Knitters get knickers in a knot over new group’s name

Warkworth’s knitting groups are getting their skeins in a tangle over who has the naming rights to the title Chicks With Sticks.

Milford Linens owner Vonnie Kennedy is incensed that a new group in Matakana has stolen her group’s name.

“We were here first and had the name first,” she said. “My group meets on Monday evenings at 7pm and charges $2. I don’t know why this other group has decided to undermine us like this.”

But Matakana group coordinator Sharleen Greer says that Chicks With Sticks is not a name unique to Warkworth.

“It’s used all over the world but honestly, if she’s got a problem with it, I’m sure we’d be happy to call ourselves a knitting group.”

The Matakana Group meets in the cinema foyer on Thursday evenings from 7pm and is one of three in the area – the third meets in Quince Café on Wednesdays at 10am.

For the past five or six years, Sharleen has run knitting and crochet classes at Mahurangi College, under the adult education courses. However, these closed when Government funding for the courses was axed.

“There’s been a resurgence of interest in craft and we’re very lucky in this area to have a local knitting shop, Twin Set & Pearls,” Sharleen says. “The group meetings are an opportunity to share resources, learn new skills and show-and-tell. It’s also social and new members are very welcome.”

Projects underway by current members include socks, jumpers, beanies, rugs, jewellery, skirts, dolls clothes and cardigans.

For information on any of the groups, visit Twin Set & Pearls or for the Matakana group call Sharleen on 422 6095.

Pictured: The group of knitters formerly known as Chicks With Sticks. Group coordinator Sharleen Greer says anyone interested in starting a Yarn Bombing Group, a type of knitting graffiti, should give her a call.