AN AVID knitter is calling on the community to help create outfits for premature babies.
Sheryll Dixon, of New Chapel Avenue, Cubley, is a former nurse who took up knitting many years ago. She started the Penistone Knitting Group two years ago.
It’s a ‘virtual group’ on Facebook, however there are several craft groups from Barnsley also involved.
The 52-year-old aims to get people to knit for the birthing unit at Barnsley Hospital and the neonatal unit at Jessop Hospital in Sheffield.
She is now encouraging even more people to get involved to top the deliveries of knitwear and keep premature babies warm. The most recent delivery to Jessop Hospital was made up of more than 600 knitted items, including blankets, cardigans, hats and more.
Sheryll said: “I am a nurse by profession but had to give it up to look after my disabled daughter. I used to work at Jessops in my training, so wanted to help them out. I am a representative for Handmade with Love Preemie baby blankets and originally just used their patterns but as the group has progressed I have sourced free patterns on the internet and shared them to my group page.
“I have been fundraising via JustGiving and Facebook to be able to buy the wool but also am always grateful of any wool donations.”
Sheryll has also teamed up with Age UK Barnsley as part of its social inclusion project to help isolated elderly people who might want to join the group.
She is also after people who want to help the group with their next donation of knitted items and help her fundrise to buy wool.
For more information, search for Penistone Knitting Group on Facebook or visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sheryll-dixon
