Crafting is not often thought of as a night out on the town, but that is just what it is for a newly formed group in Westbury who turn out to craft their latest creative projects while sharing their talents in a fun and approachable setting.
The Community Crafters meet every month at the Westbury Memorial Public Library. It is an informal setting with each crafter bringing their latest project, a warm smile and of course their imaginations.
“I was attending crafting guild meetings all across Long Island and thought wouldn’t it be great to have a place to meet right here in Westbury,” said Westbury resident Carol Parker. “It is becoming a great way for us all to meet our neighbors in a creative setting.”
Any type of project that can be dreamed up is done right at the meetings. Projects range from knitting and crocheting, to weaving and spinning fabric, even jewelry making and scrapbooking.
Each crafter in attendance echoes the same sentiment—there is a unified sense of camaraderie while working on their projects side by side.
“It’s very therapeutic to be with people who have the same interests as you,” explained JoAnn Moreno of Westbury. “It’s a great group of people, a ladies night out for crafters,” added Westbury resident Wendy Soto.
In addition to the strong bonds they form, many of the crafters are using their creativity for good causes, including knitting caps for premature babies at local hospitals and knitting projects for the local community.
“I am knitting a scarf to donate to the Westbury Senior Center Bazaar to help them raise money,” said Westbury resident Eleanor Nargentino. Mimi Scrandis, a coordinator for knitting at the Senior Center said it is a big help. “I am working on a blanket for the bazaar. So many of the women are lending their talents for the cause, it’s wonderful.”
That helpful attitude spills over into the projects they create with many of the crafters often lending a hand to each other on their latest endeavor. “No matter how long you’ve been doing something you can always learn from someone else,” explained Moreno. “If we need input on a project someone is always there to help. Nobody thinks they are better than anyone else.”
If you are a crafter yourself, or are looking to try a new hobby, Community Crafter member Judy Lambert said just grab your latest portable project and join them at their monthly meetings.
“Everyone in the community is welcome to attend. Bring any project that you would like,” she said.
The Community Crafters meets the first Thursday of the month at the Westbury library from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The next meeting is Thursday May 7.
