Visit Knowle are organising a community art project to bring knitted hanging baskets to Knowle High Street.
The first knitted hanging basket has been created, jam packed with flowers, leaves and even features a few creatures including caterpillars and bumblebees! Each basket will also feature something special linked to the business it’s going to. For instance, the first basket designed for Eric Lyons includes a string of sausages, shopping bag and the famous “butchers pie” created by Kim Hulse and Lorna Hulme.
Kim Hulse, Marketing Manager for Visit Knowle said “The project was inspired by M&G Designs, a traditional needlecraft shop in Louth, Lincolnshire. Gary organised a similar campaign eight years ago, creating fabulous knitting baskets for everyone to enjoy. As a long – time knitter, I jumped at the chance of creating something similar for Knowle and Gary was happy to share his ideas and tips on the best way to build the baskets. I’m looking forward to sharing pictures of our creations with him.”
Nick Lyons, Director of Visit Knowle said “We’ve considered introducing hanging baskets before, but they require maintenance and lots of watering, so when Kim shared her idea with the team it was met with a resounding “Yes!” We’re looking forward to seeing a new hanging basket appear on the High Street as they are completed.
Lorna Hulme, of All About the Sew said “I’ve been knitting and sewing for years, and often talk about the benefits of crafting to wellbeing. I’ve really enjoyed creating the Eric Lyons hanging basket with Kim, even enlisting family members to get knitting! I’m really looking forward to seeing local makers meet at our studio ready to swap patterns, ideas and get knitting!
How knitters can get involved
- You can donate your spare wool at Indigo Art Gallery or Achill Spa
- You can knit compost basket liners, flowers, leaves, butterflies and bumble bees to contribute to the hanging baskets
- You can come along to a launch crafting session:
2pm, Thursday, April 27th at All About The Sew’s studio
10.30am, Sunday April 30th at Achill Spa
There will be two launch sessions that creative knitters and crocheters will be welcome to attend. We’ll share our plans, donated wool, swap knitting patterns, and have a sociable, creative time. We’d love people to come together to enjoy crafting, but crafters are equally welcome to create their flowers and leaves at home and drop them off at the collection points.
For more information, contact us at hello@visitknowle.co.uk
