Judy Schooling began knitting three years ago.  She taught herself to knit and soon she turned her attention to those in need.  She picks a different shelter to donate to each year so as to spread the warm hats around.

Schooling doesn’t need recognition for her efforts and is content knowing she is helping someone less fortunate.

“I just want them to know someone cares,” Schooling said. “They don’t have to know my name, I just like to know they appreciate it and that it keeps them warm.”

Schooling was featured in an article in her local newspaper. She will be able to donate 48 hats that she made this year. 

Do you use your knitting skills to help others?  A simple knitting pattern, some yarn, and needles are all that you need.

Knitting and other handcrafts are not just hobbies that are limited to women.  According to a recent article in the Express & Star, men are also big fans. 

David Wareham was a member of the Royal Navy for a few years and he remembers sailors working on hand crafts during their downtime.

“In the Navy everyone did something when they got back to their bunks after a shift. We made rugs, knitted warm socks and jumpers, embroidered items and used knots to make decorative pieces.”

Now he is an accomplished spinner and has learned the fine art of Tatting.  It is something that he enjoys doing, along with his wife Patricia.  They both work on knitting, crocheting and weaving tapestries as well.

“David, of Hassop Road in Great Barr, is now a keen tatter, which involves making small knots in a piece of thread and using a shuttle to create doilies, bookmarks and necklaces.”

He has been a tatter now for 10 years.  Many of his pieces take months to create.  He does sell items in order to travel to shows.  He also enjoys passing on his skills to others that are willing to learn.  He loves his chosen hobbies.

“However, it is a relaxing hobby which keeps my hands warm and my brain active – and it also takes me back to my years on the ocean waves.”