Who we are

West Carleton Country Knitters was formed in 2009 with the idea of creating a local social group, within the Carp/Dunrobin area of Ottawa Canada, of people wishing to knit or crochet for the benefit of others in need of warm clothing or coverings, using donated yarn.  We knit or crochet for local charities, changing charities as and when we choose. 

 We have three aims, all of which we happily meet.  Our first is to provide warm knitted or crocheted items for our chosen charities.  Our second is to work with donated yarn, which means unwanted yarn becomes recycled and useful, and our third is to enjoy the company of other like minded people in our group get-togethers.  We also hold lively Pot Luck lunches twice a year.

In 2012 we were delighted and excited to have won a People's Choice Award through the Kanata Chamber of Commerce. We were proudly the 2012 Community Support/Non Profit Organization of the Year for West Carleton.

Our membership (currently at approximately 100 members) has increased significantly over the years, resulting in 5 groups.  3 groups are located across West Carleton and Stittsville, and 2 newer groups have spread to West Nepean near Bayshore Mall.

 The groups located in the west end of Ottawa have a more appropriate name and have a website for West Ottawa Knitters.

Each enthusiastic and friendly group works independently. 

Each group has a number  of very helpful "home knitters".  These are members who for a variety of reasons cannot attend our daytime get-togethers, but who knit and crochet for our charities, and for whom we are happy to provide yarn.

We always welcome new members, whether experienced or novice knitters or crocheters.  More members means more knitting and crocheting for our charities.  Would you like to join us?

 We make no demands on our members as to quantity of work.  Everyone just knits or crochets when they wish, or when they have the time.  Some months may be too busy for individuals to contribute.  This is completely acceptable.  Yarn for our charitable projects is readily available and has been donated by our kind donors.

It is important to us that everyone feel welcome, regardless of age,  gender, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.  We have no religious or political affiliations.

Each year, we donate many hundreds of items to our chosen charities.  In our 2023-2024 season, our combined groups donated 6198 items!     Well done members!

To see the kinds of items that we make, please see What we are knitting/crocheting.

If you are aware of a local charity which would appreciate our work, please tell us about it.

Why Knit?

"Research shows that knitting can relieve stress, delay memory loss and help with depression.  It can even strengthen your immune system."    (from Nov 2013 Canadian Living Magazine)

"Calming, attention-extending and even social, fibre crafts are a feel-good hobby that may even help with pulling through challenging times."  (from an online article in The Guardian - "Purls of wisdom: the well being benefits of knitting and crocheting")