A passion can take you to unexpected places. Places where you meet new people and find new friends. Places where your heart and soul are fulfilled and renewed. Cheryl Solomon’s passion for knitting did just that. A passion that bloomed into a community where the impact is felt by both the crafters and families who receive free goods from the Wellspring Family Store.

Speaking with Cheryl for a short time, it becomes clear how much she loves knitting. As the owner of Row House Yarn, she knows how knitting (and crocheting) can be an excellent skill for anyone interested in crafting. She also chats about the many health benefits of knitting, including stress reduction.

Why form a crafting group for Wellspring?

After learning about Wellspring’s mission to end family homelessness, Cheryl wanted to create a space where folks could knit, socialize, and create goods for children served through the Early Learning Center and the free Family Store. In 2020 Cheryl met with Thom Murray, Wellspring’s Director of Corporate & Community Engagement, to discuss how to make this vision a reality. The Wellspring Volunteer Crafting Group just celebrated its second anniversary in October 2022.

 Who can join and how often do you meet?

The group of caring crafters consists of roughly 150 people with a wide variety of backgrounds such as artisans, retirees, coders, and lawyers. Cheryl says they come together to have fun, relax, and craft something special for children and families facing or experiencing homelessness.

Meeting monthly, the group alternates their meetings between online and in-person events. Their next in-person gathering will be at Wellspring’s Change is Brewing fundraiser hosted by Reuben’s Brews in Ballard on December 13, 2022.

What types of hand-crafted items has the group donated

Since the group was formed, the Family Store has received some fantastic handmade and heartfelt donated items. Hats and scarf sets, baby booties, and stuffed toys are just some of the items delighting Wellspring families. Faye Green, Wellspring Volunteer and Development Manager, recalls one knitter who mailed in their pieces with the attached handwritten note: – “I hope these can find some sweet little babies with you.”

“It is so heartwarming to hear from Wellspring staff how appreciative families are that someone took the time and care to make something special for their child,” said Cheryl. “They can feel the love that went into each handcrafted piece.”

What items are needed most?

With cooler weather, the Family Store sees an increase in demand for items like child-size hats and scarves, baby blankets, and baby booties. Also, there’s an additional need for large bags that can be used to hold orders from the family store.

Do you need more volunteers?

“We do!” says Cheryl. “We would love to see you at one of our next crafting get-togethers!” Anyone can join the Wellspring Facebook Group or email volunteer@wellspringfs.org for more information on upcoming virtual or in-person volunteer events.

Grab your hooks or needles and be sure to say ‘Hi” to Cheryl if you go to an in-person event – she’ll be the one passionately talking about knitting and community events.