Shabby Sheep Welcomes Lovers of Knit-erature, Starting with Jane Austen

It isn't your mother's knitting circle.

​The cozy little shop called The Shabby Sheep, an Uptown emporium of supplies for knitters and crocheters, is now the home of the Jane Austen Society, which will meet at 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month, beginning February 11.

Encouraging "knitting, spinning, crocheting, snacking, chatting, movie watching and book discussions," the group will start with all things Austen, but also will explore the works of the Brontës, Edith Wharton, Henry James and others, according to the release issued by Shabby Sheep owner Ronda Vandyk. The monthly gathering will be informal, with attendees encouraged to bring needlework projects in progress. Coffee, tea and other snacks will be provided gratis.

The first meeting of the Jane Austen Society on February 11 will feature a free 5:30 p.m. screening of the film Emma. Ronda asks for RSVPs if you're planning to attend, just so she can set up enough chairs and snacks. There are also comfy couches available. Austen fans can drop in for the morning book-tea-knit session, then hop the McKinney Avenue trolley for the some shopping and return for the evening film. The lounge at Shabby Sheep also provides free Wi-Fi. There are rocking chairs on the porch.

OK, we might just be moving in for a spell.

The Shabby Sheep is at 2110 Boll Street near downtown. Phone 214-953-0331.