GRAB YOUR KNITTING NEEDLES AND

KNIT IT FOR CHARITY

Love fashion? Like to be creative? Then we’ve got just the thing- the art of knitting.

The Children’s Society has joined forces with the British Hand Knitting Confederation and cutting edge knitting site, Cast Off, to launch Knit it from September 2005.

Knitwear is splashed across the high street, in magazines and sported by all the latest designers from Missoni to Julien McDonald. This age-old craft is experiencing a revival and celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Kate Moss, Stella Tennant and Sarah Jessica Parker can’t all be wrong.

Coined the “new yoga”, knitting is a relaxing and creative way to glam up an outfit and create the ultimate personal touch, and this time you can do it while raising cash for a great cause.

The charity has teamed up with two major knitting partners to help new knitters find their style and raise much needed cash for the charity. The British Hand Knitting Confederation is the voice of the yarn manufacturers of the UK and has links to a huge network of dedicated knitters and established events. And Cast Off is a new online cutting edge knitting site designed for the younger knitter.

Both partners can offer new knitters help and support with great opportunities to ‘knit and natter’ with other knitters at a variety of events from sitting on the tube to special events at department stores in your area, whilst raising money for The Children’s Society.

 With the help of our partners, The Children’s Society can offer you everything you need to get started, including, fabulous patterns from this seasons’ airy scarves to crafty bags, plus we can put you in touch with other knitters ready to help you get started. A newsletter packed with tips and advice is available from the charity to help those new to knitting get started, visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk to find out how you can take part and raise cash to help The Children’s Society’s vital work with vulnerable children across the country, or call 0845 300 1128.

You can raise money in two ways, by getting sponsored for the item, time spent or length – think record breakers. Or you can knit items for sales or presents, and be creative- knit anything and sell it!

Says Nichola Peach organiser at The Children’s Society, “Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter give knitting a new lease of life and use fresh ideas, tips and patterns to help support The Children’s Society’s Knit It Campaign.”

The Children’s Society is a national children’s charity working with over 50,000 children and teenagers every year, in 90 towns and cities. It works in partnership with communities, schools and families. It helps: children at risk on the streets; children in trouble with the law; young refugees; children with disabilities.

Media enquiries: Sam Shaw, The Children’s Society media office,

Tel: 020 7841 4423 or email: samantha.shaw@childrenssociety.org.uk