Two Wednesdays out of every month, Edgecumbe Library is filled with lively conversation and the clicking of knitting needles as a core group of crafters work away on woollen goods.

Some of the projects are personal, others will be sold at markets in the coming weeks, and more still are being created to donate to community groups.

For all attendees, Edgecumbe Women’s Institute’s knit and natter sessions offer an opportunity for socialisation while they participate in what can otherwise be a very solitary activity.

Convenor Sue Rowe said the sessions were started for both Women’s Institute members and members of the community.

They have 40 registered attendees, with about 15-18 showing up regularly.

They have been running in their current format since mid-2019, meeting during Edgecumbe Library’s opening hours.

Although “knit” is in the name, crocheters are welcome, too.

The group is full of people with varying experience levels, from crafters who have been working with yarn their whole lives through to absolute beginners making the most of the wealth of knowledge in the room.

Mrs Rowe said the group was fortunate to receive several small monetary donations early in the piece, which enabled them to purchase wool, tea and coffee for participants.

“We have since received very generous donations of wool, needles, crochet hooks and patterns.”

Hundreds of woollen goods from clothes to blankets, slippers to toys and Alzheimer’s aids have been donated to help community and charitable groups, thanks to the crafters’ dedication.

Among the past recipients are The Clothing Project and local marae, which received knitted and crocheted poppies for Anzac Day a couple of years ago.

New recipients are Beanies for Babies and Brain’s Trust, with the latter receiving funds raised by the sale of handmade goods.

Edgecumbe, Matatā, Kawerau and Whakatāne fire brigades, along with Hato Hone St John, receive “trauma teddies”, which are given to children who are present at callouts.

Alzheimers Eastern Bay of Plenty is donated twiddlemuffs – handknitted mitts with interesting tactile items attached like buttons, keys and ribbons.

Alzheimers Eastern Bay of Plenty manager Sue Cave said the team were appreciative of the donation.

“The Twiddle Muffs are used as a sensory therapy tool designed to keep the restless hands of those with dementia mate wareware occupied, calm and warm.

“They are a good to promote brain stimulation and keep the hands busy.

“One of our carers said the muffs helped her mum to keep warm and stopped her ‘picking’ at her clothing.”

Alzheimers Eastern Bay of Plenty still have some twiddlemuffs set aside for winter, ready for their staff to distribute.