It started off as a throwaway comment between two siblings and has ended up sparking a North Auckland knitting movement that donated more than 4500 items to those in need last year alone.
In 2017, Trish Stewart and her sister Sue were sitting around the table knitting and crocheting, when Sue remarked, “It’s really sad that many of the next generation don’t do this any more – it’s a dying art.”
In that moment, a childhood memory sparked for Trish – and Yarnteeze was born.
The 68-year-old explains, “We came up with Yarnteeze – ‘yarning with the aunties while drinking tea’– because when we were little, all the aunties would come over and sit in the kitchen with their knitting, while I made their tea.
“It was like a therapy session as they helped each other with their problems. I remember thinking, ‘They always seem to feel better when they go home.’”
Galvanised to start with one small action, Trish asked the owners of The Coffee Club in Ōrewa if they’d be okay with her putting up a post on Facebook to see if any locals would like to join her there each week to learn to knit or crochet and create items for charity.
Now, six years on from originally five ladies, the Yarnteeze are a self-funding group of around 40 women and one bloke – Barry, who makes colourful beanies for all sizes on his loom at home.
They selflessly knit and crochet up a storm, donating everything they make. Other café customers often get curious and come over for a sticky-beak – “they hear us before they see us.” Some even end up buying slippers or mittens, or even joining the group.
“A lot of people might think knitting is for old ladies. However, we have this huge, vibrant group with ages ranging from forties to nineties. We all come together to have a laugh over coffee and are people that might not have connected otherwise. It’s a caring, inclusive group.”
The oldest Yarnty is 96-year-old Frances, who Trish describes as an inspiration to them.
“She’s one of our foundation members and Tuesday is the highlight of her week,” explains Trish. “She loves the companionship, and talking while knitting and sharing her knowledge with other like minded souls.”
The main charities they support are I’ve Got Your Back Pack, HBC Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren, Woven Earth, Foster Hope and Catalytic Foundation.
Although the Yarnteeze do not know the people they help – many of whom have escaped family violence – they are happy to volunteer their yarn and time without asking for anything in return.
Says Trish, “One of my group rules is: only create what you want to create. We’d like their aroha [love] to go into the item, whether it’s baby clothes or a toy.
“We may not know the recipients, but we do care. We give them our best because we believe they deserve warmth, love and dignity.”
Trish feels especially pleased to be able to produce soft, colourful blankets that go to children in foster care, and become treasured possessions which bring comfort and security.
“I didn’t realise how important blankets are until one of our regular supporters told me she had fostered more than 150 children and was part of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,” shares Trish. “She said that often children who had been uplifted from an abusive environment reacted to any loud noise or banging on the door by rushing over to the curtains or finding something else to wrap around themselves.
“It’s absolutely heart-breaking thinking of their trauma,” she adds. “That’s when we ensured that all of the blankets we give to the children are at least 100 square centimetres. We call them cuddle blankets.”
Trish used to tenaciously scrounge local op-shops for wool supplies. However, other supportive locals have been helping with social media posts requesting supplies and collecting yarn on her behalf. Local businesses have also been supporting their fundraising efforts to acquire more wool.
For Trish, the best part is the feeling of community it gives. She also loves witnessing how one creative group has touched each member’s life in a special way.
“Personally, I find it really uplifting,” she smiles. “I think it’s amazing that we can help so many people and bring them joy. But it’s a two-way thing that brings joy to the Yarnteeze who are doing the creating.
“It’s expanding our social life and support system, while learning new knitting tricks and tips from each other,” she adds. “It’s simply about people – without people, the world would be an empty place.”
For info, see yarnteeze.co.nz.
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