University crafters create for a good cause

Knitters and crocheters at the University are putting their skills to good use by making blankets for people in need.

Blankets designed and made by a group of University colleagues are being donated to two local charities: the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Chemo Gift Bags, which supports people in the Thames Valley region undergoing treatment for breast cancer with care packages.

The Woolverines craft group was founded in January 2023 by Ruth Ng, Academic Library Liaison, and Karen Rowlett, Research Publications Adviser. The crafting group began among Library staff as a way to support wellbeing, with around ten to fifteen colleagues regularly joining weekly crafting sessions or making items at home to bring in.

The group is now expanding across the University, with the help of the Chaplaincy, as Mindful Makes Mondays.

Three blankets have been donated so far, and the group is asking colleagues to pick up their knitting needles and crochet hooks and help create blankets and other useful items to donate to the two charities.

The blankets are made by joining together simple and colourful square designs, meaning that lots of people can collaborate on one piece. Many of the designs are easy for beginners, and are a useful way of using yarn scraps, making them resourceful and cheaper to make.

Ruth said: “Many people find that knitting and crochet can help with anxiety and general wellbeing. Karen and I wanted to help others to learn these skills, and to create a space for everyone to be able to bring their skills and work together on projects.

“Seeing the finished blankets each time is a lovely visual representation of our group efforts. They capture memories of us chatting together happily whilst creating, and it’s lovely to know they then go to help local charities.”

Mindful Makes Mondays

Anyone from the University community can now take part in communal crafting sessions at the Chaplaincy Centre, every Monday, 13:00 – 14:00.

Tea and coffee are provided, and yarn, hooks and needles are available to borrow for those that do not have their own.

Help is also on hand for beginners who want to get started.

Over the summer feel free to bring a packed lunch and use the Chaplaincy’s kitchen facilities. When term-time resumes, there will be a home-cooked soup provided.

Mindful Makes Mondays are a great way to perfect a new skill, meet new people, and contribute to a good cause.

Colleagues are also welcome to join these sessions to work on their own projects in the company of other crafters.

For further information contact Ruth Ng r.e.ng@reading.ac.uk, Karen Rowlett k.a.rowlett@reading.ac.uk or Mark Laynesmith, University Chaplain (m.d.laynesmith@reading.ac.uk)