It doesn’t take a nitwit to realize when others are in need — just nine knitwits.
Called the "Knitwits, " the group of knitters living at Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Cresskill fashions hats, afghans and lap blankets for Project Linus.
The group issued a fifth batch of handmade goods May 2 to the non-profit volunteer organization, which benefits seriously ill, traumatized or needy children.
"We’ve been doing this for a long time," said Knitwit Rhoda Green. A glass display in the Sunrise lobby showcases a handful of baby hats and blankets made from pastel pink and yellow skanes of yarn.
"It’s going on for two years," added Lillian Marion, a fellow knitwitter.
The Knitwits, according to Estelle Green, recycled its name from a former knitting group through the National Council of Jewish Women she had belonged to in New York City. "But only the name is the same," emphasized Green.
Every Thursday, the Knitwits gather to knit and gossip.
Members include quick-fingered knitters like leader Ruth Ool, or rusty knitters like Rhoda that had to relearn. Some knitters are fast and complete as many as three blankets in one sitting. Others are slow and may only complete one blanket at a time.
Knitwit Lillian Marion points to her friend Inge Wolte and says, "She’s fast, I’m slow."
"No, I’m compulsive," said Wolte. "When I start something, I got to finish it."
The group has even branched out from the usual stitch work, incorporating the occasional crocheter.
Steel first started by adding a crochet finish to her blankets. "After I got tired of knitting, I started crocheting," she said.
E-mail: gonzalezso@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6711
