Lessons Woven at Knitting Club in The Village
Jul 18, 2024 | Vanessa Tignanelli, Storyteller & Content Creator
In the serene alcove of The Village at Canadore College, an unconventional initiative is uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds through the timeless and therapeutic art of knitting.
Led by Laurel Brooks, an 80-year-old knitting enthusiast, the Knitting Club has become a cherished addition to The Village’s array of intergenerational programs, fostering meaningful connections between “VIPs” (seniors like Laurel) and Canadore students completing work placements with The Village, known as Community Connectors.
The club's origins trace back to March 2024 when Micheline Demers, Project Manager of The Village Collective Impact Project, noticed Laurel knitting while waiting for another workshop to begin. Intrigued by her skill and the serene atmosphere surrounding knitting, Micheline proposed starting a club to teach the craft to students and seniors alike. Thus, the Knitting Club was born—a space where yarn intertwines with conversation, and bonds across generations are woven alongside washcloths and slippers.
For Laurel, knitting is more than a hobby; it's a lifelong passion infused with acts of kindness. "I've been knitting since I was 10," she reminisces. "When I became a mom at 31, I picked up the needles again to craft little hats and mitts for my children." Over the years, her knitting evolved into a purposeful endeavor, creating "chemo caps" for cancer patients and premature baby hats for hospitals—a testament to knitting’s ability to heal and comfort, emphasizing Laurel’s belief in its importance for future generations to learn.
Trish Desrosiers, a recent honour graduate from the Social Service Worker program, found herself drawn to the club's inclusive atmosphere and the opportunity to learn something new. She describes Laurel as kind and empathetic—a crucial mentor figure in her life. "Laurel has taught me more than just knitting," Trish reflects. "She's shown me the beauty of patience and understanding. She gave me the inspiration to uncover a new skill, and now I am completely in love with it.”
Trish's innate talent for knitting and commitment to mastering its techniques in just a few short months have been truly impressive. From hats and scarves to a self-designed sweater, she has embraced the craft wholeheartedly, often arriving early at the club to immerse herself in stitches and stories.
Trish views having ADHD as an advantage in her knitting progress, especially with the guidance of someone like Laurel, who tailored her teaching to fit Trish's distinct learning needs. "Knitting is the ideal hobby for me because I thrive on staying busy, and my ability to hyperfocus allows me to really immerse myself in a project," Trish beams, proudly displaying a sweater that has required over 100 hours of meticulous work, with yarn stitched and unstitched countless times to achieve perfection in every detail.
“I’m learning from her now!” Laurel laughs. She radiates with pride at Trish's accomplishments, recounting tears of joy shed at Trish's recent graduation and marveling at the journey they've shared so far. "What she has accomplished shows the dedication she gives to whatever she takes on. I hope she knows she can always come to me at any time in her life,” she says warmly.
Despite graduating this past spring, Trish continues to attend Knitting Club and has taken her newfound skill to give back to the community, crafting scarves for the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection’s Red Scarf Project, inspired by Laurel's giving spirit. "It's amazing to build connections and learn from each other," Trish notes. "The club has helped me deepen my social skills and understand the challenges seniors face—lessons that I will take with me into my career.”
As they sit side by side, needles clicking softly, their bond deepens with every stitch. In a world often bustling with haste and digital distractions, the Knitting Club at The Village stands as a beacon of intergenerational harmony and learning. Through yarn and patience, Laurel, Trish, and their fellow members weave not just garments, but a tapestry of mutual friendship and respect—an enduring testament to the transformative power of shared passions and compassionate teaching.