BY DANI TIETZ
dani@sjodaily.com
A hand-knitted sweater, a hat made by grandma, a scarf that has been handed down through generations.
At some point, wardrobes turned from the handmade to the store-bought. But here, in late 2019, there is a movement of people who want to experience the way yarn feels in needles, the pride of giving a handmade gift, the warmth of an item that fits perfectly.
There is something more happening these days going into winter; people in St. Joseph are finding a space and opportunity to gather to make something, to learn something, to laugh about something and to reconnect with something at The Wheelhouse.
The Wheelhouse started as a place where St. Joseph-Ogden alums Abbie and Ryan Rogiers could fulfill their dream of serving unique farm-to-table food for their family, friends, neighbors and new acquaintances.
But the Rogiers had another vision, too: one they are finally seeing begin to come to fruition.
Soon after opening The Wheelhouse in 2017, the Rogiers were approached by their lifelong friend, Wes Miller.
“Wes had talked about hosting a quiz night for a few years and when Ryan and Abbie opened The Wheelhouse, he talked to them about doing it,” his wife Amanda said.
The Millers, who live in the house that Wes grew up in, spend some of their time between the first Wednesday of each month, coming up with questions, keeping five categories in mind: pop culture, general knowledge, music, in the news and words.
“We have also done theme nights like 90s TV or Oscar-Winning Directors. I’m a huge Seinfeld fan so naturally we’ve done two Seinfeld nights,” Amanda said.
The Rogiers usually supply the prizes, but the Millers have explored the trove of their home to see what they can come up with from time-to-time.
“Wes grew up in our house so it has 40 years of treasures stored away in the attic and basement,” Amanda said. “Once we did an advertising mascots category and we happened to find a 7-Up Spot keychain in the basement that we used as a bonus prize.”
The Millers host Trivia at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month, and Joel and Loren Sanders have started hosting it on the second Wednesday.
“We have some regulars that come, but it’s also fun when people just happen to come in on a Wednesday and join in the fun,” Amanda continued.
The introvert of the group, Amanda said she usually sits at the bar and watches Wes work with the crowd.
“But what I’ve liked most about the experience is how it has brought people together and helped to make The Wheelhouse a place to gather,” she said. “I know that was one of Abbie’s hopes for the restaurant and I like we have contributed to that in a small way.”
Starting earlier this month, Amanda, alongside Jill Lagerstam, is contributing a little bit more to Abbie’s vision. The friends put together an opportunity for people to learn how to knit on Sundays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Jill actually taught Amanda how to knit about eight years ago.
“There were probably six to eight of us at that original lesson and I think I’m the only one that continued knitting after that night,” she said.
“My mom was always crafty and she taught me to cross-stitch growing up. I took on knitting pretty quickly and I find it relaxing. I also love that it makes me feel productive when I’m sitting around watching really bad TV — at least I’m making something.”
Over the years, Amanda has knitted scarves, cowls, blankets, shawls, hats, mittens, socks, ear warmers, hair bows, and a bag to hold her yoga mat.
She has even attempted to teach her three children and her niece. The children did not take to the hobby immediately, but they do have remnants of their projects, which they work on from time-to-time.
Amanda said that although she is not knitting all the time, there is a resurgence among adults.
“Knitting has made a huge comeback and is very trendy right now,” she said.
“I think people like it because it’s relaxing and productive. You feel a great sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed a project.
“It’s also much more accessible than it used to be. There are a million great videos on YouTube that can help you learn a new stitch or fix a mistake. It’s so much easier than trying to learn from a diagram or having to find someone who can show you.”
Through talking about her hobby, Amanda found that there might be a need for one-on-one training in the St. Joseph community.
“When people find out I knit, they often tell me how they’d like to learn. It seemed like there was an interest out there,” she said.
When an inquiry about book and knitting groups came up on the St. Joseph Community Facebook page, Amanda and Jill decided that there was a larger interest than they first thought.
“I texted Jill and Abbie and we started to plan,” Amanda said. “We created a class and provided yarn and needles and committed to hosting knitting sessions every Sunday in October from 3:30-5:30.”
The first group, which met on Oct. 6, grew in numbers last Sunday. Those new to knitting are working on making a basic scarf, while others, who already know how to knit just bring their projects to socialize while they are working. a
“I hope people just enjoy themselves and connect with new people,” Amanda said. “Ideally, they will all become master knitters and love the art, but I don’t think that’s what’s most important.”
In a world that is seemingly disconnected, Amanda said that isolation has led to a very divided society.
“It’s nice to have something to come together around that is very neutral,” she said.
“Experiences like this allow us to get to know each other as people, not by who we support politically or how we feel about hot-button issues. It’s a beautiful respite from the politically charged life we encounter through radio, TV and social media.”
Anyone interested in joining The Wheelhouse Knitting group should contact Amanda Miller on Facebook (Amanda Payton Miller), email amnda86@hotmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.
A fee is included for newcomers, and includes knitting needles, yarn, a pattern and instruction.
