A burst of colour

The annual display of local knitter’s creations never fail to amaze. Eighty to ninety full size blankets in a riot of colours along with hundreds of knitted garments large and small. Comments such as “it blows you away “ and “it’s incredible, these people are so talented” are heard – and they are so right.

A group of forty Martinborough and Featherston knitters make good use of the spare time by producing these beautiful blankets and garments for impoverished orphanages in Ukraine which are not even heated against the desperately cold winters experienced there. The children, who have nothing to call their own, particularly cherish the lovely scarves, woollen helmets, jerseys and gloves.

The knitting is part of a New Zealand wide effort called ‘Operation Cover Up’, which has now been busy knitting for thirteen years, with the goods being distributed by the international Mission Without Borders scheme.

Some knitters join together to meet at Wharekaka to chat and join with residents in knitting, others knit while watching television, listening to the radio or chatting. Others, simply turn up ‘out of the blue’ with a garment they have quietly produced. The results speak for themselves.

There have been some people who prefer their efforts are used in New Zealand rather than overseas. These too are accommodated with garments being distributed by Presbyterian Support. Cot Blankets have also been knitted for the Teen Parent Unit at Makoura College.

New knitters are always most welcome. No need to let your level of expertise put you off – the most beautiful blankets are created with various coloured peggy squares. So everybody from novice knitter to expert is equally received with open arms.

There is always a call for wool, so any spare wool that may be lying unused is most welcome. Anybody who can help in this way or would like to join the knitters are invited to contact Barbara Cox 3069 934 in Martinborough or for Featherston Virginia Kunz 308 8392 or May Brown 308 6912