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Knitting can provide stress relief, and knitting with others can provide support and companionship.

That’s a big part of what the Close Knit group at High Point Regional Health System’s Cancer Center, 302 Westwood Ave., attempts to do.

The group, started last May by Ellen Miller , a center customer-service representative, meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday for fellowship and to work on prayer shawls and other handmade gifts for the center’s cancer patients.

Miller got the idea from participating in a church knitting ministry at Wesleyan Memorial United Methodist Church.

“I thought it was a wonderful, therapeutic thing,” she said. “When people get together and hands move, mouths move.”

Miller asked some fellow church members, experienced knitters, to help get the center group started.

Laura McFalls of High Point, one of those knitters, has been an organizer and teacher for the center group.

“There is only one rule: There are no rules,” McFalls, a former Hospice volunteer, said of the knitting group. “Knitting should be a source of relaxation.”

Jo Moore of High Point has been coming to the group for five weeks. “I thought this was something I could do to repay what they did for (my husband) and for me,” she said of the cancer center. Moore’s husband, Don Moore , died in December 2007 from lung and prostate cancer. “They were so good to him and to me,” she said.

McFalls said the group consists of strong women. “They will not give you pity, but they will empathize with you,” she said.

“I didn’t know what lonely was until Don died,” Moore said. “This has really helped.”

The group has added another way that Faye Cromer could volunteer at the hospital. It has also helped her niece learn to knit “the proper way instead of learning my way,” she said.
All skill levels are welcome.

Beginners start by knitting 7-by-9 inch patches, which are sewn into afghans. As their skill level progresses and their confidence builds, the beginners are introduced to shawls and other patterns.
Crocheters are encouraged to participate, too.

“The group brings lots of joy and giggling to the cancer center,” said Miller, who’s usually working in the resource center during the group meetings. “These people bless me a whole lot more than I think I’m doing for them.”

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth. seagraves@news-record.com