The Mangere Bridge Library Knitting Group was formed 12 months ago and has grown since to include a variety of handwork, such as crochet, cross stitch, and felting. It’s more accurately known as the ‘Craft Group’.
The group meets on Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and every third Saturday of each month from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. There is a core group of regulars who other locals join occasionally as their work and commitments allow. Local Robyn says “It’s great to share ideas and knitting tips with others and I enjoy the wide-ranging conversations. I always feel I learn something each week, whether it’s a recommended book, movie, TV program, local tradie, and weekend walk destination, something about the local community or how to deal with garden pests. It’s never dull and we often have library patrons joining us for a chat.”
The group donated knitted and crocheted items to Waitakere Hospital earlier in the year and decided to donate more locally in future. As a result recently over 30 knitted items were donated to the Middlemore Foundation. Recently Lyle Smith, the Community Coordinator from the Foundation joined the group for afternoon tea and told them about the Foundation’s work. They have a large pool of dedicated knitters who make various items for neonates, babies and children. Other donated items are distributed to community partners to distribute to tamariki and whaanau in the local community. The Foundation also runs the “Jammies for June” programme where people send kids’ jammies to Middlemore for distribution to children in need.
Lyle was delighted with the items the MB Library Craft Group donated and assured everyone they would all be used and enjoyed. He pointed out that the Foundation website provides simple patterns knitters can access for free and has lots of information about the work they do. Lyle’s enthusiasm for his job was inspiring, and some of the Craft Group are already starting their next projects. If anyone has spare yarn, donations are gratefully received.
As well as making community connections, the group aims to pass on handwork skills. Several locals have learned to knit and crochet through the group. Anyone can join, you just need to turn up!

Read more…
- 2024 Volunteer Celebration and Thank You
- Got Any Blisters? I mean Blister Packs…
- Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language Week Celebration
- We Love Libraries!
- It’s a Stitch-Up!
- Cleaning Our Foreshore
- Our 8th Repair Café
- Bee Supermarket at Ambury Farm Park?!
- Māngere Bridge Seedling & Seed Swap Day
- The Recycling Bug is Generational