The Knotty Habit is an informal group for anyone doing crafts with yarn or thread, such as knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, quilting, friendship bracelets, etc. The intent is to provide a fun group of folk who are working on their own projects in a social environment. Basically, you get stuff done and meet cool people and, maybe, get inspiration for future projects. Whether you are new or experienced, you are welcome to join us.
There are no costs for this group, other than whatever materials you are bringing for your own projects.
The Knotty Habit used to meet on the 2nd floor of the North Campus Library on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, from 11am-1pm, barring any holidays or snow days. However, due to attendance dropping as people got busy with school work, the meetings are currently being suspended. Hopefully, we'll pick back up again in the Fall 2017.
If you're interested in joining the mailing list for the group, please contact me at djackson2@ccac.edu.
Here are a few sites that might meet your needs. If you know of any others, please let me know and I'll add them.
Everyone is more than welcome to bring whatever they are working on. If you're stuck for ideas, here are a few charities that are looking for knitted or crocheted items. Also, we have many books in the library with projects, patterns, etc., that might help.
There are many ways to give back to the community. If you'd like to make something to donate to someone in need, here are a few suggestions. 
If you know of any other charities to add, please don't hesitate to share them. It would be helpful if you could include specifics as to needs, yarns and contact information for how to get the completed items to them.
KnitHope - Collecting hand-made scarves and hats for the homeless or for families in need. Collection period is September 1 through October 1, 2016. Their website has information on specs, dimensions, patterns, etc., although black and gold is hugely popular. Please place scarf, hat or set of both in a zip top bag and label if for a child or an adult. Drop them off at the North Campus Library and I'll take them to Northland Library, as the organization has a pick-up there.
Crochet Sleeping Mats for the Homeless from Plastic Bags - This isn't a project from an organization, per se, but a great idea that we heard about. You take plastic bags from stores and recycle them into sleeping mats. These materials are lightweight, waterproof and provide cushioning, in addition to being easily portable. Please make them large enough to fit an adult person (~2.5 feet by 6 feet) and you can drop them off at the North Campus Library. We have connections with Light of Life and the City Mission to get them where they will do the most good. Here's some videos to help with how to create them:
Knitted Knockers - Create soft, comfortable, knit prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. The free patterns for knit or crochet are available on their website, as are the sizes folks have requested. They also have a contact page on their website for donation locations.
Project Linus - Handmade blankets for children in need, most often given to children in crisis at hospitals, shelters, etc. Their website has information on specs and donation locations (there are two on Babcock Blvd.) and free patterns.
Animal Shelters - Many shelters have been receptive of knitted pet pads/sleep mats and blankets for the animals, cat toys, etc. Check with your local shelter to see what they need.
Comfort Scarves of Southwestern PA - Provide scarves, slippers, wash cloths, fish mitts (for children), etc. for women’s’ shelters. Check with them to see what they need. Completed items can be sent to: Barb Kochuba, 408 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.
