Sit & Knit a big hit with seniors

A passion to share their craft is one of the many threads which tie all needle pointers together, according to the 17 women of Sit & Knit, a Little Neck-based needle point club.

"There's a core of excellent knitters and crocheters that share their skills with anybody that walks in," said Ilene Yair, director of the Samuel Field Y's Adult Center. "And it's open to all levels – from those that are phenomenal knitters to beginners. And they're all eager to pass on their techniques too."

Meticulously tying intricate knots into delicate patterns on a Monday afternoon this week, group members discussed a wide array of topics, from politics to where to find the best burgers in New York -- all while proudly pouring their soul into each stitch, hoping their creations end up on the head, hands, neck or back of someone who will appreciate it.

But they're not just knitting scarves, or hats, or mittens – Sit & Knit is also helping to keep the folk tradition of knitting alive.

"I learned from my grandmother," said Sit & Knit group member Molly Yellin. "She showed me how to knit when I was a child using pick up sticks and yarn."

Decades later, Yellin continues to create wearable works of art crafted with love, as do many of the members of Sit & Knit.

"They're creating, and making something beautiful," Yair said. "And they're such a wonderful community with a tremendous amount of respect for each other and people."

The Sit & Knit group officially began a little more than a year ago with five members but soon grew into a tight knit group of 17 women, all interested in volunteering their time to knit for those in need.

"It's a real charity group," Yair said. 

With yarn donated to the Samuel Field Y from various sources, many of the items these knitters create end up keeping at-risk babies warm at Beth Israel's neonatal care center in Manhattan. Other pieces are sent to the Visiting Nurse Service, which provides home healthcare services for patients in all five boroughs as well as Nassau County on Long Island.

And at least one knitter envisions an even more creative way to help comfort men and women performing a difficult job, far from home.

"This year, I'd also like us to knit helmet liners for our guys and gals overseas in Afghanistan," said Judy Murphy, Sit & Knit's unofficial leader, who says that she's been knitting since she was 4 years old. "It's important they keep warm, and it's a great way for us to show them our support." 

Perhaps more than anything else, for the women of Sit & Knit, a sense of common purpose and togetherness is the real reward.

"They do it all for someone else, with an emphasis on community," Yair said.

Sit & Knit members meet Mondays at the Samuel Field Y at 58-20 Little Neck Parkway in Little Neck from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. All comers ages 50 and above are welcome to their weekly knitting bee. 

For more information on the Sit & Knit group, call the Samuel Field Y at 718-225-6750.