The Arts: the Big Knit
   

The Big Knit

Date: Friday 11th February, 2005
Time: 2.30 to 5.30

Why knitting?

We wanted to bring together two generations who may not normally come into contact: children (7-11year olds) and the older generation. In order to create a link between the generations, we decided to use the knowledge and experience of the older people to teach skills that have largely been lost. Knitting is a creative outlet and the afternoon was about creating a real sense of community between these groups and around the school.

What was involved?

We asked everyone to bring a ball of wool in their favourite colour, a pair of knitting needles (if they had them) and there was a basket of different wool to buy on the day if required. The older people taught knitting to younger people and the aim was to knit a square. These would later be sewn together to make a blanket which would be auctioned off at a school fair to raise money. We hoped that this knitting group would become an on-going after-school club.

What to bring?

• Any wool that could be donated
• Knitting needles that could be lent out to students
• Small change for refreshments
• A helpful and fun disposition!
  

What happened?

The afternoon was very well attended by children,staff, parents and volunteers. There were at least 100 people in our school hall and everyone seemed to be having fun. The noise of happy chatter, story telling, laughter and the busy clack of needles was a sign that something special was taking place.. And for those who really didn't want to knit , there was always Lilo and Stitch on video.

Knitting is a skill and as we all know - practice makes perfect. Many of the children found things like holding the needles difficult at first. The volunteers taught them how to cast on, how to knit plain stitch rows and then how to cast off.

Each child had one volunteer to work specially with them. If they had any problems with dropped stitches or holes in their knitting a volunteer would be on hand to help. Some children, said that it was easy, some said it was hard and some were surprised how quickly they were able to complete their squares.

During the afternoon, we took some photos and spoke to some of the volunteers about what they felt about this event, which brought together several different generations. This web page records the afternoon. You can also click here to see some more photos taken on the day.

Cornelia helps out during the afternoon	Look what we did...three of our young knitters demonstrate their knitting

Volunteer David	Reverend Jo-Ann Lane

Volunteers helpers came from all over our community. The Reverend Jo-Ann Lane and David came from a local church. They are members of the radical Underground knitting group called Cast Off. "I learnt to knit from my grandmother" David told us. " We used porcupine quills and great thick wool in India. As a member of Cast Off, we would fill up a whole carriage on the Circle line and we'd teach anyone who came in……….policemen...office workers....anyone."

Below are mother and daughter team, Win and Jan Bryenton, who have been knitting together all their lives. They are also both ex pupils of Darell Primary School.

Win and Jan, casting on in preparation for the opening of the Big Knit.	Hilary helps two young knitters. "I've got the hang of it now ...it's brilliant!", said one of them.