SOCIAL and creative initiative, Winter Woollies for Ballarat, has found a regular meeting place at Barkly Square.<\/p>\n
Established, new or prospective members of the craft group who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, or would like to learn, are invited to make and chat on Wednesdays between 1pm and 5pm.<\/p>\n
While exchanging patterns and practices in the centre\u2019s communal area, attendees of all experiences and skill levels can collaborate, showcase their creations, or seek feedback from likeminded people.<\/p>\n
Sandra Knight founded the Winter Woollies for Ballarat Facebook group six years ago, which has united almost 500 volunteer woolworkers across the city, online and in-person.<\/p>\n
\u201cI anticipate our group will grow a lot quicker at Barkly Square as we have so much more space,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe location is also a talking point. Some people know the site as the girls\u2019 school, while I know it because two of my children went there for year 11 and 12.\u201d<\/p>\n
Previously donating handmade woollies to The SoupBus, Pop-Up Shop for the Homeless, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, Eureka Mums, WRISC, and aged care facilities, Winter Woollies for Ballarat\u2019s goal is to warm those in need.<\/p>\n
Their current project is seeing blankets crafted for Warrenheip\u2019s Tabor House, which supports young people recovering from addiction.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve given them blankets in the past, and the clients just love them. They like to have something of their own because a lot of them go there with absolutely nothing,\u201d Ms Knight said.<\/p>\n