Knitting community over 60: Creative together in Café Deschawü!

Knitting community over 60: Creative together in Café Deschawü!

A very special meeting is held once a month in Café Deschawü in Plochingen: The knitting meeting for men and women over 60 promises not only handwork, but also sociability and an open ear for everyday life. The initiator Iris Ortz, who started knitting 20 years ago, launched this inspiring exchange together with Heike Renz. Here, the latest projects are discussed and creative ideas are exchanged in a relaxed atmosphere over coffee and cake.

In the inviting environment of the café, which features nostalgic vinyl sounds, the participants bring their knitting utensils. Socks, scarves and shawls in bright colors are created through lively conversations about the pitfalls and joys of knitting. According to Stuttgarter Nachrichten, the social gathering is valued as a place where people talk about everyday things chatting and at the same time developing skills and creativity.

The benefits of knitting

Knitting is not only a fun hobby, but also has a positive influence on mental and physical fitness. As we get older, finger mobility can decrease, making everyday movements more difficult. Knitting regularly helps counteract declining fine motor skills. According to Knitting in Trend, guiding the needles trains coordination and maintains sensitivity in the fingers. Counting rows and stitches trains concentration and memory, while choosing colors and patterns stimulates creative thinking.

The group also wrestles with the question of what the younger generations' handicraft skills are like. There is a lot of discussion about why knitting is less taught in schools and how the passion can be passed on to younger people. The women who often didn't have the time to knit in their families have the opportunity to become active again in their retirement age and even learn new techniques with the help of YouTube, like Esslinger Newspaper.

Experience community

The social component of the knitting meeting should not be underestimated: exchange and belonging are particularly important, especially for people who have little contact in their everyday lives. Not only is there work here, but friendly bonds are also formed. Shared activities such as enjoying coffee and cookies contribute to the special atmosphere. Experiences of success when completing the projects also strengthen the participants’ self-esteem.

The café operators, Ulrike and Frank Ferrari, actively support the group and create a pleasant atmosphere that invites you to linger. Knitting not only remains a passionate hobby, but also becomes a tool for being active in social life and for staying fit - both physically and mentally. So the knitters meet once a month on the first Tuesday afternoon in Café Deschawü and let the needles clatter while the world around them becomes a little quieter.