Made with Love

by Holly Munn photos courtesy of Dalmuir Knit & Natter

In an attempt to beat the boredom and keep busy during these unprecedented times, many people are trying their hand at new things or picking up old hobbies.

One such lady who is putting her craft skills to good use is Margaret Reid.

Mags runs two Dalmuir-based knitting groups.

Helping Crafts

In the past, the ‘Knit and Natter’ groups made woollen poppies for Erskine Hospice, but are now branching out to make the NHS hearts and a series of knitted NHS dolls.

The hearts come in pairs, mostly made of wool, and are given to NHS patients, workers and their loved ones.

“It’s such a comfort. Nurses have been overcome with emotion. It’s a wee focus and it’s taking your mind off things,” Mags explained.

With the patterns easily available, lots of people have been encouraged give it a go.

“If you’re a knitter, it’s quite easy. I’ve got lots of wool…hundreds of wool. It’s about learning a technique. You can do a crochet version, a cardboard one, or even plastic ones that you can decorate with sharpies.”

Challenging Change of Location

Going from meeting twice a week and having a room full of people, to working from home, has been a real change.

Yet that doesn’t mean that business is slowing down by any means.

The group is engaging with others on social media and already have a whole host of prospective new members.

“We can’t meet up as a group, but there’s talk of a video chat,” said Mags.

Despite the change in circumstances, the group’s passion for knitting is still bringing people together and inspiring others to do what they can to support the wonderful NHS staff.

They show how important it is to look out for one another and support each other any way we can, even in the most difficult of times, with kindness and love in our hearts.