Birthday and Anniversary Gift Ideas 2

General Convention Generates Knitting Craze 3

Knit in Public 4

Crocheted Watch Cap 5

Jeanette's Letter 6

Calendar 6

Birthday and Anniversary Birthday and Anniversary Gift IdeasGift Ideas 2

General Convention General Convention Generates Knitting CrazeGenerates Knitting Craze 3

Knit in PublicKnit in Public 4

Crocheted Watch CapCrocheted Watch Cap 5

Jeanette's LetterJeanette's Letter 6Jeanette's LetterJeanette's Letter 6Jeanette's LetterJeanette's Letter

CalendarCalendar 6CalendarCalendar 6CalendarCalendar

Founded in 1834, The

Institute is a voluntary,

ecumenical agency

affiliated with the

Episcopal Church that

provides pastoral care,

maritime education, and

legal and advocacy

services for mariners.

The newsletter of The

Seamen’s Church Institute

Christmas at Sea Program

In this Issue

Non-ProfitU.S Postage

PAIDNewtown, CT

Permit No. 100

FALL 2009 VOLUME 3/NUMBER 2

The Seamen’s Church Institute www.seamenschurch.org

Friendship Through Knittingnitting weaves together all kinds of people from all different places, all different beliefs and backgrounds. Sharing a passion for this art has sometimes brought together friends we might have otherwise never met, expanding the wealth of our understanding and knowledge about the world and knitting.

This fall, SCI explores the camaraderie we share as a knitting community. In this issue of The Knit Before Christmas, the newsletter of the volunteer knitting program of the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), we explore these connections. From a conversation that begins through seeing someone knit, to groups and organized knitting meetings, to gifts we share with each other that pass along our shared interest, our passion for knitting permeates several aspects of our interactions with others.

What follows are some stories of knitters about friendships—the knots made with two needles and yarn turned into knots of human

relationships. If you are looking to make more links through knitting, SCI has many ways to connect. Check out our blog (http://blogs.seamenschurch.org), our knitters group on Ravelry (http://www.ravelry.com/groups/christmas-at-sea), or start/join a Christmas at Sea knitting group.

______

Patti, Rochester, NY (pattiblaine on Ravelry)

I was a stay-at-home mom in Woodside, Queens, and she was an artist/stay-at-home mom in Sunnyside Gardens. When our mutual friend told me about Robyn, I started taking my knitting with me to the neighborhood playgroup. My way of being outgoing was to sit and knit and hope she’d notice! But also it was a good tactic in helping my daughter separate. She was a very

clingy toddler, and did not cope well with the church basement full of sometimes loud, and always unpredictable children. I’d sit on the fl oor and knit near where she wanted to play, and hope she left me alone for a bit, and Robyn would come over. My clever plan worked but it took a frustratingly long while. Since then, and because of her friendship, I’ve gained much more confi dence about approaching other knitters (or rumored-to-be knitters) on my own.

______

Diana, Philadelphia, PA (Knithound on Ravelry)

Before I bought my shop, 18 months ago, I practiced law full-time. I commuted by train downtown every day and would knit on the train and listen to my iPod. It was about a 15-minute ride. Usually I knit socks on the commute. One day, another woman I had noticed knitting tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Excuse me, you look like you know what you’re doing, and I think I dropped a stitch. Can you help?”

KKKFriendship Through Knitting

KFriendship Through Knitting

nitting weaves together all kinds of people from all different places, Knitting weaves together all kinds of people from all different places, nitting weaves together all kinds of people from all different places, all different beliefs and backgrounds. Sharing a passion for this art has Kall different beliefs and backgrounds. Sharing a passion for this art has all different beliefs and backgrounds. Sharing a passion for this art has sometimes brought together friends we might have otherwise never met, Ksometimes brought together friends we might have otherwise never met, sometimes brought together friends we might have otherwise never met, sometimes brought together friends we might have otherwise never met, sometimes brought together friends we might have otherwise never met, Ksometimes brought together friends we might have otherwise never met, sometimes brought together friends we might have otherwise never met, expanding the wealth of our understanding and knowledge about the expanding the wealth of our understanding and knowledge about the Kexpanding the wealth of our understanding and knowledge about the expanding the wealth of our understanding and knowledge about the world and knitting. world and knitting. Kworld and knitting. world and knitting.

This fall, SCI explores the camaraderie we share as a knitting This fall, SCI explores the camaraderie we share as a knitting KThis fall, SCI explores the camaraderie we share as a knitting This fall, SCI explores the camaraderie we share as a knitting community. In this issue of community. In this issue of Kcommunity. In this issue of community. In this issue of the volunteer knitting program of the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), the volunteer knitting program of the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI),

Kthe volunteer knitting program of the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), the volunteer knitting program of the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI),

Continued on page 2

Can you help?

2 • The Seamen’s Church Institute The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2009

Dear Jeanette & CAS volunteers,

Thank you for your kind words regarding my knitting. I want to let you know why I decided to knit for the Christmas at Sea Program. I was born in London, England and grew up during WWII. We were cut off from Europe by the Germans and on very tight rations. The Merchant Marine Service braved the crossing from the USA to bring food and supplies. German submarines were sinking many ships. The USA had over a million GIs stationed in England and needed these supplies as well. My way of saying thank you is by knitting for them.

All best,

Ivy

I helped her out and, through her, met a group of knitters who regularly rode this same commuter train. One has become a very good friend—a PR professional who does PR for the shop in exchange for yarn. When she had her fi rst child in January, our knit night group (of which she was a regular member) knit her an afghan for the baby—sixteen squares done by 16 different people. It was beautiful. I would have never have gotten to know Carly but for knitting, given that most folks on commuter trains in our area sit in their seats, stare straight ahead (read the paper, listen to their iPod, sleep) and don’t use the time to make friends.

______

Patricia, Oklahoma City, OK (mamariden on Ravelry)

The most interesting part for me is that I have made friends from all over the country and also from as far away as Scotland and Ireland. The Scottish lass is teaching me a whole new vocabulary, like “dropping in for a natter," which means stopping in to visit or talk!

Continued from page 1

Christmas at SeaJeanette DeVita Program Director212-349-9090cas@seamenschurch.orghttp://blogs.seamenschurch.org

Fall 2009, Published by The Seamen’s Church Institute of New York & New Jersey241 Water StreetNew York, NY 10038www.seamenschurch.orgThe Rev. David M. RiderExecutive Director

Editor, Oliver BrewerAssistant Editor, Margaret LeeDesign & Production by BlissDesignThis newsletter is printed on recycled paper.

Need...Patterns?

Yarn?

Ready to mail?

Birthday and Anniversary GIFT IDEAS

H ow many times a year do you have occasions to give a gift? For our close friends and loved ones, we remember birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Then, there are

also baptisms, weddings, and baby showers, and whether you buy for your bosom buddy or your offi ce partner at work, fi nding the right gift for the occasion at the right price can be a challenge.

We want the gifts we give to mirror our understanding of the person who receives it. Through the present, we celebrate a unique connection, refl ecting the giver’s personality and relationship to the receiver. We give a little bit of ourselves when we hand over a present.

And while we all repeat comfortingly to each other, “It’s the thought that counts,” there remains a degree of stress. It means, in addition to getting the correct size and color, we strive to select the right symbols with the appropriate, analogous emotion. We do not necessarily do this because we seek recompense but because we want to offer a sign of our good wishes and affection.

If racking your brain for this “perfect” gift has your stomach in knots, then SCI has a suggestion.

Lately, many people use the inscription, “In lieu of a gift…” on invitations to milestone events, suggesting that philanthropic donations are an ideal symbol of thanksgiving. Sharers in the celebration extend the joy associated with the event to others and enlarge the party—the more the merrier.

In this spirit, why not give a skein of yarn, a pair of needles, and a Christmas at Sea scarf and hat pattern as your next gift? It fi ts the bill of a gift with charitable

character, shares with someone else that which is valuable to you, and fosters a zeal for knitting.

The gift does not stop with the receipt but converts itself with the succeeding creation of a knitted item. And, unlike a plain monetary contribution, it also gives you the opportunity to select a color, texture, variegation, and needle style that is distinctive to your friendship and the occasion. Knitted right into the fabric of the garment will be the mystery of your relationship and the memory of the celebrated occasion.

The next time you consider a donation as an appropriate present, keep this gift-giving idea in your arsenal. Knitting is the gift that can literally keep on giving.

Donate a Hat & Scarf in Honor of Someone SpecialThink about presenting a knitted item to SCI as a tribute to someone special. In the same way that SCI recognizes fi nancial contributions made “in honor of” or “in memory of,” SCI can send acknowledgement to a person you pay tribute to through knitting. Include a note with your items indicating your wishes, and include the address of the person to whom you would like acknowledgement sent.

Aloha Jeanette,

The day after I returned from Convention, St. Peter’s held their fi rst knitting workshop. In a month they have amassed a boxful of hats and scarves. Not bad for a month’s work! The items were blessed at yesterday’s service, and will be sent to you shortly.

This knitting ministry has been one of the best things that has happened here. It’s been great for the ladies, who are really enjoying the fellowship. I am so thankful that I was able to make a connection with SCI, as it validated the mission of the knitting ministry. I shared my story about meeting all of you and knitting during meetings at Convention.

Keep an eye out for our shipment. It will be fi lled with our Aloha spirit.

Joette ComstockParish AdministratorSt. Peter’s Episcopal ChurchHonolulu, HI

www.seamenschurch.org The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2009 • 3

General Convention GENERATES KNITTING CRAZE

It started inconspicuously at the Seamen’s Church Institute’s booth. Day by day in the fourth row of the exhibit hall at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention, SCI began to draw a crowd. Some approached the booth with

caution, asking, “Is it true? Are you really giving away yarn?”

For the duration of the nearly two weeks in Anaheim, CA, the Convention saw a lot of knitting. At the Institute’s booth, one could always observe needles working together to knit a scarf or cap. From visitors to deputies, lay to ordained, the word spread. Sometimes, the booth was spilling over with curious folk—some of whom were not even knitters…yet.

The news of SCI’s Christmas at Sea knitting program travelled by word and example. Knitters seen during legislative deliberations or stealing a few moments of quiet in a corner of the convention hall inspired others to connect the proverbial dots to the source of their materials. In almost every meeting and in every corner of the vast expanse of the Convention’s campus, SCI had a knitter.

Experienced knitters and longtime contributors to SCI’s collection of knitted items happily reconnected with old friends. For the staff of the Institute, the Convention gave opportunity to put a face with a name written on a package of knitting from the past year. SCI’s presence also gave fi rst-time knitters a chance to receive a few initial lessons and hear about the Institute’s services to merchant mariners.

“The interest in what was going on at our booth gave us the chance to share SCI’s ministry,” said the Rev. Megan Sanders, Chaplain in Port Newark and Tri-State Church Coordinator. “People seemed to really connect with what was going on.”

This excitement carried over after the Convention ended. In addition to the yarn and needles acquired at SCI’s booth, SCI sent knitters back with resources for knitting ministries in their own parishes. (See Joette Comstock’s letter to Christmas at Sea elsewhere on this page.)

“We discovered that many parishes already have knitting ministries but may not be knitting for SCI,” said Jeanette DeVita, Program Director of SCI’s Christmas at Sea volunteer knitting program. “I would sometimes bill SCI as the alternative to prayer shawls, a ministry already popular among Episcopal churches. Sometimes you’ve got to mix it up, you know? Make a prayer shawl. Then, make a scarf!”

DeVita says that knitters submitted scores of creations during the General Convention. “The table at SCI’s booth was piled high,” she declared. “It was a wonderful collection with so much diversity …a perfect example of what the most authentic spiritual gathering can be.”

Hundreds of people dropped by SCI’s booth at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention in July to fi nd out more about the knitting they saw going on all around them.

Knitting friends Ashley and Pia from Spokane, WA stopped by SCI’s booth to say hello.

4 • The Seamen’s Church Institute The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2009

I n the electronic age, we have established a new threshold of time that we allow ourselves to read an article or email. We have fi ne-

tuned our abilities to gather information at a glance. For those things about which we already trust or know, we may be willing to devote the extra mouse click, but the headlines that fail to capture our attention remain unclicked hyperlinks.

Those of you who have been faithful supporters of the Seamen’s Church Institute through knitting, volunteering, and fi nancial contributions know that ours is a cause that can require a bit of explanation. The work of the mariner is “behind the scenes” and the unique challenges faced in the profession are not well-known and not easily collapsible into a simple sound bite.

Explaining to someone about the mission of SCI can take more than one sentence, and in these times, attempting to get a stranger to read more than that is why marketing gurus get paid millions of dollars. In a world fi ltered to weed out prospective scams, it sometimes takes a trusted friend or colleague to communicate the multifaceted message about helping others.

In light of this, it would be no wonder if you thought the work of mariners will surely be overlooked in the future.Thanks to SCI’s volunteer knitting community, however, the Institute’s ministry thrives. Our community is motivated, responsive, connected, and eager to help, and when it comes to recruitment, knitters are one of the fastest growing groups at SCI.

The reason? Perhaps there are several, but no doubt one of the biggest reasons is that the act of knitting presents a self-made conversation starter. Knitting is a friend magnet. As an introduction, knitting uses no insistent words. No fancy slogans lure. No inductions preclude. A knitter advertises simply by knitting.

Consider how, in the coming days, you can take your passion and the cause of SCI to the streets. SCI suggests knitting in public, taking your needles and yarn wherever you go. It trumps a mass email, standing on the corner with a sandwich board sign, and proselytizing with bullhorn in the park. Plus, you love to knit.

If folks ask you about the knitted garment, tell them about the merchant mariner working away from family and home on distant, dangerous oceans delivering the cars we drive, the clothes we wear, and electronics we depend on. Tell them your own personal story of connection with SCI, and then, boast of the number of scarves or hats over the years you have knit for the Institute.

Even if no one asks you about your knitting, you may inspire others to kindle a curiosity for a new hobby. And with a little conversation, you may give someone an idea for a new knitting project. Knitting in public for SCI displays a joyful, open act of kindness. Your knitted creation is a gift to a mariner, the Institute, and through each stitch, a gift to the world.

St. Francis of Assisi offered advice on how to disclose faith through living. Summarily, he instructed, “Preach the Gospel. And if necessary, use words.”

Our knitting is a powerful tool for communicating and connecting. In fact, one might adapt these words as encouragement to compassionate knitters who share their craft to support SCI, “Preach the Gospel. And if necessary, use knitting.”

Photos this page:TOP courtesy John

Dalton, Hoboken, NJBOTTOM courtesy

Damian Young,Melbourne, AU

damianyoung.com

Are you on Ravelry? Are you on Ravelry? Join us at www.ravelry.com Join us at www.ravelry.com and visit the Director of SCI’s and visit the Director of SCI’s Christmas at SeaChristmas at Sea volunteer volunteer knitting program, Jeanette knitting program, Jeanette DeVita. Jeanette's Ravelry user DeVita. Jeanette's Ravelry user name: devittlesname: devittles

Join the SCI group on Ravelry atJoin the SCI group on Ravelry at

http://www.ravelry.com/groups/http://www.ravelry.com/groups/christmas-at-seachristmas-at-sea

Team Knitting: Finding Your “Other Half”Want to produce twice the knitting with half the effort? Why not team up with another knitter and each create one half of a corresponding mariner's scarf and hat set. Connect with someone in your knitting group or, via the Internet, across miles of land or ocean. Knitting a project with someone else presents a new social and collaborative spirit to the endeavor. Contemporaneously, you will have created a complete, matching set of items to give a mariner at Christmastime, making more warmth for the holidays in half the time.

Need the right words to help you talk about SCI? Don’t worry, we have printed leafl ets you can share with prospective knitters. Send email to cas@seamenschurch.org and let Jeanette know that you need some materials about SCI to carry in your knitting bag. That way, when someone says, “I’d like to know more. How can I get involved?” you can pass along some information about the Institute with our contact details and website.

Talk about conspicuously knitting in public…Photo courtesy Tina, London, UK teeweewonders.blogspot.com

Want Someone to Knit for SCI?KNIT IN PUBLICSCI Promotes Public Knitting

www.seamenschurch.org The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2009 • 5

Crocheted Watch Cap

Material:

200 yards worsted weight yarn (Red Heart® Super Saver® or similar)

Size H hook or size needed for gauge

Yarn needle or smaller hook for fi nishing

Gauge:

11 hdc = 4" and 2 rows hdc = 1"

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

hdc = half double crochet

st = stitch

Directions:

Chain 45 loosely.

Row 1: Slip st in second chain from hook and next 5 chs, sc in next 6 chs, hdc in next 16 chains, slip st in last 16 chs. [44 st] Ch 1, turn.

Starting with row 2 and all following rows, work all stitches in the back loop only.

Row 2: Slip st in the fi rst 16 slip st of the previous row, ch 1, turn. Slip st in the 16 slip st just completed (working back towards lower edge; these will create the cap’s “ribbing”), ch 1, turn. Slip st in the 16 slip st just completed, hdc in the next stitch from row 1 and next 15 stitches, sc in next 6 st, slip st in the next 3 stitches, ch 1 turn leaving the last 3 slip stitches unworked. [41 st]

Row 3: Slip st in the next 3 st, sc in next 6 st, hdc in next 16 st, slip st in last 16 st. [41 st] Ch 1, turn.

Row 4: Slip st in the fi rst 16 slip st of the previous row, ch 1, turn. Slip st in the 16 slip st just completed (back towards lower edge to create the cap’s “ribbing”), ch 1,

turn. Slip st in the 16 slip st just completed, hdc in the next stitch from row 3 and next 15 stitches, sc in next 6 st, slip st in the next 3 stitches, then

slip st in last 3 unworked stitches from row 1. [44 st] Ch 1, turn.

Row 5: Slip st in the next 6 st, sc in next 6 st, hdc in next 16 st, slip st in last 16 st. [44 st] Ch 1, turn.

Continue repeating rows 2–5, 12 times, ending with row 5, for a total of 53 rows, or to desired size. Break

off yarn, leaving a long enough tail to sew the side seam and close the top.

To sew side seam, catch the remaining side of the starting chain and the back loop

of the last row. At top of hat, secure seam, then use a yarn needle or small

hook to “catch” top of slip stitch for each row; gather tightly and

secure. Weave any yarn ends in to fi nish. Do not block or add a pompom.

Christmas at Sea C A L E N D A R

Non-ProfitU.S Postage

PAIDNewtown, CT

Permit No. 100

Dear Stitching Friends,After attending the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in California this summer, I returned to New York for a very exciting event in my personal life: my wedding! While at the Convention, I was frantically knitting a lace project for my ceremony, spending nearly every moment of my free time on it. As the day got closer, other priorities emerged. I decided that I had to abandon the project and live without a brand new handknit for my wedding day. Understandably, I was sad about it, thinking that this important piece of who I am wouldn’t be represented.

When the day arrived, however, I realized that knitting was very much represented at my wedding. There was a table of guests populated entirely with knitting friends, and there were other knitters sprinkled throughout the reception. I realized that through my family, my friendships, and my work, knitting is literally stitched into my life.

Knitters are everywhere. I know that when I knit in public, I am likely to meet another knitter. I knit on the subways, buses, in the parks, and waiting in the doctor’s or dentist’s offi ce, and that gives me many opportunities to spread the word about SCI, too. I love when I meet a knitter who is looking for a project just like ours or someone who left knitting a long time ago and has been missing it.

I hope you’ll join me in knitting in public, spreading the word about Christmas at Sea and making new stitching friends.

Happy Stitching,

Jeanette

P.S. The hat pattern included in this issue is an intermediate crochet pattern. For simple crochet hat pattern recommendations, please visit http://blogs.seamenschurch.org

Just as a handknit item creates a lasting legacy, remembering SCI in your will or estate plans can sustain CAS and the Institute for years to come. To learn more, contact Jennifer Koenig at jkoenig@seamenschurch.org

Fall 2009

October 15, 2009CAS Packing Season Begins

November 1, 2009Deadline for Christmas in July Gifts(For more information, check out the Spring 2009 issue of The Knit Before Christmas.)

November 11, 2009SCI’s 175th Anniversary GalaCathedral of St. John the DivineNew York, NY (For more information, email cbrennan@seamenschurch.org )

December 8, 2009CAS Christmas PartyWater Street HeadquartersNew York, NY

3rd Wednesday of Every MonthSit n Knit nyc6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.Sign up on meetup.com

“Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to

another, ‘What?! You too! Thought I was

the only one.’ ” —C.S. Lewis (1898–1963)