Yarnworks Gallery Show

The Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery at the Crawfordsville District Public Library would like to invite the public to view the work of the YarnWorks Fiber Club. Their colorful textiles will be on display now through the beginning of November during CDPL’s normal hours of operation. A limited amount of fiber based artworks will be for sale (cash) during the exhibition through our Circulation department.

Enjoy viewing an array of fiber works created by local artists and carefully displayed from a whimsical perspective. This exhibit includes the works of CDPL’s YarnWorks Fiber Club members and friends. This grouping of items highlights our dependence on textiles for warmth and comfort, and the ways that we can give back to our community via mindful donations.

One hundred percent of our clothing is made with fibers and fiber working processes. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders make up approximately 3.94% of total industry employment within Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills, with 60% of those workers being men. It also shares that the whole fiber thread industry makes up less than 15% of global manufacturing and less than 2% of U.S. manufacturing. More and more people are making their own clothing and sharing their creations with friends, family, and the community.

A PubMed report (32245337) provided by the National Library of Medicine states that mental health researchers conducted a global survey in 2020 of 87 countries and discovered that 82% of participating crochetists and knitters reported feeling happier after crafting. Working with fiber triggers measurable psychological and neurological responses that genuinely improve mood and lower stress. The library offers opportunities to learn and supports clubs that can help you learn how to create sustainable apparel for your families.

The YarnWorks Fiber Club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 10 am in Room D in the lower level of the library. This social club is for knitters, crochetists, embroiderers, & fiber workers of all types. All ability levels are welcomed to attend, without obligation. The club’s leader can direct you to a large collection of books in the library’s collection, members will share patterns and charts, and the library provides a safe space to meet. You can bring your projects and share your knowledge with other like-minded creators. “I feel inspired and it is a good reason to get out of the house,” states Kim Anderson, a dedicated member of the club. Holly Reed says, “I love sharing ideas and seeing everyone else’s projects.” The club is very welcoming and encouraging. Visit the club’s page at facebook.com/groups/YarnWorks or visit the library’s page at facebook.com/CvillePL to find this local group.

For more information about CDPL’s hours of operation or to view our calendar, check out the rest of our website. If you are an artist or a member of an artists’ group and are interested in displaying your work at the Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery in 2028, please contact Toni the Gallery Coordinator at (765) 362-2242 for more details.