evening purse that was large enough to hold her cell phone, in addition to the standard lipstick and compact. When she couldn't find what she wanted, she knit one. The purse she created was such a hit that she started getting requests from would-be cus- tomers, and "Bags by Bonnie" was born. Winkler makes her one-of-a-kind purses in a variety of sizes, using novelty yarns like fun fur and adding distinctive details, such as beaded handles and unique trims. "They're fun to make, and people of all ages love them," said Winkler, who sells her bags through private parties and by appointment. ), "They make great gifts. Knitting For A Cause The resurgence of knitting has spawned a new type of community service project, the "'mitz- vah." Groups and organizations throughout metro Detroit have begun using their hobby to bring warmth and comfort to cancer patients, senior citizens and the homeless. One of the youngest "knitz-vah makers" is Lauren Mondry, 14, of Bloomfield Hills, who decided to make caps for children who had lost their hair from chemotherapy as her bat mitzvah project last year. Lauren, who learned to knit at age 9 from her mother, Diane, chose this project in honor of her maternal aunt, Marlene Bremen, who died of cancer at age 15. The project has snowballed and so far more than 3,400 caps, made by local and out-of-state knitters, have been given to Children's Hospital of Michigan and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, both in Detroit. KnitKnitKnit in West Bloomfield and Right Off the Sheep in Birmingham have helped by donating yarn and serving as drop-off and pick-up centers. "Lauren has really put the word out there, and it's paid off," said Diane Mondry. "Caps are coming in from Chicago, New York, California. It really taken on a life of its own." "I'm surprised and happy that so many people have volunteered their time," said Lauren Mondry. "I want to help as many kids as I can." The whole family has pitched in, including Lauren's father, Mitchell, and her brothers Jason and Adam, who have spent time counting hats t and putting up flyers in the neighborhood. "This has taught Lauren so much," said Diane Mondry. "She went down to Karmanos and met _- the kids. It was so heartwarming to watch her. Lit And she gets letters and e-mails from the chil dren and their parents telling her how much the hats have meant to them." Another "knitz-vah" program is Laps and Caps, sponsored by the Greater Detroit Chapter of Hadassah. On the first Tuesday of every month, 10 a.m.-noon, women gather at the Hadassah House on Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield to knit hats for young cancer patients and lap pads for senior citizens. Knitters who cannot make the Tuesday "knit and schmooze" sessions are invited to make the items at home. Patterns are available at Hadassah House and yarn donations also are welcome. The Friendship Circle, a social service agency, recently held an event where participants knitted individual squares that will be combined into a wall hanging for the lobby of their new building in the Ferber Kaufman Lifetown Center in West Bloomfield. Staff members of KnitKnitKnit were present to teach novice knitters the basics and lend a hand to those with more experience. Knitters are encouraged to continue contributing squares until the project is completed. "We call it 'knitting with a meaning'," said Devorah Pinson, family coordinator for the YARN IT! on page 28 m g Urge ' g The itnittin Satisfyin Here are some of the knit shops in and around metro Detroit. Many offer classes and-or private lessons. Call the individual shops for details. KnitKnitKnit 6337 Orchard Lake West Bloomfield (248) 855-2114 www.knitknitknit.com Knitter's Cove 4056 Haggerty Commerce Township (248) 366-8136 The Wool and the Floss 397 Fisher Grosse Pointe (313) 882-9110 Yarns And 26440 Southfield Lathrup Village (248) 423-9200 and 201 Park Birmingham (248) 647-2400 Knitting Room 251 E. Merrill Birmingham (248) 540-3623 Right Off the Sheep 359 S. Old Woodward Birmingham (248) 646-7595 Ewe-Nique Knits 515 S. Lafayette Royal Oak (248) 584-3001 Bags by Bonnie Bonnie Laker Winkler Blwbag@yahoo. corn Knit a Round Yarn Shop 2663 Plymouth Ann Arbor (734) 998-3771 Busy Hands 306 S. Main Ann Arbor (734) 996-8020 Yarn and knitting supplies also can be found at Michaels and at Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts throughout metro Detroit. Right• Knitting can get compli- cated.