New Program That Creates Hats for Preemies Is Huge Success

The first thing you notice is how happy the group looks.  All the women are smiling, talking and their knitting needles and crochet hooks are flashing away.  This is “Pay It Forward: Knitting and Crocheting for Preemies,” a brand new program.  The premise is simple, people get together to create hats for the preemies at .

But this isn’t a simple social gathering.  Some of these women are here to learn to knit or crochet; others want to share their skills.  Some are actually “paying it back” since their children were born prematurely. And others are here because of the happy combination of creating something for a good cause while relaxing with friends.

Teenager Kezia Heckman was thinking about asking her great grandmother to teach her how to knit but now “I’m learning how to knit here.  It’s a great opportunity and I’m really going to surprise my great grandma!”

Jayne Rennick echoes the desire to learn; she wants to learn how to crochet. “The ladies here are very patient with me.  I also wanted to make something for such a good cause.”

Pam Howarter’s daughter was a preemie.  “My daughter’s 13 years old now and is doing well.  I just want to pay back the people who helped me.”

Whatever the reason 20 to 25 women and teens will keep getting together for the next two Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Dziedzic Community Room at the Nichols Library.  There’s already quite a stack of completed hats waiting to be delivered.  But there are also hats that were started and are being ripped out since the crafters are still learning.

Coordinator Amy Byrne-Henderson says the project will continue beyond the current October 20 end date. “These ladies have told me how much they enjoy getting together for such a good cause.  I’m going to continue a NPL Needlecraft League where people can get together, learn some techniques and just relax and enjoy each others’ company.” The group is for anyone who does handicrafts such as knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlework and handsewers.

Byrne-Henderson will also coordinate a Pay it Forward group when a new program season starts in January. This time the group will make toys for dogs and cats at the Naperville Area Humane Society.

For more information about the Naperville Public Library’s craft programs contact Amy Byrne-Henderson, Adult and Teen Services Supervisor, Nichols Library, 630-961-4100, ext.6312 or abyrne@naperville-lib.org.