“It will look like a little worm,” said Carol Meeker, as she encouraged women who came to Iola Public Library early Monday evening to learn the intricacies of crocheting.
The chain developed as each participant stitched together the second course of yarn in the most basic of crochet stitches, a series of tiny knots woven together with a crochet hook.
The skill requires learning how to arrange the yarn around fingers and hands so that thumb and second finger of the free hand can be used to both feed yarn to the hook and also keep it taunt enough for successful construction.
The basic approach, Meeker stressed, is used as a foundation no matter how intricate a piece.
Annette Ratlief held her needle and yarn at eye level and marveled as her light-colored material became the chain. Jean Laver also was intent. Lola Weber and Myrna Moore added a little levity, a pleasant interlude that enlivened the group.
“It’s supposed to be fun,” interjected Meeker. “It just takes practice and eventually it will come to you. After a while you’ll wrap the yarn through your fingers without even thinking about it.”
The crochet session was one of four events scheduled at the library this week and next.
Tonight at 7 o’clock Donna and Ray Houser will explain how to play bridge.
Saturday “Soup Two Ways” will be the library’s first attempt at a cooking class for adults in the Flewharty-Powell Annex, starting at 2 p.m.
Next Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock Kathy McEwan, Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences with the Southwind District, will show how to “put more plants on your plate” in a nutrition program.
For additional information or to register for any of the classes call the library at 365-3262.
