Crafting delights in Garfield

Heather Sartori, Margaret Dobson, Marlene Sherburn and Nellie Marsh with knitted penguin warmers.(Stewart Chambers: 416670)

If you are a local creative, love knitting or need a good activity to just chat over then look no further than Garfield Uniting Church Craft & Friendship Group.

Meeting last Tuesday the group knits a range of items from small poppies, elaborate blankets to comforting scarfs.

The group has entered its 35th year and is still going strong dedicated to enriching themselves and the community with a shared love for unwinding yarns both literally and figuratively.

“Our projects consist of a mixture of organised projects, charity projects, DIY and outings,” member Margaret Dobson said.

“Each person can do as much or as little as they want to.”

They have made octopus toys to comfort kids at hospitals, raffle prizes for the Tynong Fire Brigade, poppies for Anzac Day, bonnets for babies to jumpers for penguins.

Dedicated to good causes, the group is an ongoing meeting place for friends and open for all to join.

People can participate on any level they like, meetings are a place they can relax and be among friends.

“We all have a good relationship with each other and support one another through both good times and low times,” Dobson said.

“Surprising how many topics are brought up in general conversation, some serious, some very amusing and anything in between.”

There are also frequent outings to events including at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens and local craft shops.

Recent projects include making trauma teddies to be donated to local emergency services and knitting beanies for seasonal workers.

Each year is finished with a round of Kris Kringle gifts exchanged between members.

Next May, the group will be hosting their Festival of Scarves, Hats and Rugs to showcase the best of local knitting.

All are welcome to enter and sell their creations, the best will be pick out by judges and a people’s choice award.

The group meets around 10am each Tuesday at Garfield Uniting Church, 13 Garfield Road.

To enquire about the group or festival call Margaret Dobson on 5629 2318 or email margaret.dobson71@outlook.com