Ididachain group crochets for the community

The Ididachain Crochet Guild of Alaska is making sure no community group goes cold, as the crocheters have helped several nonprofit agencies since the inception of the group in 1999.

This year, more than 25 afghans have been made for the Mary Conrad Center in Anchorage. Previously, community service projects have included afghans for the Alaska Family Resource Center, the Anchorage Senior Center and the Alaska Red Cross.

"Each year we pick something new to help," said Marie McIntosh, a member of the group that meets monthly, with one month in Anchorage and the next month in Wasilla. Saturday, the group met in Wasilla and showed off new items each person had completed. The items will be sold during a senior center bazaar this holiday season.

McIntosh said the meetings are to "get together and crochet and talk about crocheting."

The group also brings leading experts to Alaska to teach classes. In 2002, Pauline Turner, an internationally known designer, came to Anchorage. Next March, Melody McDuffy, a traveling teacher from the Crochet Guild of America, will be in Anchorage and in September 2004, Lily Chin will be in Anchorage.