THE KNIT Chicks have been meeting since the spring to knit wonderful warm and bright hats, mittens and scarves for the Shadyside Food Pantry. Their talents share many years of experience, and people who are just learning to knit. Pictured, from left, are Louise Glenn, Marilyn Beaver, Lisa Krnyaich, Betty Schmidt, Pam Duncan, Rosanne Ward, Jane Earls and Anola Bassaro.

By PAULA GINTHER

Special to The Times Leader

SHADYSIDE — The cold winter months are brighter and warmer due to the talents of the Knit Chicks, a great group of ladies who gather weekly at the Shadyside Public Library to learn and knit wonderful items.

Betty Schmidt of Shadyside was encouraged by Shadyside Public Library Branch Manager Lisa Millhouse to head the group. Schmidt began knitting 65 years ago and welcomes both beginners and seasoned knitters.

“I’ve been knitting items for the past three years and giving them to the food pantry,” Schmidt said. “Lisa suggested the idea of the Knit Chicks, and I liked the idea.”

The concept of the Knit Chicks was open to the group of gals with various knitting skills. The group includes pros and novices, in addition to those who crochet.

“We welcome anyone who can hold a stick,” Schmidt noted. “Everyone in the group is nice and this has become a fun weekly event that started in the spring.”

The group exchanges patterns and recipes. They also keep up with the events going on in Shadyside.

“Our group includes people in their 30’s through 80’s, but we welcome anyone interested from any age,” she said.

The Knit Chicks is a year round event and people come as they are able. They meet on Wednesdays in the library. For more information, call the library, 4300 Central Ave., at 740-676-0506.