Knit, purl, repeat

By Linda Jensen Times Contributor

Rita Sweere has been knitting and crocheting for 83 years.
“Since Grade 1,” she says. “In Grade 2, I could knit socks with four needles.”
Two years ago, Sweere made 100 adorably dressed dolls for the Hospital Auxiliary and sold them for $20 each, donating a profit of $1,000.
The delightful little dolls were so popular that Sweere made another hundred of them.
The dolls and wool come from Mary Maxim, and Sweere invents her own patterns. She has about 15, from bunting bags to little dresses with hats.
“I had so much fun doing it,” she says. “I never got tired of it. I saw so many happy faces.”
This time, the proceeds of $1,000 are being given to the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church hall for dishes.
In the meantime, Sweere is not sitting idle; instead, needles clicking, she is planning another new project for the auxiliary.