put my neck out...

**Missy** · 01-29-2004, 11:35 AM

This is going to start off sounding like something that belongs in another forum all together. But in the end you'll see why I put this here.

I have (among many other maladies) Social Anxiety Disorder. Getting out and being among people in social settings is terrifing to me, and causes panic like i can't describe.

We recently found a new church that we feel comfortable at. This church has all kinds of social groups you can be apart of, from those who like bike riding, camping, quilting, antique cars, scrapbooking (woo hoo! I am going to call about this one). But i didn't notice a knitting/crochet group. I remembered the last time the Pastor mentioned these groups he said if there is one you'd like to see, to email him and he would see what he could do.

So, gulp, (imagine me breaking out in cold sweat, shaking, etc) I emailed him and asked about a knitting/crochet group. Where I noticed most of the groups meet at peoples houses, I offered up my living room as a group meeting place.

So, depending on his response, I hope to soon be having a needlework group meeting regularly here at my own house, and I will be a part of learning and showing new techniques.

Does anyone here belong to such a group? What would you expect out of being in a group like this? Any suggestions?

**paelthom** · 01-29-2004, 12:15 PM

We don't have anything like that here but it sounds wonderful. I hope you have a great time and please try and relax, just enjoy the fellowship. I'm guessing that it would be a fairly small group, probably all women, and that you would share projects, info, etc. I think you are an angel for offering your home.

**Guest1** · 01-29-2004, 12:40 PM

no suggestions ~ but

for you girlie!!

Have fun with it & let us know how it goes!!

**Darlene** · 01-29-2004, 12:45 PM

I don't have any suggestions for you but want to say~Good for you for putting your neck out there Melissa! You are so good at this, enjoy sharing your love of knitting & crocheting.

**canadian gardener** · 01-29-2004, 12:52 PM

You GO GIRL!!!! That takes guts and courage! Way to go!

Now I'm betting that you will find some wonderful ladies who enjoy peaceful homey hobbies as you do, with a like interest in needle arts and similar things.

I have never met a knitter I didn't like, or who wasn't a nice lady.

Combine that with people that you share views with, and it's a win win situation. They will love you.

Curl up with a hot cup of tea and put some knitting out on the table, your latest projects, some favourite patterns, and you won't know where the time went.

**canadian gardener** · 01-29-2004, 12:53 PM

I wish I could be there!

**SewCrafty** · 01-29-2004, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by canadian gardener
You GO GIRL!!!! That takes guts and courage! Way to go!

Now I'm betting that you will find some wonderful ladies who enjoy peaceful homey hobbies as you do, with a like interest in needle arts and similar things.

I have never met a knitter I didn't like, or who wasn't a nice lady.

Combine that with people that you share views with, and it's a win win situation. They will love you.

Curl up with a hot cup of tea and put some knitting out on the table, your latest projects, some favourite patterns, and you won't know where the time went.

I couldn't agree more!

Let us know what your pastor says.

**guest2** · 01-29-2004, 01:31 PM

Melissa! This is a huge step for you and I'm so glad you took it! Our church has many small groups including quilting, crocheting, greeters, building a hot rod car (to later be auctioned off for charity), bible study, mountian climbing, ministering to pregnant teens and providing a home for them and thier babies, ministering to women who have financial, legal, and other needs, vocal performance, growing kids God's way, finances, marriage enrichment, you name it!!!! I love it because you get to know these people on a more intimate level and form some great friendships.

**Missy** · 02-03-2004, 04:59 PM

Well, the pastor called but we got sidetracked (superbowl fever lol) and we forgot to discuss it agin, so I will be calling hom back again. wish me luck, lol.

**Missy** · 02-03-2004, 05:05 PM

Yay!! after Easter, we will have a group going! Woo hoo!

**canadian gardener** · 02-03-2004, 05:28 PM

Oh I'm so glad, I've been thinking of you and hoping this was working out.

You know I think this is really going to be a ministry to the others. I'm betting several of them, are quietly lonely. Meeting for something low key and gentle like knitting and crochet will be perfect so they can connect with others they feel comfy with.

Then who knows how much difference this could make in people's lives.

You go girl, and I'm cheering you on all the way!

**guest2** · 02-03-2004, 05:58 PM

Melissa!!!! What a blessing you are going to be to others!!!! Enjoy!!!

**couponchic** · 02-03-2004, 07:14 PM

That's great!!!

**sunshine** · 02-03-2004, 10:06 PM

Good for you- and for stepping out of your comfort zone too!

I used to teach a crochet class at our church-- mostly for the younger generation, but found I had several older women that were interested as well.

I stipulated that all projects made in the class were to be donated to charity-- and we donated them to the local homeless shelter that is owned by one of our churches. We displayed the items in groups in the church foyer before donating.

We also solicited church members for yarn donations--- so those who could not afford the yarns, could participate as well.

**Missy** · 02-03-2004, 10:45 PM

That's great Sunshine! sounds like alot of fun. I am simply hoping to get people together to have a good time and learn new stitches and techniques off of each other. I like the donating idea!