Knitting needles and crochet hooks are currently the order of the day at Orca Eatery on Wednesdays as Raglan Crafters & Knitting Circle strives to make as many beanies as possible before World Wide Knit in Public Day comes around in a fortnight.
Because that’s when this stalwart group of women – who’ve been meeting weekly at one or other of the local cafes for 23 years now – will again become visible to all and sundry, proudly crafting on the veranda of the Harbour View Hotel.
And for the third year in a row they’ll be giving passers-by their ‘beanies for koha’, with all proceeds this time to be donated to the local volunteer fire brigade.
Last year the $2345 raised on the day went to Hato Hone St John Raglan, with a further $110 added when the remaining beanies were sold.
The public day provides crafters with an opportunity to fundraise for these local organisations, co-coordinator Andrea Duthie told the Chronicle. And the sense of community it brings to town is rewarding, she said, whether the koha is a dollar or $100.
“Some people are very generous,” Andrea added. Either way, “it’s delightful watching children pick out a beanie for a koha”.
The knitting-cum-crafting group includes creatives from as far away as Whatawhata and also often attracts young backpackers in town. As well, it happily accepts knitted scarves and beanies from others in the community who may not be part of the 20 or so who meet up regularly for camaraderie and support.
All ages and abilities are welcome at the Wednesday meetings, Andrea explains. “There’s always lots of sharing of ideas.”
World Wide Knit in Public Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of June each year, having begun back in 2005 as a way for knitters to come together and enjoy one another’s company. Now there are hundreds of local events around the globe.
These public events are knit together by volunteers and help promote the age-old craft as a community activity that’s not just for grannies.
. *Look out for World Wide Knit in Public Day on the veranda of Raglan Harbour View Hotel, Saturday June 13.
