GENEROUS local volunteers have found a new creative outlet, knitting beanies, scarves, gloves and blankets for society's most vulnerable thanks to Knitting for Brisbane's Needy.
Started by Karen Croke from the Glass House Mountains in 2006, the organisation now has 400 regular volunteers at nearly 20 locations across south-east Queensland.
Ms Croke started the organisation as she felt warm items for homeless people in Queensland were necessary, but often overlooked due to the state's warm climate.
In 13 years since the organisation began, members had made more than half a million items.
Lynda Langham started the Victoria Point Knit and Natter group 10 years ago when she moved to the Redlands from the Gold Coast.
About 12 volunteers now attend monthly meetings at the Victoria Point library, with many more dropping in to donate wool and contribute items knitted at home.
Ms Langham said the Knit and Natter events provided the opportunity for members to socialise and be creative.
"There's so many women who enjoy knitting but there isn't the same call for it now," she said.
"For a lot of people that come, it (also) gives them a way of meeting other people."
Among the people who receive the knitted items are victims of domestic violence, refugees, nursing home residents, ill or injured people in hospitals and homeless people.
Ms Langham said most items knitted by members were given to people in south-east Queensland but some were transported interstate to people affected by crises such as bushfires.
Group members have also taken part in Homeless Connect days in Brisbane, where health care and charity workers, hairdressers and other volunteers come together to provide free goods and services to homeless people.
"(The recipients) are always extremely grateful," Ms Langham said.
"They like the fact that somebody's gone to all the trouble of making it for them."
Knitting for Brisbane's Needy meetings are held at the Victoria Point Library on the second Wednesday of every month.
Only basic knitting skills are required.
Donations of wool, knitting needles or hygiene items are welcome.
For more information, contacy Lynda Langham at ollysgran@yahoo.com.au.
