Life

Knitters spinning yarns for good cause

By Todd Balazovic (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-06 07:44

Clockwise from top: Members of the Hutong Guild swap knitting tips; some examples of material squares made at the recent activity; wool and needles, some of which were donated by local businesses. [Photo/China Daily]

For Beijing's newest group of knitting fanatics, sitting and spinning thread is more than just a hobby, it's a way to give back.

The recently-started Hutong Guild, part of The Hutong - a cultural exchange group based in Beijing - is offering knitters and those who want to learn the chance to weave their crafts for a cause.

The tightly-knit group of about 25 meets once a week to spin yarns while putting together small handicrafts to be donated to local charities.

"People love to come and get together, to catch up with friends and practice something they enjoy," said Esther Gomez, founder of Hutong Guild and owner of Beyond Knitting, an online supply store.

"But I think the biggest component of this group is that we're doing something for other people."

Their current project, Warming up Orphans, has the group asking the community to donate single squares of material for blankets that will be sewn by the Hutong Guild and donated to Bethel China, an organization which looks after blind orphans.

"It's a good feeling to be able to give back," Gomez said.

Gomez started the group in late November, basing the idea on a similar organization she had seen while living in Shanghai.

Though the idea may have come from Shanghai, the Hutong Guild is all about Beijing, as each meeting is hosted in the capital's traditional courtyard house.

"Knitting is an ancient art and here I am, learning it in an environment rich in its own ancient tradition of the arts," said Marina Potter, a Hutong Guild member who also attends The Hutong Knitting Workshop taught by Gomez.

Though Potter is fairly new to the craft of knitting, she said she is glad to use her four months' experience in knitting to contribute to their cause.

"I like the idea of making a positive contribution to others less fortunate than myself by knitting them something that they can use," she said.

So far, the group has seen a strong support-base amongst local community members, with donations of yarn and other knitting supplies from local businesses.

"We've had some help from local businesses," Gomez said. "It helps let you know that you've got a good cause going."

For 46-year-old German club member Elke Jonassen, who's been knitting since she was 8 years old, the group is not just about charity as it also gives her a chance to chat with native English speakers.

"I joined the knitting club to improve my English conversational skills, not to learn how to knit. For me, it's a great way to socialize," she said.

Jonassen, who has special wool flown in from her favorite factory in Germany, has been looking for a place in the capital where she can practice her hobby alongside others with similar interests.

"I really look forward to every gathering. We all have the same passion in common," she said.