What started as friends coming together to 'get out of the house and do a little craft' is helping to provide a happy memory for some of the most vulnerable in our community.
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A nimble-fingered group of women has provided 446 knitted or crocheted blankets and 401 lovingly made care bears to Maitland domestic violence and homelessness service Carrie's Place.
That's some haul - including countless beanies and socks - since starting four and a half years ago.
The crafty catch-ups came as an idea to keep up special connections after two of the women lost their husbands.
"I said come along to my place and we'll do some craft," said Maree Solomons.
"Then we decided we wanted to do something for charity and that's how we came on to Carries Place."
The Maitland Mercury stumbled onto the group's activities by chance while visiting Club Maitland City for another story. CEO Ian Martin mentioned it was nice to have the "knitting ladies" back in the club.
"We don't do it for the recognition," said Jan Shand.
The club sponsors the group to the tune of $2000 which members say keeps them going.
"We wouldn't be able to do what we do without that donation," said Mrs Solomons.
Eight or nine ladies meet once a month at the club and other times at each other's homes.
"It's a nice day out we have coffee and will often have a lunch," said Mrs Shand.
The little enforced hiatus due to Coronavirus restrictions saw the ladies still keep active with their craft projects.
"Some of the ladies who could not meet would send their strips and we would sew them together and create a border and then take a photograph to show them what the end product look like.."
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