Knitters at Sacred Heart Girls’ College
We love sharing stories from our community. Leonie Grigsby is the Lead Librarian at Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton and in recent years has enjoyed knitting for NICU. Inspired by Leonie, students and teachers set themselves an ambitious goal of knitting 100 squares. They have tripled that number, donating 300 squares (15 blankets) that will go to Waikato NICU. To honour their school's name, each blanket will include a knitted heart ❤️
What inspired your school to take part in Stitching Together Aotearoa?
Leonie Grigsby: Whaea Leonie has enjoyed knitting for NICU for a few years and thought it was a great way to bring our school whānau together and give back (as a mission school).
As well as encouraging community, it has been an opportunity to learn a new skill (for some) and contribute to a great project.
How often does your group meet and what is your goal? I know it's been an ambitious one!!
LG: Students are welcome to knit every lunch break and take their knitting home over weekends. Staff have permanent knitting on the go in the staff room and you will always find someone in there knitting. Some staff have knitted many blankets worth just on their own! We had a goal of 100 squares to make 5 blankets. We have currently lost count but it's close to 250 squares!
What skills or lessons have you gained from contributing to this project?
Staff: Learning to knit, the amazing power of knitting to encourage mindfulness and less doom scrolling, sharing skills, 'I can do it', community.
Students: Patience, coordination, learning to knit, using my knowledge to teach others a new skill.
Does anyone have a personal connection to preemies or the NICU?
LG: Two of our staff have daughters who work in Waikato NICU. Many of our knitters have personal connections to the NICU also.
What message would you like to share with the premature babies' families who may receive the Peggy squares you have knitted?
Staff: Kia kaha, we know it's a challenging journey. We hope you feel wrapped in love 🩷 The NICU is the best place.
Students: I hope you like it. You're strong and keep going. Thank you for giving us this experience.
Why do you think knitting is becoming more popular for younger generations?
Staff: Life is busy and never stops. Knitting gives people the opportunity to slow down. It's always been popular, however, the rise of social media, especially Tiktok and Youtube has made learning more accessible for our younger generation to learn.
Students: Better than social media and easier than crochet, something to do with your hands instead of just staring at devices, easy to learn and can create more.
Will students continue to knit following Stitching Together Aotearoa?
LG: We certainly hope so! They have lots of knitting needles and maybe we'll learn to make hats next.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
LG: And it's not just staff and students, one staff member's Mum has knit probably close to 100 of our squares! We are so appreciative of her contribution too
We have three finished blankets and the rest will be sewn up in the holidays. Each of our blankets includes a heart in one square – because we are Sacred Heart ❤️
