Whitchurch Branch keeps newborns warm and cosy

An article in ‘Families First’ about knitting’Octopuses’ for premature babies was the spark which ignited a frenzy of knitting and sewing in our branch. We contacted our local Maternity Unit at University Hospital of Wales to see if they wanted us to make Octopuses and the answer was ‘Yes, Please!’. They also wanted small cot covers for the babies’ cribs and items of clothing for newborn babies. There was a need too, for clothes for older babies and toddlers, whose families were in need.

Under the expert guidance of Mrs Elaine Hickman, members were soon busy knitting and stitching. Those who were unable to knit donated wool, ribbons and buttons for Elaine to knit the items on their behalf.

In August, the resulting collection of crib covers, octopuses and an array of hates, cardigans, dresses and tops were presented to Mrs Lois Mortimer, Women’s Experience Midwife at the UHW Maternity Unit where they will soon be put to good use. We intend to continue knitting and stitching to keep the unit well supplied in the future.