Knitting created by Eden visitors provides winter warmth for homeless

February 4, 2011

Hundreds of Eden Project visitors have helped knit blankets which have been presented to the St Austell–based centre for homeless people Cosgarne Hall.

Each of the sections of the patchwork blankets were made by people who took part in Eden’s Knit Xstream project. The project started in 2007 when visitors were invited to add a section to a ‘knitted river’ to raise awareness of World Water Day. More than 100 metres of knitting was created.

During last winter’s Hive of Activity, when visitors could learn creative skills with Eden staff, the knitted river was brought along and turned into several beautiful blankets by one of Eden’s pollinators Carla Wentick.

Carla said: “Knitting at Eden was an immediate hit. It gave people a chance to sit and relax for a while and chat about a variety of topics. It is the type of activity that provides an instant feeling of community.”

Many who had helped with the knitting suggested donating the blankets to a homeless charity. As a result, Eden’s Great Day Out team got in touch with Cosgarne Hall and presented the centre with the blankets. The Great Day Out programme organises educational workshops at the project for homeless people, offenders and excluded young people.

Kate Abriel, Great Day Out Project Worker, said: “It’s great that such a simple activity has helped to provide enjoyment for countless Eden visitors and has helped to give something positive to the local community.”

For more information on Great Day Out, visit www.edenproject.com/greatdayout, call 01726 818827, or email Jodie Giles at jgiles@edenproject.com