CROCHET queen Jenny King will host a workshop for people who would like to be involved in a project to “plant” more than 5000 poppies in Federation Square, Melbourne.
The 5000 Poppies Project is part of the 2015 Anzac commemoration honouring more than a century of service from Australian men and women in war, conflicts and peacemaking operations
Ms King said as soon as she heard about the project she had to get involved.
“How amazing will it be to see on TV, the whole of Federation Square covered in poppies,” she said.
“It’s a great way for the community to unite and say thank you to people who have served our country.”
To help people create the poppies, Jenny will host a two-hour workshop at Coolum Beach library from 10am on Monday, June 23.
“I want to extend an invite to anyone in the community who would like to get involved with the 5000 Poppies Project, to come along to the informal workshop,” Jenny said.
“It’s a chance to have a cup of tea and a chat with others who are interested in being involved with the project and learn how to create a poppy using one of the crochet patterns I have designed just for this project.”
Coolum Beach Library is participating in the 5000 Poppies Project and asks the community to knit, crochet, felt or sew red poppies from any materials, not more than 15cm in diameter.
Ms King said people who could not make it to the workshop could still be involved in the project.
“Anyone interested in making a poppy can head to the Coolum Beach Library, pick up a free ball of wool and a poppy pattern, which they can then knit or crochet at home,” she said.
Free knit and crochet patterns are also available to download at www.5000poppies. wordpress.com.
Poppies will be collected and displayed together with their dedications in participating libraries for Remembrance Day 2014, before being submitted to the 5000 Poppies team for display in Federation Square in 2015.
Ms King, who has been crocheting since being taught two simple stitches when she was just eight, has been passing on her love of crochet since the 1990s and is the author of more than 20 crochet books and countless patterns that cover everything from intricate beaded bags and jewellery to swimwear.
She teaches crochet around Australia and internationally and has a range of crochet design books and patterns (www. jennykingdesigns.com).
“Crochet is a rapidly growing trend and continues to increase in popularity as more and more crochet fashions appear on catwalks around the world,” she said.
“I believe that this, in part, has revived the lost art of crochet and prompted people to want to learn the craft themselves.”
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