My Knitting History

I knit and have since I was 10 years old. When we were at a dance, I saw a young girl knitting and it amazed me. I found out Margaret Lewis, our 4-H leader, knew how to knit, so she taught me in 4-H.

I’ve made 100s of things from dresses to baby booties now. During the pandemic I knitted 37 dish clothes and gave them as gifts to people. The simple pattern and the rhythmic sound of the knits became meditation to me then and I needed it.

Coming to Boquete

On our scouting trip to Boquete, Panama in May, 2025, our friend, John, took us to the Thursday market. Immediately a beautiful display of handmade items for children caught my eye and I met Brandy Gregory, the founder of the Boquete Knitters & Quilters group. She handed me this brochure below where you can read the words that impacted me “Ngabe-Bugle mothers often brought their babies for newborn checkups, carefully and lovingly swaddled with newspaper. . .”

I’m in the Group!

So I knew I would join this group, so I have! I talked to Brandy about my knitting ability, so she suggested I make booties.

At the group meeting two weeks ago, she had available smaller needles to borrow. I hate that I didn’t bring my bag of needles—I have all sizes. I hope to find them on one of my return trips to the states.

Two weeks ago, Brandy had two big boxes of yarn to give to the group, so I grabbed the variegated yarn you see! I thought it would make really different baby booties. I’m not sure where the yarn came from, but most of it disappeared pretty quickly.

When I asked Brandy about patterns, she suggested going to Ravelry.com where there are hundreds of patterns for free. So, I did, and I have downloaded several patterns, but when I looked closely, they required either the double-pointed needles or small circular needles.

Last Thursday at the market, I talked to Brandy about my dilemma. She suggested looking for flat baby bootie patterns, and I found the one I’m using. The needles are small – #2, and the bootie is small, bur it’s for a newborn baby. I’ve never made booties before—so precious!

The Boquete Knitters & Quilters Group

The Boquete Knitters & Quilters meet every Friday at 1:30 – 3:00 PM. We have more than knitters there: crochet and embroidery too. The group has grown since I visited it in May—about twenty young and older crafters come together with a common love: beautiful handcrafts and helping local mothers and children.

A Sampling of Projects Completed Last Week

And here’s pictures of the people doing their handiwork:

Finally,

I have found my tribe! We visit and knit or crochet or do whatever work we love. As I look to the future, I can hardly wait to get my picture with my finished booties and who knows how many I can make this week—the sky’s the limit! And those babies’ feet will be warm and loved!

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My Newest Books

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Buy My Audio Books:

This Tumbleweed Landed

Let Me Tell You a Story 

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Memoir Audiobook

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