Stow Blanketeers: Knit One, Purl Two, Laugh Often

Every two weeks, 15 to 20 women gather at Oregon Trail Park Lodge to talk, laugh, knit and crochet. The result of their camaraderie and handiwork: 1,567 blankets created and donated to organizations serving those in need.

Last year was a record-setter for The Stow Blanketeers, both in membership (28) and number of blankets donated (386).

Recipients of their colorful creations include Summit County Children’s Services; the Salvation Army; pregnancy centers in Kent and Akron; Freedom House and Miller Community House, both in Kent; the Battered Women’s Shelter and The Haven of Rest, both in Akron.

The Stow Blanketeers was founded in March 2005 by Margrit Portaria, who grew weary of driving to Mogadore each winter as a member of a similar group there. Portaria and three friends agreed the Blanketeers could work in Stow. They recruited a few other friends, put a notice in the newspaper seeking yarn donations and started knitting and crocheting.

Their twice-monthly gatherings are lively events where newcomers are joyously welcomed.

“It’s a really nice group of ladies,” said Portaria, who serves as program leader with Dottie Wiley. “My husband always asks what we talk about and I tell him, ‘Anything and everything.’”

Member Judy Hindall added, “We go home hoarse … we discuss the world’s problems.” To which member Marika Mitov responded with a laugh, “And we solve them!”

Each meeting ends with “Show and Tell,” a time when all blankets completed since the last session are displayed one-by-one and admired. Members try to guess who made certain blankets, and the creators may share a story.

“We all have trademarks, so you can often tell who made which blanket,” said Portaria. She said blanket sizes are determined by requests made by the recipient organizations. The colors used are based on what yarn has been donated, while the patterns are chosen by the crafters themselves.

Members – who hail from Stow, Kent and Hudson – have a range of skill levels. And there are plenty of willing instructors present to teach those who want to learn. Some knit, while others crochet.

“We have at least eight knitters, but more are crocheters. It’s a lot faster to crochet, so it’s perfect for blankets,” said Portaria. “We had a few ladies who didn’t know how to do either and we taught them.”

Most members don’t just work on the blankets during meetings. They also do so during free time at home, and even while vacationing. Jayshree Shah, for example, knitted three baby blankets during a six-week visit with family in India.

The Blanketeers are always in need of yarn or cash donations, which can be dropped off during meetings, held from 1 to 3 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Oregon Trail Park Lodge, 2913 Graham Rd.

For more information about the group call Margrit Portaria at 330-677-5511 or Dottie Wiley at 330-688-8866.