KNITTING NOW NOT QUITE SO 'SQUARE'.

By Annie44, 27 August, 2012
Knitting enjoys a revival

Knitting enjoys a revival

The art of knitting, once seen as more of a pastime for ‘grannies’ is now enjoying a revival thanks to the resurgence in popularity of handcrafted goods and the influence of craft shows and events like the Morpeth teapot and tea cosy festival.

Ask any of the ladies at the Stitch Gatherers group and they’ll tell you that knitting is a wonderfully relaxing and creative pastime.  It is a positive joy to make something with your own hands - to be worn yourself or given to others.  Charities are also benefiting from the knitting revival by receiving hand-knitted blanket squares or completed blankets that are then passed on to the underprivileged both here in Australia and overseas.

Spurred on by recent news reports about the ABC’s knitted blanket drive and a similar project by the Tea Gardens community group, the Stitch Gatherers group are busy knitting up colourful squares to be made into blankets for local charities.  

 

Meanwhile, the final touches are being added to last year’s project, a quilted wall hanging featuring balloons. Each of the balloons was embroidered by one of the group then stitched to the main panel.    The finished wall hanging will be donated to Ronald McDonald House at the end of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

Preparations are also under way for the Biggest Morning Tea next May.  And yes, there will be a tea cosy competition so get your creative caps on and start working on those knitted or quilted cosies.  Entries will be judged in various categories, so your cosy can be traditional, whimsical or just plain mad!  A display of ‘wearable art’ is also planned.  Pieces can be knitted, quilted, sewn, assembled but must be wearable in some fashion (e.g. garments, gloves, socks, accessories etc.).  All contributions for this display will be welcome.

If you would like to know more about these projects, or would like to join the Stitch Gatherers group, please contact Joan Williams 4997 3438.

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