What began as a small gathering of four people in a corner of Greerton Library has grown into a thriving community of 35 members who come together weekly to knit, crochet, embroider, cross stitch and connect.

The Knit & Knatter Group meets on Tuesdays from 12.30pm to 2pm in Greerton Library’s meeting room, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.

Facilitator and Tauranga Friends of the Library secretary Barbara Morgan said the group offers much more than crafting.

Knit & Knatter group facilitator and Tauranga Friends of the Library secretary Barbara Morgan. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“It is a social gathering for learners, intermediate and advanced knitters crocheters, cross stitchers and embroiderers. Everyone is welcome,” Morgan said.

“We are all quite different, from many backgrounds. Members enjoy learning, making scarves, blankets, hats, babywear, soft toys, knitting, crocheting and tapestry. Many tourists from Asia, America and Europe visit our group to enjoy learning how to knit and to socialise with the locals.”

Tauranga City Council community programmes team lead Elle Reid said the group was established as a Tauranga Libraries initiative in March 2019.

Elise Siklosi, 23, on internship from the US with Church of Christ, Otumoetai, knitting at the Knit & Knatter group. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“It started off as a library initiative, but quickly became popular, which led to the community leading the group shortly after,” Reid said.

“It struggled initially after Covid, but gradually people came back to connect, chat and knit together.

“The first session was March 19, 2019, with four people present who met in a small corner of the library. As the group expanded, we moved into the meeting room.”

Since then, members have used their skills to support local and international causes.

Projects include blankets for Women’s Refuge and All 4 Love TGA, garments for children in Africa, hats for seafarers arriving at Port of Tauranga, puppy jerseys for the SPCA and contributions to Operation Cover Up, which provides warm clothing and blankets for people in war-torn countries.

One of the knitted toys made by a member of the Knit & Knatter group. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“When I retired from working, I didn’t know what to do with myself, so I joined the group,” Anne McNiece said. “Seafarers hats are knitted for cargo ships that enter Mount Maunganui Port. This project was started by a beautiful lady named Margaret Wilson, who sadly passed away last month.

“Fish n Chip Jumpers & Singlets are made for children in Africa. Little Father Christmases for Christmas parcels that are put together for low-income families.”

Group member Jenny Griffin recalled a generous donation of wool being given to the library.

“All for Love Tauranga and Women’s Refuge. The project started where a lovely lady gave wool to the library, so we started knitting blankets: 40 stitches, 130cm or 52-inch squares. All the squares are sewn together to create a blanket. All blankets are then shared with Women’s Refuge and All 4 Love TGA for families facing hardship.”

Members of the Knit & Knatter group at Greerton Library. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

For member Elaine Watson, helping others was one of the group’s greatest rewards. “It’s our happy place, sharing, caring, learning and creating. Operation Cover Up. I knit for people in war-torn countries.”

For Jean Sydenham, the group offered companionship and a chance to contribute.

“I knit one Peggy Square at a time because of the arthritis in my hands. It’s nice to meet a cross-section of people as I live alone. I wouldn’t have come if it weren’t for Jenny.”

A member of the Knit & Knatter group knitting. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

The friendships formed around the craft table are just as important as the projects.

After moving to New Zealand from the United States, member Elise Siklosi found a welcoming community waiting for her. “I moved from Texas one year ago and I’ve been coming to the knitting group for eight months. You get to meet new people, and I didn’t know how to crochet or knit. It’s a welcoming environment.”

For others, the group had provided companionship during significant life changes. “I joined the group after my husband passed away as I used to sit at home by myself. I enjoy the company of others in the group,” Julie Swindells said.

Valerie Doidge with a knitted toy. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Member Karleen Catanach joined in 2020 during a period of loss and had found friendship and purpose. “I asked if I could join the group in 2020, holding my mum’s knitting/taniko bag the year my mum passed away.

“The knitting group reminds me of my mum doing her craft. I have made real friendships within the group and enjoy participating in community projects. When I knit a square as part of a blanket, I know someone will keep warm at night.”

The welcoming atmosphere is a theme echoed by many members. “I have never met such a welcoming group of people as when I first attended our Knit and Knatter gathering. The smiles and banter were a great tonic,” Shona MacRury said.

Knit & Knatter group member Julie Swindells. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Morgan, who had attended the group for six years, said its continued success comes down to the generosity and kindness of its members.

“From a small gathering we’ve steadily grown to around 35 members. There are amazingly talented knitters, crocheters and toymakers amongst us.

“We share our talent and our patterns. I enjoy social interaction with the group and am privileged to be part of their friendship and kindness.”

With tea and coffee provided by the library, community projects and an annual Christmas lunch, the Knit & Knatter group continues to stitch together friendships while making a difference locally and around the world.