On a frigid day like Tuesday, wearing a nice warm hat could make all the difference, and a South County woman with a creative calling has helped make that possible for hundreds of people over the years.

For as far back as she can remember, 84-year-old Nancy Mowbray has been knitting for her loved ones.

“I learned how to knit 77 years ago. I enjoy it, I’ve made a lot of nice things for my family members and kids as they were growing up,” said Mowbray. “When I was growing up in the 1940’s there was no TV, there were not a lot of other things to do. My sister and I liked knitting. We knitted stuff for everybody whether they wanted it or not.”

Over the years, Mowbray began teaching knitting lessons and after school programs. A lot of the time, she did it free of charge.

She also joined local groups and although she can’t drive anymore, she’s made it her mission to attend and participate in everything.

“I’m a part of two knitting groups, one at the Jamestown Library which is called," Needles Galore." We won a competition for the art display there,"" said Mowbray. “This year, we knitted beautiful stars, about 10 inches across, that were stuffed two sides that were decorated for the Jamestown Christmas tree.”

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Besides her side projects every year when the winter weather rolls in, Mowbray makes sure to knit hats for those less fortunate.

“Last year, I made 20 hats for unhoused people in downtown Providence, something I do every year,” she said. “I’ve been slowing down a bit. My hands are kind of getting old and I can’t knit as much at a time as I used to, but it takes a hat like 2-3 evenings to work on a hat.”

Over the years, Mowbray has knitted and donated hundreds of hats.

Typically, she passes them off to a local church or her nice neighbor drives them to the city.

She pays for all of the materials out of her own pocket.

“I’m fortunate myself, and I like to pass on my abundance to other people who aren’t as fortunate,” she said. “So, I don’t mind buying it myself. I like doing it and it’s a part of a project for me that makes me feel good and somebody else can benefit from it.”

Mowbray said growing up, her family was very giving and good at sharing.

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That’s why giving back to the community is important to her.

“We’re not rich at all, but I have everything I need, more than what I need, so I like to share,” she said. “I think knitting has been just as good for me as the things I make are for other people.”

“With how cold it is today, hopefully somebody in downtown Providence will be walking around the streets with one of my hats on,” she added.