In Flanders field the Poppies blow

In 2014 the Tower of London was surrounded by thousands of ceramic poppies. A spectacular display in memory of the 100years since Great Britain joined the First World War in 1914.

Crowds of visitors came to view the sea of poppies cascading from the Tower into the moat. An image that was both beautiful and solemn.

 

This year Australia will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the fateful battle at Gallipoli on April 25th. Melbourne will host a spectacular ceremony to honour and show remembrance for this tragic day. Part of the remembrance will be the display of thousands of hand crafted, knitted and crocheted Poppies.

The Melbourne Poppy project was established by Margaret Knight and Lynne Berry to commemorate their fathers' war service. The women hoped to collect 5000 handcrafted poppies from various community groups and interested individuals.

However the project has snowballed and they have already received in excess of 170,000 knitted, crocheted, felted and other stunning handcrafted donations.

I look forward to seeing the finished project when nets filled with an expected 200,000 poppies will be displayed around Melbourne and Federation Square.

 

 

 

 

 

Knitting: it's just like riding a bicycle

Five reasons why knitting is like riding a bicycle.

  • Like learning to ride a bike, many children are taught to knit by parents or grandparents. Combining co-ordination and youthful enthusiasm learning to cycle is a rite of passage for youngsters and just like knitting it's a skill you can use your whole life.
  • Cycling instead of driving is well known to benefit the air quality of cities. No emissions and no noise pollution either! Guess what is also good for the environment? Knitting!  Handmade garments don't produce pollution or require the use of fossil fuels. Well knitted garments can save money and  landfill by being handed down through the generations.
  • A great leisure activity. You don't need to compete in the Tour De France to enjoy cycling. Pedaling along a river bank with a friend or by your self can be a wonderful way to spend a sunny day. As with knitting. You don't need to knit a cable and fair isle jumper, a simple scarf can bring great rewards.
  • Both cycling and knitting can be either social or solitary pursuits.
  • Fun for everyone. Knitting and cycling are unisex activities. Men, women, girls and boys; the bike and the yarn don't discriminate.

Once you have learned to knit you may be a little wobbly at the start, but once you've got that cast on mastered, knitting is, well - as I said 'is just like riding a bike.' 

This comedy show will have you in stitches.

Denise Scott is a very funny lady.

Last year I was lucky enough to see her award winning comedy show as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. I was in tears of laughter.

Mother Bare is a truly entertaining show, in which Denise talks about the joys and pitfalls of motherhood.

Ms Scott is performing this show again for the 2015 Comedy Festival and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Not wanting to spoil it for those who plan to attend, knitters will be highly amused. Her tales of knitting projects gone wrong should have you all roaring with laughter. Fun times for all the family!

 

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