AHOSKIE – What simply began as a group of women sharing their passion for knitting has turned into a way to benefit Hertford-Gates Relay for Life.

The “Knitty Kitties” – an 11-member group of women in the Roanoke-Chowan area dedicated to the art of knitting – are currently putting the final touches on their handiwork, a block afghan that will be raffled off to raise funds in the ongoing battle against cancer.

As an added touch to their beautiful creation, the afghan is made-up of shades of Relay for Life’s traditional color n purple.

Tickets, priced at $1 each, are now available from any member of the Knitty Kitties. The group is considering hanging the afghan for viewing inside MugShotz on Main Street in Ahoskie. If things can be worked out, tickets may be available at MugShotz.

The drawing will be held on Saturday, April 28, the final day of the annual Hertford-Gates Relay for Life at Chowan University.

According to Knitty Kitty spokesperson Claudia Morris, the group formed in October of last year in an effort to share their love for knitting.

“The art of knitting is being revived as a popular hobby,” Morris said. “It’s a very therapeutic way to relax.”

Meeting twice a month at different locations, the group shares ideas about the different forms of knitting as well as discussing new projects. Their work includes pocketbooks, scarves and afghans.

“We used our hobby and our friendship on this Relay for Life project,” Barbara Perry said. “I love to knit. It really helps me relax.”

The group is not inclusive to knitting veterans.

“We’ve welcomed novices into our group,” Morris said. “There’s nothing more satisfying than to share the art of knitting with others.”

Morris continued, “Knitting also brings back memories of our mothers or other family members who taught us how to knit.”

Those wishing to purchase a ticket for the fundraiser are urged to contact Morris or Perry or any other Knitty Kitties member n Sue Lassiter, Kim Schwartz, Dee Fritz, Sylvia Kompkoff-Purvis, Barbara Earley, Debbie Sisler, Linda Alexander, Debbie Rawls and Lynda Whitehead-Taylor.