Farewell to Cedar Key by Terri Dulong Page A

knitting and a row of purling, that’s the stockinette stitch. In many basic patterns, those two stitches will be all you’ll need to know.”
    The room became very quiet as each of them plodded along. After a few minutes, I said, “We can talk, you know. Knitting doesn’t have to be a silent pastime when you’re in a group.” They all laughed and I saw them relax a bit more. “When you’re working on a lace pattern or cables you’ll probably have to focus, but straight knitting and purling allows you to socialize.”
    My father began chatting with Gabe, asking him questions about spending the winter on Cedar Key. “How do you like the island so far?”
    â€œI like it a lot,” Gabe said. “Quiet and beautiful scenery. I’m very much enjoying the wildlife.”
    â€œDo you fish?” Doyle asked.
    â€œI do, although I haven’t had the chance in a few years.”
    â€œWell, you’ll have to go out with us,” Doyle told him. “I have a boat, and the three of us try to get out there at least once a week. You’re welcome to join us.”
    â€œThat sounds great. Thanks.”
    The conversation went back and forth as they discussed current events, sports, books, boating, and fishing. I smiled as I listened to the male chatter. It wasn’t any different from females getting together over knitting. The topics might not be the same, but the result was the same. Bonding. Making a connection with other people. Socializing.
    I saw that all four of them now had a few rows finished. “Okay,” I said. “Ready to learn how to purl?”
    I heard a resounding yes and proceeded to teach them the purl stitch. This proved a little more difficult as they had to learn the exact opposite of knitting by inserting the right needle in front of the left one. I helped each one individually and, except for Gabe, I could see this stitch slowed them down a bit and created a bit more clumsiness.
    â€œIt’s just going to take practice,” I explained. “Once you’ve done purling for a while, it will feel almost as comfortable as knitting. But the main thing tonight is that you’re learning the difference between knit and purl stitches.”
    â€œI don’t think I like this as well as straight knitting,” I heard Doyle say, and I laughed.
    â€œDon’t feel bad,” I told him. “Many knitters would much rather knit than purl, so you’re not alone. But it’s a needed stitch, as you’ll see when we begin working on your scarf.”
    I checked my watch and was surprised to see we had been working for an hour and had only thirty minutes left to the class.
    I got up and walked to the counter area. “You guys keep going. The coffee is ready, and I brought some cranberry bread that I made this morning. During knitting night we always end with a snack, so I thought you guys would enjoy this too.”
    I proceeded to slice the bread and heard Gabe say, “I’d be more than happy to bring something to go with the coffee next week. I make a pretty good pound cake.”
    â€œAh, so you’re a chef too?” I heard my father kid him.
    â€œWell, I’ve been divorced for years, so it was either starve or learn how to cook properly,” he said, causing the others to laugh.
    â€œThat would be great, Gabe,” I told him as I placed the platter of bread on the table. “Thanks. You guys can stop anytime you want. I’d say you did exceptionally well for your first class. So keep practicing all week on that piece, and next week I’ll teach you how to increase. Many patterns call for adding an extra stitch. Help yourself to the coffee and bread,” I said, and looked up as the door opened and Chloe walked in.
    â€œOh, sorry,” she said. “Is the class still going on? I just wanted to drop by and say hi.”
    I saw her eyes dart directly to Gabe, and I smiled.