A GROUP of women at Birdsongs Retirement Home recently knitted more than 30 teddy bears which were donated to the Action in Autism school in Parkhill.
The group, known as the Knitter Natters, was formed as a way to help residents learn new skills.
Beth Fraser from Birdsongs said the 11 women in the group have bonded over a shared love for knitting, and she said the project to knit for change has brought them closer together.
“What has been so great is some of the group have never knitted before, and to see them learn and grow has been wonderful. One of the ladies here is 93 years old, and because of this group, she is nearing the completion of her first-ever blanket. We felt a great way to give back was to organise to host a Teddy Bears’ Picnic. I’ve run Birdsongs for 17 years, and I once remember a resident saying to me, ‘I’m too old – there’s nothing I can do’. This group proves that age doesn’t matter, and you can always give back to the community no matter your age,” she said.
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When asked how long it takes to complete a knitted teddy bear, Fraser quipped, “It depends on how much we talk.”
Janet Richardson, one of the Knitter Natters group members, said she’s been knitting since a teenager but enjoys the company of the other women in the group.
“It is a lovely way for us to bond over a shared passion, and this year, we were able to do something good with our time. I’m so pleased to see that the teddies are destined for a deserving school,” she said.
Fellow Birdsongs resident Truia Reed echoed those sentiments.
“My grandmother first introduced me to knitting at the age of five. While I’m viewed as a more accomplished knitter, it’s great to give back, have a bit of fun with the group and make a difference to the community,” she said.
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