Knitting for the needy at Brookland Robertson

What do you do when you run out of loved ones to knit for? Cast the net further afield, of course! 

That’s exactly what members of Brookland Robertson’s Crafts and Laughs group are doing as they put their creative talents to good use making rugs, hats, and socks for people in need. 

Formed in 2009 to knit squares for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, the club has helped hundreds of people over the years – from babies to the homeless. 

Founder member Joan Broad said it was a very rewarding experience. 

“It’s lovely to feel that we are accomplishing something rather than just sitting around having a good old chat, which we do anyway when we come together,” she said. 

“To know we are actually making a difference in people’s lives is just a wonderful feeling.” 

To date, Crafts and Laughs has donated knitted clothes and blankets to Mission Possible at Logan, Micah Projects in West End, the QEII Hospital’s palliative care ward and the Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) at Mater Mothers’ Hospital.  

The women have also knitted trauma teddies which are handed out by the Red Cross to children in hospital, not to mention jumpers for newborn or orphaned lambs in NSW. 

Crafts and Laughs recently had some of its work on display at Chermside Library – an exhibition organised by Brookland’s Lifestyle Concierge Kate Chadwick. 

Kate said the group was a great way for members to socialise as well as using their skills for good. 

“The women are all very avid crafters who found they had exhausted knitting things for friends and family but still wanted to continue with their craft,” she said. 

“Knitting is fantastic for managing arthritis as it helps maintain dexterity, and the social connection the group enjoys is just as important for overall wellbeing.”