Senior group makes unique crafts for fun 
and to help others

By Madisyn Woodring                       

The Gazette 

  October 1, 2022

WADSWORTH — Claire’s Crafty Friends is a group of seniors who make items by hand through crocheting, knitting, sewing, cross stitching and more for their own enjoyment or to donate to people in need.

Founder Claire Cowfer said the group was started over five years ago with members making mats out of plastic bags for the homeless.

Pamela Root is one member who creates the plastic mats, and she started doing so because of Cowfer. She said the mats are made by cutting plastic grocery bags into strips and crocheting them together until it is 3 1/2 feet wide and 6 1/2 feet long. She also makes ones that are sized for children.

Plastic bags are used because they repel mildew and black mold, can be washed off with a hose and produce heat when someone lays on at mat, Root said. The mats are taken to Northside Christian Church in Wadsworth, and the church distributes them to local homeless people.

The group has since grown to include all other types of crafts, and each member of the group has their own specialty for what they like to create.

“Everybody enjoys what they do,” Cowfer said. “We like looking at each other’s things, and everybody is pretty much willing to demonstrate what they do.”

Cowfer now makes afghan blankets at the club. She said she has made 225 and has given them all away except for five.

Other goods are created by participants like table runners, potholders, doilies, scarves and more. Some members participate in the Medina County Fair by showcasing their handmade items.

The group meets at the Wadsworth Senior Center on 617 School Drive on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m.

“We have a good time,” Cowfer said. “We enjoy doing what we do, and we enjoy learning other things too.”

Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.