Knitting for charity
Main image: Knit and Natter members left to right Sue Vile, Viv Garton, Kelly Hunt and Janee White with a selection of the baby clothes the group has knitted for charity.
A local knitting group which provides a weekly space to socialise at Filwood Library has also been producing dozens of items for charity.
Knit and Natter, which meets every Wednesday afternoon, featured earlier in the year in Simply Knitting Magazine for the role it plays in tackling social isolation https://www.knowlewest.co.uk/local-knitting-group-features-in-national-magazine/
But as well as the laughter and chat which occurs – the group has recently been busily creating piles of tiny clothes for Angel Babies at Southmead – for babies who have passed away during pregnancy or soon after birth – as well as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Southmead for premature babies.
Members say they wanted to do something to help – some of them knowing from personal experience the tragedy of losing a child or the struggle of having premature babies and finding clothes to fit them.
Viv Garton (69) says: “I wanted to do this because I lost three great- grandchildren – they are now Angel babies and the unit up there is crying out for something for the memory packs for the mums to keep,
“Some of the things we make are for bigger premature babies and the mums can take them home. It takes me a day to knit a little jacket.”
Sue Vile (69) says: “I was introduced to the group by St Monica’s because I lost my husband a year ago. It’s about getting the confidence to meet people.
‘I knit for the unit because I had premature babies – and they are 47 now…”
The group, which has been going strong since January 2016, attracts an average of ten people every session. Members swap skills and the more experienced will help beginners start out.
Kelly Hunt (41) says: “I learnt how to knit here and have been coming for over a year now. I love coming to see all the ladies as well. It isn’t just about the knitting…”
The group welcomes new members to join them of all levels – wool and needles provided. It meets from 1-3pm at Filwood Library with refreshments served. Just turn up.
