Astoria Knitting in Public Day

This summer, knitters both young and old will take to the streets - or at least to the park - and share their love of this craftwork with others as part of a worldwide day of celebration.
The Astoria Knitting in Public day is planned to take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 in Astoria Park and is being promoted in conjunction with the 4th annual World Wide Knit in Public Day which was started in 2005 and is the largest knitter run event in the world. A volunteer or a group of volunteers organizes each local event.
This year’s Astoria event is organized by two local craft groups: Astoria Crafty Knitty, a four-year-old group centrally located off Ditmars Boulevard, and Steinway Astoria Craft Crochet & Knit, a new group which meets at the Astoria Diner on Steinway Street and which is headed up by Astoria resident Kimberly Stewart.
Stewart, who says she was not involved in last year’s event, helped plan and promote June’s event as a way to bolster a sense of connection.
“It’s about the idea of community,” Stewart said. “I just wanted to do something for the area.”
Approximately 200 local groups took part in last year’s event, with this year’s gathering featuring free instruction in knitting and crochet and a “green friendly” workshop in converting plastic grocery bags into yarn.
And it’s not just for knitters. Stewart says the event is open to anyone, and expects craft enthusiasts from varying fields to attend.
“It’s much more inclusive,” she said. “I know a friend of mine who needlepoints that is excited to come.”
The group will meet on the lawn area of Astoria Park near 23rd Avenue and 19th Street. Those interested in the specific event can contact Astoria.kip@gmail.com or visit https://astoriakip.blogspot.com/.
More information about World Wide Knit in Public Day is available at https://www.wwkipday.com/.