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Weekly crafting bee abuzz with activity

Each Thursday morning from 10 a.m. until noon, the Scandinavia Public Library is buzzing with area women that come together to do crafts.

From quilting, to embroidery, knitting and even pine needle basketry, this group can do just about anything.

“Usually we have five or six people,” said Meredith Miller. “In the summer the kids even join in and that always makes it more fun.”

“We make things as gifts and for charity,” said Miller. “We have even made quilts for things like Jorgens Park and Tomorrow’s Children.”

“I am making a baby hat for a layette for our church,” said Sue Nelson.

The group has made hats for cancer patients as well.

“Whether you are just starting out or been doing crafts all your life, one of the best parts of this group is that there is always someone to help,” said Nelson.

Last summer the group taught three young boys how to finger knit and some teenage girls how to make hair scrunchies.

“The kids are a lot of fun,” said Miller. “They were making one thing after another.”

“We have great resources in our group,” said Jill Gjerston. “And we have the books in the library to help if needed as well.”

“I never realized what great resources were here at the library, until I started coming to the Crafting Bee,” said Nelson.

 “This is a great group of gals,” said Julia Peper. “We do a lot of interesting things. The group gives me a set time to dedicate to my crafts, without being distracted by the things I have to do at home.”

Mary Lou Melby appears to be the historian of the group, sharing stories about previous librarian’s and even the history of Scandinavia.

“Mary Lou is great,” said Miller. “She is always making us laugh.”

“She has a story to tell about just about anything,” said Nelson.

From stories about driving on a closed road, to having ants in her house, Melby quickly has the group laughing.

Not only does the group share patterns and crafting idea, they also share recipes for things like homemade laundry soap, soap scum remover, fabric softener and more.

“We have a pretty diverse group of people,” said Nelson. “From gardeners to environmentalists, we always have ideas to share.”

The Crafting Bee has been going strong for about four years.

“We will be incorporating with our summer program this year,” said Miller. “During Crafting Bee on June 19 through July 10, anyone who wants to learn how to hand sew a quilt block; can learn how to do so. I will be teaching anyone who wants to learn.”

Miller shared how NASA Astronaut Karen Nyberg took a sewing kit with her to the space station and tried to sew.

“She sewed a star quilt block, and is now asking others to join her in stitching together a global community space quilt,” said Miller.

The deadline for submitting a block for the quilt is Aug. 1. For more information about where to send a block, visit www.quilts.com .

People of all ages are welcome to join the Crafting Bee.

“It’s incredibly relaxing,” said Peper. “And a whole lot of fun.”

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