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July 7, 2009
Jack Checkley Champions Yarn Crafts . . . Single Handedly!
Give Jack Checkley, an 80-year-old retired teacher from Austin, TX and avid needle arts lover and woodworker, a bunch of numbers and he’ll write a math book. Actually, he has written 13 math books in his lifetime. Give him a bunch of yarn, and he will crochet you an afghan, sweater, lap robe, or perhaps needlepoint a landscape, all with the skill and creativity of an artist and a desire to share his passion with others in need. Plus, with limited use of one arm!
 “When I was younger, Polio permanently affected the deltoid muscles in my shoulders so I crocheted for therapy,” said Jack. “But in December of 2007, I lost the use of my upper right arm all together. I can only use my right arm to guide yarn. Thank goodness I am a leftie.”
For nearly three years, Jack has taken his passion for crochet and used it to create over 552 blankets for an organization called Threads of Love, a sewing and needlework outreach for premature infants in hospital neonatal intensive care units. There are over 100 chapters across North America.
“Jack is a champion volunteer,” says Georgia Tabor who is the chapter director for the Hearts of Texas – Threads of Love chapter.
 Jack learned the fine art of needlecrafts over 70 years ago from his dad. His father was a lumberjack who spent a lot of time in the woods and in the evening, to pass time, he did needle arts. When Jack’s mom passed away in 1934, his dad taught him and his siblings how to crochet, embroider, crewel work, cross-stitch, needlepoint, hairpin lace-making and even braiding rugs.
“My dad felt these crafts were important not just to pass time, but as resourceful and productive life skills that allowed you to create practical things for your family, home and others,” said Jack.
Jack has taken to heart what his father instilled in him over 70 years ago. He has passed his legacy on to over 300 of his math students who, after school, would learn from Jack how to crochet and do needlepoint. This yarn-connection remains strong today as Jack stays in touch with quite a few of these students (now adults) who were touched by his desire to pass on his love for these crafts.
“It’s important these crafts stay alive, for other generations,” said Jack. “Even today, I teach the kids in the neighborhood how to needlepoint book marks and coasters.”
When he isn’t busy whipping up a blanket or two, Jack is designing and creating a stash of squares and samples he can quickly stitch together. He has over 50, 10” x 10” squares of all different designs that can easily be made into blankets, lap robes and more. Jack also has over 350 of his own designs which he can select from to create something truly special.
 “I believe his math skills really aid him in designing different patterns and making color choices,” said Kitty Connolly, his daughter. “Plus he truly enjoys creating, it is fun for him.”
An inspiration to one and all, Jack is encouraged by his own experiences as he begins a new life chapter. His wife was admitted into an Alzheimer nursing home in 2007 which forced him to give up his woodworking shop and business and moved closer to his daughters. With plenty of time on his hands, Jack devotes his skills to making one blanket each day for Threads of Love, a very satisfying endeavor.
“There is great joy in making these blankets. When I get the chance to personally deliver something I have made, everyone is amazed that I made it, me, a guy,” said Jack.
A guy with a big heart and a love for all things yarn! |
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