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Georgia Schuff, a TKGA member for about 25 years, began teaching
knitting in the Berea Adult Community Education program in 1997.
After the 6-week course came a weekly class/get-together,
“students” became friends and knitters who love
the craft.
Grindstone Knitters began around the dining
room table in Georgia’s house. The members were
a group of six students; Connie Laux, Gail Bryda,
Carol Hudak, Eleanor Stitt, Terri Witzke, and
Karen Vanderbeck. All first became acquainted when
they enrolled in a Handknitting Class in Berea.
Since the first meeting in October 1999, the Guild’s
membership has grown from the original seven to
more than 40 members. Our ages, knitting levels,
and expertise are varied, giving us a great
opportunity for sharing.
Georgia, the Grindstone Knitters’ first president,
has been knitting since the age of five. “My maternal
grandmother, who was an excellent needlecrafter,
taught me. I knitted doll clothes at first, then sweaters for myself.
My knitting went to college with me when yarn choices were limited.”
Most of her knitting was for family, until she bought a knitting
machine and made machine knitted teddy bear sweaters with college,
fraternity, and sorority logos for profit for several years.
“I knit many different projects, but my favorite styles are lace and Aran
knitting. I often create my own patterns using sketches, graph paper,
and the paint program on my computer, all invaluable tools.”
Her favorite yarns are wools and wool blends, because they make up
so well and are usually long-lasting. Georgia doesn’t have a favorite
designer. “I admire many knitting experts, and I have several good
reference books, but my go-to authors are Alice Starmore and Nanci
Wiseman.”
“Knitting goes where I go; road trips, the beach, etc. I always have
several projects going; ones that take concentration, no-brainers that
travel well or work well with "outside" distractions. Although knitting
has sometimes frustrated me at 2:00 a.m., it is my hobby, my job, my
social connection, my brain exercise, and my relaxation.”
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