Knitting enthusiasts complete batch of blankets for Wolverhampton's homeless
Knitting enthusiasts had news that will warm more than just the heart of some of less fortunate individuals today.
They have just completed a batch of woollen blankets to help to keep out the chill for the city's homeless.
Staff and customers of Coats Craft at Beatties together with members of a knit and chat group that meets twice a week at the House of Fraser city centre store twice a week have joined forces on the project. They knit woollen squares that are stitched together to make the brightly coloured blankets.
Kathy Rowe, the Coats Craft concession manager at Beatties explained: "We came up with the idea because many people have scrap wool lying around after knitting something that is not sufficient to make another garment. This might normally be thrown away, so we decided to ask people to use it up knitting a square and the response has been great."
This is the second year they have organised the scheme for a good cause. The first used up light coloured wool and produced 123 blankets, ten cardigans and some hats for babies at New Cross Hospital.
Now the dark and brighter colours are being used on blankets for the homeless. The project has run for three months and involved five members of staff from Coats Craft and customers.
Also taking part have been people who attend the free knit and chat sessions held at the Beatties store each Saturday and Tuesday afternoon under the guidance of Rowan knitting consultant Anita Allen who said: "We get up to 20 at each meeting. Knitting is more popular than ever."
Among the regulars is 66-year-old retired primary school teacher Mrs Josie Larden, a mother of two from Willenhall who commented: "I have been knitting since I was five years old. I enjoy the sessions because we show each other what we are doing and get help if we are in trouble."
Around 20 blankets have already been completed for the homeless and they are set to be handed over to Darlington Street Methodist Church in the city centre later this week. The next project is likely to produce woollen garments for the occupants of a local dogs home.
