Knitters across the country are taking up their needles in support of their favorite sports teams, thanks to the Scoreboard KAL initiative. Created in 2011 by author and teacher Michelle Hunter, the progressive knit along program is designed to create a cowl that represents your favorite team's season.

This year, a "team" from Tamaqua is participating in the venture through the Summershanty Fiber Arts Center.The concept is simple, choose two colors, one representing your favorite team, the other for their opponents. Every time a team scores a point, a row is knitted in the corresponding color - three rows for a field goal, six for a touchdown and don't forget those extra points. You could also add a third color to mark the end of each game. It is easily adaptable for any sports team.Teams represented by the Tamaqua knitters include the Tamaqua Blue Raiders, Penn State's Nittany Lions, the Seattle Seahawks and three of Pennsylvania's professional sports teams, the Steelers, Eagles and Flyers.With the support of Skacel yarns, the knitting teams compete on a weekly basis, with prizes ranging from knitting supplies to pizza parties.The Summershanty Fiber Arts Center is located on the second floor of the M&S Hardware Store, 10 W. Broad St., Tamaqua. In addition to knit along programs, shop owners Cindy Miller and Susan Bonner offer knitting and crocheting classes for all experience levels, from beginner to advanced. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. For those who already know how to knit, the center offers the opportunity to "sit a spell," knitting and chatting with others.For more information, call 570-778-7711 or 570-789-4063.