You might think the Palm Springs area is an unlikely place for a knitting club. “People think you can’t wear any of it: hats, scarves, sweaters,” Douglas Morris, founder of the Knit Together program and The Perfect Purl online yarn shop, says. "Most of the time, it’s too hot.” But, that’s not the full story. I learned this when Morris and I spoke about his passion in retirement. His mission is to knit together communities and forge a supportive space for folks to craft, kibitz, and create long-lasting and meaningful relationships.
Morris hosts a social event called Knit Together at The LGBT Community Center of the Desert (also known as The Center) two to three times per year. And informal groups gather at The Center two to three times each week. These meet-ups provide a social and communal space for fiber enthusiasts like Morris. He also hosts weekly get-togethers at local cafes so knitters can gather together, share their projects, and socialize. There is some crossover between the events and get-togethers. It’s “a changing cast of characters, usually about 15 to 20 knitters,” Morris says. “If you come to my group, you get yarn, needles, encouragement, inspiration, and so much more.”
Morris and his husband, Richard Poulin, moved to Palm Springs in 2018, ostensibly to retire. They left New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood, where they owned a successful graphic design firm together. Without knowing many people – and hoping to continue his creative pursuits – Morris took up knitting, as he enjoyed the quietness and slower pace of the desert.
Knitting is revered as a relaxing, creative, and mindful activity that provides a sense of accomplishment. The rhythmic motions can help reduce anxiety and stress, while the colorful yarn and myriad patterns and projects can provide satisfaction and a sense of achievement. Knitting with others can foster social connections, as well. The hobby harkens back to a simpler time before mobile phones, the internet, 24/7 media coverage, and the counterintuitive but real and deep sense of isolation that many people feel.
While house hunting, Morris went into a yarn shop in Palm Desert and met Andy, a man who is now his best friend. Andy’s father taught him to knit at age 8, and he’s been knitting for more than 40 years. So, Morris and Andy started knitting together in public.
Morris quickly realized he wanted to share his passion for the craft, particularly with other men. He approached members of the Desert AIDS Project and The Center, who initially seemed lukewarm about the plan. However, Morris’ idea took off, and he says he’s busier than ever many years later.
Through his online yarn store, called The Perfect Purl, Morris works with national yarn organizations and manufacturers to sell yarn and tools. He primarily serves local shoppers because “shipping has gotten complicated,” he says. Morris provides free knitting classes, yarn, needles, knitting books, and patterns to anyone who comes to his events. “Profits from sales directly help create a healthier community, one knitter at a time,” according to Morris.
He also hosts a weekly men’s-only knitting group at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs. He welcomes anyone to his mixed groups – women and men, gay, straight, or trans – but is adamant about hosting men only in his men’s group. “Women have thousands of knitting groups,” he says, and he feels that it’s really fortifying for men to gather publicly and knit together.
Currently, Morris is working on lace shawls that he creates with small needles. He finds this process complicated and rewarding, “like painting a picture.” He chuckles and says although a chunky sweater, scarf, or hat might be a necessary fashion choice in the Coachella Valley at certain times of the year, people in his groups often like to send their completed items to friends and family members in other parts of the country.
Most knitters work on several projects at once – some more intricate than others. Morris explains that so-called social knitting is repetitive, so people can talk while they work. His community – built around the love of knitting – is magical. During COVID, the group met through Zoom at 3 p.m. every day to knit together.
He speaks about one knitter who was a cancer patient. Some members of the group created a bubble and were present for the man when his family wasn’t. Poignantly, during his decline, this man shared a different part of his life with each knitting buddy: his childhood, coming out, life in San Francisco, and life during the AIDS crisis. “It wasn’t just about knitting anymore,” Morris says.
For some levity, at the end of our conversation, Morris mentions the time when actor, writer, producer, and director Alan Cumming reached out to him. “I just got a random call from someone in London asking, 'Is this Doug the knitter?’” Morris says. Discussions followed, and the producer told Morris that Cumming likes to wear jock straps. He asked if Morris would make one for him. So, he did, and they filmed an episode with Morris and his friend Steve teaching Cumming – and renowned British/Australian character actress Miriam Margolyes – how to knit. The episode is available to view on BBC and online.
Knitting covers all the bases – warmth, love, accessories, and frivolity. Several non-profit organizations benefit from knitting groups’ production. Morris mentions the Mother Bear Project (which will stop at the end of the year). Through it, volunteers provided knitted and crocheted teddy bears to more than 220,000 children in emerging nations and regions that are highly affected by HIV/AIDS.
Knitted Knockers is an organization that provides handmade breast prostheses for women diagnosed with breast cancer who survived a mastectomy. These items are “soft, comfortable, and beautiful,” according to the non-profit organization’s website. Creating them is a meaningful way to give back that weaves communities together.
Anyone who is interested in getting started with needlework or finding a place to knit with others can contact Morris at theperfectpurl@gmail.com. He seems to be creatively nourished and occupied after retiring.
Knit Together is one of the longest-running and most successful programs at The Center. The organization provides a range of enrichment and support programs, including language and fitness classes, chat groups, and social events – all with an affirming LGBTQ+ focus. Find more details at www.thecentercv.org.
Join Knit Together if you’re looking for a new creative outlet and want to craft some cozy, elegant, and/or whimsical knitwear. Maybe you know or want to know the difference between a pearl and a purl. Do you need help figuring out your right side from your wrong side? Or maybe the idea of knitting with a group is appealing on another level. Whatever your motivation is, you’ll find a warm and welcoming community that embraces you.
