The Needles

A little window into what goes on at those "Knitting and natters?"

They sat around with cups of tea, the clicking of needles accompanying the knitting and natter.

The room was buzzing with creativity. Some were busy planning their projects, peering at the pile of patterns on the table. Others were casting on the first stitches with the ball of wool slowly gathering speed as it disentangled from the skein, precariously balanced on their lap, awaiting the moment when it would as usual, roll onto the floor as it unravelled. A resident cat sat expectantly, awaiting the arrival of it’s next play thing, before being extricated from the room again. It happened every time, but still, it was just a matter of whose ball would drop into it’s paws first! Of course, no-one would notice to begin with, due to the natter and the gentle, yet distracting click, click, click of the needles.

Others were well away with their garments, moving on to plain, purl and cabling, wrapping wool around long needles and taking care with their neat stitches, not to drop any. Who would have thought, with the click, click, click of the needles, that so many lovely things could be created. Stitch by stitch, the wool winding round and round, pulling in and out. Click, click, click. Some stitches added, others taken away. Careful not to drop any. All the time growing, getting longer.

At times, one was bent down and with concentrated effort, counting their stitches to ensure they were on course. No one could speak to them then, for they could not be disturbed or they would have to start again, counting from the beginning of the long row. Once they reached the end of the row and were satisfied, they would join in again with the hub of natter amongst sips of tea.

The ball of wool diminishes as each stitch demands more of it, until after many hours of working, the finished product is cast off the needles and pressed, ready for it’s parts to be sewn together. Who would have thought?

Slowly it emerges after pinning, sewing and stuffing. It looks back at you, gleaming and ready

for the next gift and a new purpose ahead.

The creations in the room were endless. Some were using delicate 4ply wool to make baby layettes, others were eagerly knitting up jumpers or cushion covers with thick double knit wool and some were using aran to make hats, scarves and other chunky, cosy, cold season items. Merino wool was a favourite in keeping it natural and warm. Sometimes needle changes were necessary and round or double pointed ones employed.

In one corner a group were knitting blanket squares for a large project for charity. Each had various pictures on them that were no sooner cast on, than cast off and sewn together. As they started a new one, they dived into a bag full of wool oddments that were put to good use. The blanket was growing satisfyingly larger each week.

The more serious knitters were making soft toys and dolls clothes for the local craft shop, hoping their finished items would be good enough to sell to good homes. There were many recognisable characters that children would love.

And so the happy group of knitters busied themselves every week and when they returned home, there were many needles that carried on into the night, going click, click click.

But the cat had to wait until next time.

© 2026 christinehulme