MEMBERS of a knit and natter group set up to create artwork to commemorate the end of the First World War are turning their skills to help veterans and those affected by conflict.
The group, which meets fortnightly at The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, was formed to produce poppies as part of the For King and Country project and exhibition.
Now they are turning their attention to knitting squares for blankets which will be sent off to various charities.
Project co-ordinator Judith Phillips said: “We have lots of the flowers and this is the next thing to create modern comforts for veterans and their families.”
Currently the knitters are producing squares in red, blue and dark blue to create blankets for veterans’ charity Help For Heroes.
The colours were chosen because they represent the colours of the Army, Royal Airforce and Royal Navy, and are also the charity’s chosen colours.
The idea for the group to create items was inspired by the women and men who would knit garments to be sent to soldiers on the front-line during the Great War.
Another group of volunteer knitters had earlier produced a number of navy blue socks, gloves and balaclavas for the For King and Country exhibition, currently on display at the museum.
These items might be given to the Mission to Seafarers charity, which is particularly close Ms Phillips’ heart.
She said: “I will be happy to do that because my dad was a Merchant Navy seaman in the war.”
If enough knitters get involved, some smaller blankets could be made to give to the War Child charity.
Ms Phillips said: “It depends on how many squares we end up with because you need quite a lot of squares to make a blanket.”
Currently about six people make up the knit and natter group that meets every other Thursday but more are welcome to join, or to knit squares at home.
To get involved contact Ms Phillips at the museum on 01833 690606.
