Busy hands make creations for charity

Lapel daffodils have been taking on a whole new look in Matamata thanks to a dedicated group of knitters.

For the past three years the Knatty Knitters group at Matamata Country Lodge have been knitting lapel daffodil’s to sell in support of Daffodil Day.

This year, they have added cupcake pin cushions to sell as well.

Daffodil Day, a global fundraiser which raises money for the Cancer Society, will be held on August 25.

Collection stalls will be around Matamata from 9am-3pm.

Ann Stokes, one of the group’s co-ordinators, says the lapel daffodils have been very popular, and the pin cushions have also proven to be in high demand.

Last year the knitted daffodils attracted the attention of Sheryl Aberhart and she knew that was a project she had to get involved with.

‘‘My mother and sister both survived breast cancer. Mum was 80 and my sister was 55 when she got it.

‘‘I thought I’d like to do something and because I have rheumatoid arthritis I like to keep my hands busy and I like to knit.

‘‘I saw the lapels at the doctor’s office last year and though I could do that.

‘‘I just Googled it and found lots of patterns. I found one I liked, it was quick and simple. So I made some and just kept going.’’

In just four months Aberhart has made 150 of the lapels daffodils, which she says she can make in about 45 minutes.

She loves that she is able to create something that gives back to an organisation that was so helpful to her mum while she went through her journey with cancer.

‘‘I thought what a fantastic donation, if they sell for $3-5 each, thats great. ‘‘I am going to start now for next year,’’ she said laughing.