Dorchester's charity knitting stars' big birthday request

Dorchester resident, Jean Wilson, who turns 70 years young this Friday 3rd February, is an avid charity knitter and Magna Housing Association are sending out a plea for spare yarn to enable Jean to continue this generous habit.

Taught to knit at the age of 5 on a pair of 6 inch nails, ends blunted by her mum, Jean had an interesting childhood growing up in the east end of London. She has a love of many crafts including tapestry, cross stitch, embroidery, crochet and makes beautiful cards – many crafts inspired and learnt at a time of great austerity and necessity for war-baby Jean.

Her skills have been put to excellent use along the years. Trained as a seamstress, specialising in ladies' suiting and wedding dresses, Jean ensured her talents were used well with her whole family being clothed by her own fair hand. This was until the siren song of mass-manufacturing lured her children onto the high street in their teens.

Now Jean's talents are turned to knitting to clothe children in Africa and the temporary residents of the premature baby unit in Dorset County Hospital. Both are recipients of various blankets, toys, hats, mitts, scarves and clothing over recent times. Jean loves helping people this way: "Not only because of my love of knitting and crochet", she smiles, "but also because this keeps my hands mobile and holds back the pain of the dreaded arthritis". Did you know, knitting with bamboo or wooden needles is far friendlier towards your joints than using metal ones?

A plea to all readers: please could anybody donate any unwanted wool or yarn (ideally double knit, but anything gladly accepted) to enable Jean to continue with her sterling efforts? Donations are being co-ordinated by Jane Fisher of Magna Housing Association on (01305) 216125 or via email jane.fisher@magna.org.uk

Photo courtesy of mararie's Flickr photostream