Nancy Gould founded the CT Woolcrafters earlier this year to bring together the local fiber community and offer artists the opportunity to their develop skills.

The group has already amassed nearly 40 members who travel from all over Connecticut and nearby areas of New York to attend the monthly meetings in town.

Each meeting focuses on workshopping a different craft project using wool and other natural fibers, which are mediums that support farming and nature, Ms Gould says.

During the CT Woolcrafters’s meeting on May 14, members worked on free weaving without a formal loom.

Whether someone considers themselves an experienced knitter, crocheter, weaver, spinner, or overall crafter, there are opportunities to learn new techniques and make friends with others who enjoy the pastime.

Chris Beaudoin, a Newtown resident of 55 years, says the group has “exceptional people” who are “women in search of new things to do.”

She appreciates getting to be around like-minded people who have a similar passion for crafting.

New Fairfield resident Valerie Morrison agrees and adds that knitting is like an “addiction.” One of the best parts about being a member of the CT Woolcrafters, she says, is getting to socialize while working on projects.

Shelley Dell, a Brewster, N.Y., resident who works in Connecticut, has found that there is something truly special about groups of knitters in that you can easily make friends with any of them because they share a common bond.

CT Woolcrafters meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the C.H. Booth Library’s Meeting Room, from 10 am to 1 pm, and new members are welcome.

Ms Gould says the group is looking forward to participating in Worldwide Knit in Public Day on June 8 and is considering conducting a special meeting in honor of the holiday.

The public will have a chance to learn from the CT Woolcrafters members later this year at the Newtown Arts Festival, as the group will be participating in leading the fiber tent’s activities for children and adults.

To learn more about the CT Woolcrafters and stay up to date on meetings, visit facebook.com/ctwoolcrafters.