Lyn Hanley from the Brindabella Trefoil Guild shows how it’s done when it comes to knitting beanies. Photo: Supplied.
A small group of Canberra women wants to help residents in need cope with the onset of a bitter winter. And it’s taking the plan straight to the top – with beanies.
Members of the Brindabella Trefoil Guild are behind the idea to knit and distribute as many beanies as possible for those living rough.
For their latest project – A Beanie Big Good Turn – they’re on the lookout for volunteer knitters.
“We have been knitting and supplying beanies for Vinnies Night Van for many years on an ad hoc basis,” vice-president Lyn Hanley said.
“We’ve been doing it for years, so this project just evolved from that.”
Their 2024 efforts produced more than 650 beanies and they’d like to repeat that success.
Mrs Hanley said the group had been collecting wool forever. “We beg, borrow and steal for it,” she joked.
“As an organisation, we don’t fundraise, we rely a lot on donations. Everywhere we go, we ask for donations of wool. I carry a big plastic box with me which is where we keep the wool.
“Just about everyone probably has some wool at home, everyone’s grandmother usually has some … we mostly get odds and ends, not many balls, but we always have something.
“Our ladies take what they want and we’ve started up a knitting circle.”
The next A Beanie Big Good Turn knitting day is on Saturday, 7 June, at the Wanniassa Guides Hall.
“We invite all knitters to come along from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm with your size 4 mm knitting needles and we will supply the wool and pattern,” Mrs Hanley said.
The recommended knitting pattern for beanies which will be given to Canberrans in need. Photo: Supplied.
The Brindabella Trefoil Guild looks to connect women who have a history with the Girl Guides movement to volunteer their services to help the local community.
The guild – whose members’ ages range from the 20s to the 90s – manages to achieve the community service work of a larger organisation.
Members meet every six to eight weeks, depending on the project.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided to knitters on 7 June.
Interested knitters are asked to RSVP to Christine Brill on 0407 123 670 for catering purposes. Anyone who needs wool for their beanie should call Lyn Hanley on 0412 611 431.
