Some of the members of St Mary’s knitting group have branched out into knitting pink pussy hats to meet a growing international need for appropriate headwear to brave the cold weather, rain and yes – the election of Donald J Trump as President of the United States.
So far the knitters, in particular Sandra Lanigan and Judith Gibson, have knitted 30 hats, which have been dispersed across multiple continents. The knitters donate their time for free and after allowing for the costs of wool, all proceeds are donated to Samara’s Aid Appeal which provides aid to displaced refugees in camps in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and other places in the area which are affected by violence and chaos. St Mary’s knitting group has been making beautiful blankets for this appeal for nearly two years and always welcomes donations of wool. Even half balls are warmly welcomed (in both senses of the word), and any half-finished efforts.
Janet Waddams organises Rye’s contribution to Samara’s appeal and she will shortly be starting a spring appeal for good quality clothes, bedding and other goods.
Last week in London, on the day after the Brexit vote in the House of Commons, a Rye News reporter was at a local curry house when Jeremy Corbyn unexpectedly turned up. She presented him with a pink pussy hat, which he was delighted to receive.
If there is anyone who would like to purchase a pink pussy hat, please email sandralanigan@gmail.com
Or if you would like to knit or crochet your own, a variety of patterns are available free here.
See more about Samara’s appeal here.
Photos: Seana Lanigan and courtesy Thomson Reuters