Knitting in Nature (KiN)

As the Knitting in Nature (KiN) series enters its KiNship Era, fresh creative perspectives are taking root with each session. For this next chapter, we welcome Betsy Williams, our first featured Artist-in-Residence, who invites participants to explore the art and science of Unraveling—a fiber practice where existing garments are thoughtfully taken apart so the yarn can be reclaimed and reimagined into something new.

This technique reveals how garments are constructed while elevating repurposing into a bold creative practice.

Participants are encouraged to bring a sweater from home—not to take apart during the program—but to learn what makes a garment suitable (or not) for unraveling. Betsy will guide participants through the tell-tale signs knitters look for when assessing a garment’s construction and yarn potential.

As with all Knitting in Nature sessions, the craft conversation unfolds outdoors! Together we will take a gentle walk through Glen Emerald Park, noticing how the natural world itself often “unravels” winter as spring approaches—through birds beginning their breeding songs, plants uncurling new growth, and animals shifting into seasonal activity. These observations offer a thoughtful lens for understanding structure, renewal, and transformation in both nature and fiber arts.

The walk concludes with a communal gathering at the pavilion for Betsy’s unraveling demonstration and an open conversation about garment construction, yarn reclamation, and creative possibilities.

Led by: Betsy Williams, Fiber Artist
Organized & Supported by: Naturalist Tasha Messer, DC-RPCA Parks Naturalist

This program will be held rain or shine, unless conditions are deemed unsafe by DeKalb County RPCA leadership.

Glen Emerald Park
1479 Bouldercrest Rd
Atlanta, GA 30316

We will meet along the cemented path between the pavilion, playground, and tennis courts.

Note: There are no restrooms on site, so please plan accordingly before arrival.

• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
• A refillable water bottle
• Optional: notebook, lightweight seating pad, or personal outdoor comfort items
• Optional: knitting or crochet project to work on during the communal portion
• Optional but encouraged: a sweater from home to evaluate for unraveling potential

This program is designed for adults and older youth, though all ages are welcome.

Participants will take a gentle walk from Glen Emerald’s recreational spaces into the woodland and lake loop areas, pausing periodically to notice environmental shifts as winter begins to “unravel” into spring. These observations create a natural bridge to fiber arts concepts such as structure, pattern, and transformation.

The walk concludes at the pavilion with a communal conversation and live unraveling demonstration, where Betsy will share insights into garment construction, yarn recovery, and creative reuse.

This program includes approximately 1–1.25 miles of walking along paved and compacted paths, including a gentle loop around the Glen Emerald lake area. The pace is relaxed with planned pauses for observation and discussion. Participants should be comfortable standing and walking for extended periods with intermittent rest stops.

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs strives to make all programs accessible to persons of all abilities. If you require reasonable accommodations, please contact the program organizer at least 48 hours in advance.

By registering for or attending this program, participants acknowledge that outdoor activities involve natural terrain, physical exertion, and variable conditions. Participation is voluntary, and individuals assume responsibility for their personal safety. DeKalb County Government, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, and all affiliated staff and partners are held harmless from any claims or injuries arising from participation.

~ Naturalist Tasha
South DeKalb Parks Naturalist
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs
404-927-4227

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