Bringing Joy- One Stitch at a Time
On the cold afternoons and evenings leading up to Christmas Day, Captain Steven Salmon does what seems to be a shock to so many. The burly 6’2” Salvation Army officer from the North End of Hartford spends his time crocheting to pass the time as he waits for volunteer Kettle workers to finish up their shifts.
It all started two Christmases ago when Captain Salmon realized he was spending so much time in a Salvation Army van. Many days, he’d be in the van for several hours at a time, waiting for Kettle workers. “I needed something to pass the time,” he explained. “It looked fairly easy and I thought ‘Maybe I can do that.’” Captain Salmon enlisted a few women at the North End Corps to help him learn to crochet. “It wasn’t easy at first – I’m a pretty big guy with big hands, but then I figured out if I used thick yarn and a big needle it would be easier.”
The first item he made was a red scarf. “It was Christmas time, so I wanted to rock the red for The Salvation Army and Christmas.”
Captain Salmon kept this first red scarf for himself. He and his wife at the time were expecting their first baby. “After our daughter was born, we were both home with the baby and there was no time to shop for gifts. I decided to make scarves in different colors for gifts for family, friends and church members.” He went on to explain, “I have a big wingspan(nearly, six and a half feet) so I make sure a scarf is the length of my arms, so it’s long enough to wrap around and keep someone warm.” The majority of his Corps members still wear the scarves he made all winter long. “I love that when they wear their scarf, they think of me and remember that I care about them.”
This past Christmas, Captain Salmon moved on to more intricate work and made hats for people. While they are harder to make, he was up for the challenge. “I love to make things, whether it’s a painting, ceramics, 3-Dprinting – I keep myself busy and am always moving.” And, as he says, “I love doing something for others.”
When asked what’s ahead, he said his next challenge is to make things in different colors. He and his church member instructors are helping make a hat in the Salvation Army flag colors, complete with a gold brim. While he said it’s hard, just remember “if you think you can do it – go for it.”
Captain Steven Salmon is an inspiration to us all, creating beautiful warm pieces for others to enjoy. If you or someone you know lives in the area and would like to donate (thick) yard to Captain Salmon and the North End Corps crocheting group, please be sure and reach out to Steven.Salmon@use.salvationarmy.org.
