krupp, it takes about 400 plastic bags to make a 3 x 6’ mat.
“This is fun; I’ve never done this before,” she said of knitting at the art walk.
Krupp has been knitting since she was 12 years old, having been involved in projects like chemotherapy hats for cancer patients, hats for premature babies at Geisinger Danville neonatal unit, and hats and scarves for area churches.
Burke said knitting is not just for women anymore.
“I’ve taught several men to knit over the years,” Burke said. “There’s a lot of men knitwear designers and artists now. I see male artists all over the world on Instagram and Facebook.
“The Knitting Ministry meets twice a month on Sunday,” Burke added. “We also meet aside of the ministry just to knit and crochet for our own items.”
Burke said there are currently 22 members of the Knitting Ministry but the group is always looking for new members.
