Knitting with Purpose: Laurentide Resident Finds Comfort in Giving, One Stitch at a Time
For 84-year-old Laurentide at Mashpee Commons resident Toby Kalman, knitting has been part of life for as long as she can remember. What began as a childhood hobby has grown into a meaningful way to give back, as Toby now creates handmade baby blankets for local families in need.
Toby donates her blankets to A Baby Center in Hyannis, where they are given to new mothers and families in the community. Over the years, she has created dozens of blankets, each carefully made with the hope of bringing a little extra warmth and comfort to a new baby.
A Lifelong Love of Knitting
Toby’s connection to knitting began at an early age. Growing up, her mother and grandparents owned a yarn shop, where she learned the craft that would remain with her throughout her life.
Over the decades, she has knitted everything from scarves to sweaters, but today, baby blankets hold a particularly special place in her heart.
The cause is deeply personal for Toby, who experienced the loss of her infant daughter many years ago. While that loss has stayed with her, knitting for other families has become a source of comfort and a way to turn her own experience into an act of kindness.
“I find comfort in giving blankets to the baby center,” Toby shared.
Today, it’s common to find Toby with knitting needles in hand during her free time at Laurentide. Whenever yarn is donated to the community, associates make sure it finds its way to her so she can continue working on her next creation.
And her generosity extends to those right at Laurentide, too. In addition to the dozens of blankets she has donated to A Baby Center, Toby has made blankets for associates welcoming babies of their own.
Creating Comfort, One Stitch at a Time
For Toby, knitting is about much more than creating something beautiful. Each blanket is an opportunity to offer comfort and care to someone else.
She also encourages others who are interested in knitting to give it a try—even if they’ve never picked up a pair of needles before.
“Start with something simple, like a scarf,” she said. “Think about the colors you want to use, make sure it’s warm, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.”
With every blanket she completes, Toby continues a craft that has been with her since childhood while giving it new meaning. What starts as a ball of yarn becomes something much greater: a handmade reminder that care, compassion, and kindness can be shared one stitch at a time.