Submitted by: M. Thompson, Programs and Exhibits Assistant

On Saturday, July 23, we’re reviving history. The photo above, taken in 1942, shows knitters working on the BC Telephone Co. War Effort Programme in Victoria. It was a group of ladies coming together to sit, talk, and knit scarves and socks for the men fighting overseas. They would have shared tips with each other, traded stories, and knit with tremendous dedication, because they knew their efforts would be true blessings for soldiers on the front lines.

In conjunction with our current feature exhibit, Women on the Homefront, our society is proud to present the “1940’s Knit-in: Knit a scarf and spin a yarn” event for knitters — whether experts, amateurs, or “the uninitiated” — to come together and create some memories, both of the nostalgic and the woollen kind! For those who wish to learn, we have invited local community members who will be happy to share their craft. For those who love the art, many will be happy to share in your enthusiasm. And for families with children who might appreciate a fun activity, a lesson with child-friendly knitting bees will be offered.

What’s more, for those who wish to make a contribution as these women from 1942 were making, the Cannery will be collecting  scarf and sock donations from participating knitters who wish to gift their creations to veterans for this year’s Remembrance Day, November 11, 2016.

Interested? Here are the details:

• The event is happening on July 23 from 1-3 pm.
• It will take place within the cannery, with areas dedicated to:
  • Social knitting
  • Knitting lessons
  • Kid-friendly knitting lessons
• We will be joined by various community partners and knitting groups, specially invited to participate and share their stories and expertise!
• For visitors, the event will be included in the price of regular museum admission. Society members are free.  If you wish to bring your own supplies you are welcome to do so (we’re looking at you, knitting enthusiasts), but otherwise supplies will be provided by yours truly, the Cannery!

We hope to see you there!

Posted by m.horita

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