Christmas Knitters

Local knitters have joined forces with Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels to add a little festive cheer to their Christmas deliveries.

And when we heard the Dalmuir Knit & Natter group were looking for extra knitters to help make some festive toppers to pop on a Terry’s chocolate orange we offered to lend a hand.

But as none of our team are much good at knitting, we instead made up some Wool Packs for the knitters and shared the idea across our social media.

We quickly got local knitters – and crocheters - offering to get involved from school children to great grandparents the knitting needles and crochet hooks were working over time as they made some gorgeous Santa hats, Christmas puds and reindeer hats for the chocolates.

We also donated 50 chocolate oranges and Clyde Shopmobility who got their knitting group involved in the fun, donated a further 25.

Mags Reid from Dalmuir Knit and Natter said: “I chose the chocolate orange covers because I’d just bought one for a stocking filler and had been looking at patterns to do them myself.

“It’s a quick, easy pattern and a fun gift to receive. Novelty items are always popular with folk.

“I’m pleased with the response from knitters wanting to get involved. I love bringing folk together in our Knit and Natter group projects, it gives us all a shared focus especially during these difficult times when we are feeling isolated.

“It helps keep us sane plus it’s nice to know our wee creations will bring joy to others.”

OKFP had approached Dalmuir Knit & Natter for help to knit novelty items for kids to put in their Christmas parcels.

Mags added: “I was only to pleased to help out this wonderful group they came to our family’s rescue during lockdown when we really struggled to get an online shopping slot and were short of groceries one week while shielding at home – they even delivered them to us, it was a god send to receive them.

“It’s a pleasure to give back to show our appreciation for everything they are doing in our community and reassuring to know they are there for us all in times of need.”

As well as the Christmas knits Mags also raised over £100 for OKFP by making jams, chutneys and apple sauce from a bag of crab apples donated by one of her group.