The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2010

Founded in 1834,

SCI is a voluntary,

ecumenical agency

affiliated with the

Episcopal Church that

provides pastoral care,

maritime education, and

legal advocacy services

for mariners.

The newsletter of the

Seamen’s Church Institute’s

Christmas at Sea Program

In this Issue

The Seamen’s Church Institute www.seamenschurch.org

Fall Fall 2010 VOlUME 4/NUMBER 2

At the end of a project, a knitter carefully removes a woven mass of fiber, separating the instruments of creation from the yarn once wrapped around them. Those empty needles stand ready, like a blank canvas, holding possibilities of new, exciting designs.

In this edition of The Knit Before Christmas, we address the familiar process of completion and new beginning. After binding off, knitters predictably cast back on again, oftentimes to the same needles—needles that hold a treasured past.

Many musicians also favor certain tools thick with history. Like knitters, they shape their instruments over time, molding them to their fingers and imbuing them with a lifetime of musical craft. The instruments become legends (B.B. King’s guitar Lucille, Yo-Yo Ma’s ‘cello Petunia), permeated with creative energies. (Does that sound like your favorite pair of needles?)

Think of the legacy of the Christmas at Sea volunteer knitting program at the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI). A similar force has infused generations of holiday times. Mariners have received beautiful gifts when SCI’s knitters played “tunes” with their needles, warming hearts for nearly 112 years.

Christmas at Sea announces some new, exciting developments this season. The program has a new pair of hands (Paige Sato, SCI’s new Christmas at Sea Program Manager), a new headquarters from which to mount the yearly assembly project of knitted goods from around the US, and a new way to knit an old favorite pattern. Casting on anew, SCI readies its Stradivarius, the inheritance of decades of volunteer knitters, to create artistry that emerges on a new day filled with impressive opportunities.

Looking to cast on something new to your needles?Check out the variation on SCI’s Watch Cap in this newsletter.

Casting on

Anew Casting on anew 1

The “Knitting Room” Moves to the Heart of the Port 2

SCI appoints New Knitting Program Manager 3

Get CaS Updates Online 3

Who Knits for Christmas at Sea? 4

Variations on a Theme: The Watch Cap 5

letter from Paige 6

Calendar 6

A New Place to Knit

You may knit in the park, in the library, or at home on the couch. Now, you

can knit in the Port.

SCI offers the perfect setting for knitting seafarers’ scarves or connecting

with other knitters at its renovated International Seafarers’ Center in Port

Newark. Read about the new headquarters for Christmas

at Sea in this newsletter. Bring your knitting out, and spend a few hours at SCI.

T

2 • The Seamen’s Church Institute The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2010

Christmas at SeaPaige Sato Program [email protected]://blogs.seamenschurch.org

Fall 2010, Published by The Seamen’s Church Institute of New York & New Jersey241 Water StreetNew York, NY 10038www.seamenschurch.orgThe Rev. David M. RiderExecutive Director

Editor, Oliver BrewerAssistant Editor, Margaret LeeDesign & Production by BlissDesignThis newsletter is printed on recycled paper.

Need...Patterns?

Yarn?

Ready to mail?

The “Knitting Room” at SCI, the assembly point for the gifts SCI collects for mariners each year, moves to the heart of the Port of New York and New Jersey this month. SCI’s newly renovated International Seafarers’ Center in Port Newark, part of the largest container terminal complex on the East Coast, houses the new headquarters.

The remodeled Port Newark Center, which also accommodates relocated offices for SCI’s Center for Seafarers’ Rights, puts SCI programs in the middle of port activity. Staff and volunteers work in the same building where mariners, truckers, and port workers find hospitality—a renovated 18,000-square-foot Seafarers’ Center containing a chapel, restaurant, conference room, telephone banks, recreation lounge, basketball courts, soccer fields, and showers.

The Rev. David M. Rider, SCI’s President and Executive Director, sees tremendous potential in this new accommodation of programs at SCI’s Center. Chaplains, attorneys, administrators, and volunteers work in the same building, collaborating on issues concurrently. “The Center

integrates SCI’s ministry,” he says, “It’s a ‘super-center’ for mariners.”

Rider also believes that the new Center more closely assimilates a land dwelling world with a seafaring one. “Traditionally, society has regarded with mystery the industrial area of the port set away from the city center. We have often characterized the area ‘down by the docks’ as a shady, unwelcoming place.” SCI’s Center aims to change that view, according to Rider.

The Center offers one of the only spots accessible to the general public in the secure areas of the port. A giant east wall made of glass provides a panoramic view of cranes and container ships, and inside the Center, SCI hosts a great deal of maritime commerce activity with people from all over the world.

Noting hospitality as one of SCI’s trademarks, Rider says, “SCI opens its Center in Port Newark to lay bare the amazing work of seafarers, shining a light on their

generous spirit and dedication. We’re putting a mixture of people face-to-face and reminding each other of the valuable connections on which we depend.”

The “Knitting Room” Moves to the Heart of the Port

Where should you send your knitting?

For this transitional year, SCI receives shipments of completed knitting projects at both its New York and Port Newark, NJ locations. Beginning in January 2011, knitters should send all donations to Christmas at Sea SCI–PORT NEWaRK CENTER 118 Export Street Port Newark, NJ 07114

SCI Appoints New Knitting Program ManagerMeet Paige Sato, the new Program Manager for SCI’s 112-year-old volunteer knitting program, Christmas at Sea. Sato steps into the shoes of former Program Manager Jeanette DeVita, who left SCI in July of this year.

Sato claims a zeal for charitable work. She holds a Graduate Certificate from Seton Hall University’s Center for Public Service. She also has a passion for knitting. In 2005, Sato channeled her business sensibility and training into Modern Yarn LLC, a knitting store in Montclair, NJ.

About the winning combination of her skills with the mandates of the position, the Rev. David M. Rider, SCI President & Executive Director, says, “Paige brings incredible personal energy, life experience, and entrepreneurial skills.”

Sato began knitting at Colby College, where she endured what she characterizes as “insanely long bus trips.” Sato played varsity women’s ice hockey at Colby, and one of her teammates taught her to knit. A prolific output of knitted garments continues throughout her adult life.

Sato enthuses about her new appointment, which ties her keenness for knitting with public service. “The possibilities are endless,” she says. “All the aspects of the organization—from the maritime education, to the advocacy, to the ministry and hospitality—serve such a great need, and I think I can really help advance the organization’s mission through the Christmas at Sea program.”

www.seamenschurch.org The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2010 • 3

Paige Sato lives in Glen Ridge, NJ and has three children (ages 14, 12, and 6). Sato is the new Program Manager for SCI’s holiday gift-giving program, Christmas at Sea.

Get CaS Updates OnlineIf you enjoy The Knit Before Christmas newsletter (and your many letters and phone calls say you do), visit The Knit Before Christmas blog (http://blogs.seamenschurch.org). Every week, the blog features new photos of finished products, volunteers, and the general hustle and bustle of the Christmas at Sea program.

At the end of each post, look for the “comment” link. It provides an opportunity to add your voice to the conversation. Go ahead, click on it! Tell us what you think, about your knitting group, and about your projects!

If you’re on Ravelry (www.ravelry.com), join SCI’s Christmas at Sea group, another place to find like-minded knitters from all over the United States. The Christmas at Sea group has a project Show & Tell and all sorts of discussions ranging from goal setting to types of yarn we like to use for our projects. The friendly group welcomes all and is eager to connect everyone knitting for Christmas at Sea.

4 • The Seamen’s Church Institute The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2010

You do, that’s who! And, so does …Mellie WaRneR from South Carolina knit up 54 helmet liners for another organization before she learned their program had been discontinued. A phone call to SCI assured her that her hard work would be more than welcome at Christmas at Sea. Ms. Warner even added a few extra scarves, caps, and toiletries and is excited to knit more next year.

eMMa R. enclosed a note with her recent package: “I knew an old seaman who said that he remembered—not fondly—chipping ice off ladders as his ship rounded the tip of South America. In his memory, I knit for all you merchant marine seamen warm hats and scarves. Have a safe and warm year.”

MRs. GeoRGia JeRvey writes from Florida, “I can’t believe another year has gone by so quickly. Last September we moved from NJ and a home we’d lived in for forty years. There were a lot of changes last year, but one thing didn’t change—I’m still knitting for the seamen! (Sometimes knitting helps you keep your sanity.)”

“With grateful thoughts and constant prayers to those who labour for me and the challenges of the high seas,” writes MaRGaReT shul, who noted that she had travelled by ship years ago from India, to England and back, and then on to the USA.

Who Knits for Christmas At Sea?

Meet Jo ellen heil from ventura, Ca

When Californian Jo Ellen Heil and Minnesotan Susan McCoubrie peered through the back door at SCI’s Center in Paducah, KY, they never suspected that

what they would discover inside would spark their enduring involvement with the Institute.

Jo Ellen still remembers that day almost ten years later. “Looking at the river bank, hearing the ripples on the water and reading about SCI, I marveled at the Institute’s history, ministry, and hopes for the future. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

A passionate advocate for SCI, she taught herself to knit for Christmas at Sea, became a member of the Janet Lord Roper Legacy Giving Society and helped staff SCI’s booth at The Episcopal Church’s 2009 General Convention. Jo Ellen says

that she and Susan continue to pray for SCI regularly. When we recently asked her why she is so keen on the Institute, she replied:

“Having met several staffers, particularly Ministry on the River folks, I’ve been impressed by their dedica-tion and hard work. as a knitter, I revel in the fun I share with the Christmas at Sea community. Having taught Women’s History at the college level, I’ve always been inspired by the life of Janet lord Roper [for whom SCI’s legacy Giving Society is named]. But I suppose the deepest reason I give to SCI is that they help workers who are otherwise forgotten. Whether it is a grimy loading dock or a lovely river town, an international courtroom or a local church where

believers pray, SCI is always there, reaching out, welcoming the weary, reflecting God’s love. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

Indeed, who wouldn’t?

Want to share your story of SCI’s ministry?

Email us at [email protected]

youR suppoRT MaKes a diffeRenCe in The lives of The MaRineRs We seRve.

www.seamenschurch.org The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2010 • 5

Variations on a Theme: The Watch Cap

R egularly, knitters from around the country call or email with questions about SCI’s Watch Cap. “Is it ok to use more than one color?” “Can I do this in the round?” “Can I knit stockinette stitch instead of garter?”

My answer to you is an enthusiastic, “Yes!” While our Watch Cap pattern is time-tested and effective, we can make room for a few changes, too. Our seafarers appreciate color—adding a stripe in a complementary color is A-OK. (Best steer clear of pinks, lavenders, and baby colors, though.) Although not all our seafarers know the difference between stockinette and garter stitch, they appreciate the detail and workmanship evident in a carefully crafted garment.

So, in keeping with our “Casting on Anew” theme, I’ve rewritten our Watch Cap pattern to accommodate knitters who prefer to knit in the round, or prefer stockinette over garter stitch.

But while some things may change, others remain the same. Please use a machine-washable yarn. That includes, in addition to acrylic, superwash wool or wool-acrylic blends. Also, the brim is important—don’t skimp. The Watch Cap’s effectiveness lies in its ability to keep out the cold wind, so be sure to make the brim (k2p2) at least 4 inches.

Watch Cap (in the round)Material: 4-Ply Yarn (3 ozs. will complete a cap)

Needles: US size 7 16" circular and dpns (or size you need to get gauge)

Gauge: 4 sts to inch and 7 rows to inch in garter stitch

Directions:Cast on 84 sts making sure not to twist stitches. Mark the beginning of the round. (If using dpns, put 24 stitches on needle 1, 20 on needle 2, 20 on needle 3 and 20 on needle 4. Mark the beginning of the round.)

Hat Brim

K2, P2 ribbing for 4 inches.

Hat Body

K even for 5 1⁄2 in.

Decrease for the crown. At a certain point, if you’re using a circular needle, you will need to switch to dpns.

*K10, K2 tog, repeat from * across. Knit one round.

*K9, K 2 tog, repeat from * across. Knit one round.







*K2, K2 tog, repeat from * across.

*K1, K2 tog, repeat from * across.

*K2tog, repeat from * across.

You now have 7 sts remaining on your needles.

Cut yarn, leaving about 6". With tapestry needle, thread the 6" tail, and pull it through the remaining 7 live stitches. Cinch shut. Turn the hat inside out, and pull the tail through to the inside of the hat. Tack down the tail. Turn hat outside in, and voila, you’re done!

PLEASE DON’T BLOCK CAP.

PLEASE DO NOT ADD POMPOM.

as always, you are encouraged to send along photos of you with your projects. I will upload many onto our blog: http://blogs.seamenschurch.org/.

Hope to see you there! —Paige

LChristmas at Sea C a l E N d a R

Non-ProfitU.S Postage

PAIDNewtown, CT

Permit No. 100

Christmas at SeaSCI–PORT NEWARK CENTER118 Export StreetPort Newark, NJ 07114SCI

seamenschurch.org

Oh, the Places You Will Go…Like many avid knitters, I drag my knitting with me everywhere. But more recently, I’ve realized that it’s my knitting that’s actually taking me places.

It was knitting that led me to start and run a successful yarn store. Through knitting, I’ve met scores of inspirational and wonderful people from around the world. And because of knitting, I connected with SCI and Christmas at Sea.

In my short time with SCI, I’ve learned how knitting propels our many volunteers as well. In my first week, we received a beautifully knit helmet from Phillip Keyes in Vermont. In a conversation, he mentioned that he learned to knit while working as a re-enactor on the Mayflower II on Plimoth Plantation. After his time there, he began to research historically accurate knitting patterns, and consequently found Christmas at Sea.

That’s what I love about Christmas at Sea—so many people connect to the program on so many levels, and the common thread is knitting.

We see the evidence of that common thread in the fall. The donations are just pouring in, and not a day goes by when I don’t see our friendly UPS delivery guy carrying in more and more boxes! However, all this excitement mixes with a little bit of “yikes!” as the realization sets in that I now steer 112 years of Christmas at Sea history.

As I face the challenge of my first gift-giving season, I will rely on the advice from our long-time volunteers, notes left behind in the files, and the instincts drawn from my knitting; it’s never steered me wrong before. Together we are adding new stitches to the Christmas at Sea program, and I’m looking forward to the adventure.

Sincerely,

Paige Sato Program Manager

2010–2011

nov. 11 long Island diocesan Conventionnov. 12 New York diocesan Conventionnov. 14 St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Mamaroneck, NYnov. 21 Church of the Holy Spirit, lebanon, NJdec. 5 St. Thomas, Flemington, NJdec. 12 St. James, Hackettstown, NJJan 28–29 Newark diocesan Convention, Parsippany, NJMar 5 New Jersey diocesan Convention, Collingswood, NJ

Come see SCI and Christmas at Sea at our local diocesan Conventions. Better yet, visit our Port Newark Seafarers’ Center for a day of vol-unteering. Or, even more fun, have Paige come to your group to speak about SCI and the Christmas at Sea knitting program.

To schedule, call 973-589-5828 or email [email protected]. Hope to see you soon!

Casting on

Anew

Documents

The Knit Before Christmas Fall 2010