EVENT: Knitters: we need you!

From fleece to sock: courtesy of the Australian War Memorial H02438

Can you knit? If so, help remember our local WWI diggers by knitting a pair of socks. For keen knitters we have an original WWI pattern . If you’re a novice, why not attempt a pair of basic heel-less socks ?

During WWI Australians knitted over 1 million pairs to comfort our troops. We are aiming to collect 102 pairs to represent the number of locals who died in the Great War. 

Acting Corporal Alfred Henry Benham of Tenterden St. Botany. Died 15 August 1915, aged 20
He is believed to be the first man from Botany to die in WWI. Courtesy of Australian War Memorial (P05418.003)

The WWI pattern known as The Grey Sock*  will take approximately 10hrs and you will need.

  •    4 double pointed needles in either Size 10 (3.25mm) or Size 12 (3.75mm)
  •    1 x 100 gram ball of 8ply.

According to one of our local knitters this pattern drove her "dippy" but was well worth the challenge. For a more modern version of this sock try this pattern. Heels can be hard so if they worry you scroll down this link for a basic heel-less hospital sock pattern. 

Please hand you finished socks in at either of council's libraries in Eastgardens or Mascot. 
Completed socks will be displayed in our museum exhibition, Courage & Sacrifice: WWI and the City of Botany Bay. They will be donated to charity once the exhibition closes.

Last day for completed socks is Friday 25th September 2015.

* The Grey Sock is courtesy of the State Library of NSW.

Private Richard Weaver (2996) (left) of Bunnerong Rd. Botany. Died 13 October 1917 aged 22
Private John Alexander Templeman (2990) (right) of Rhodes St. Matraville. Died 2 September 1918 aged 20.
Both men attended Matraville Public School as boys.Courtesy of Australian War Memorial (H16878) 

Samantha Sinnayah, Museum Curator