Macclesfield shop Crafty Corner to knit hats for local schoolchildren this Christmas
By Alex Greensmith
11th Nov 2022 | Local News
A Macclesfield knitting store is donating winter hats to Macclesfield schoolchildren.
It will be the third year Mill Street business Crafty Corner and their customers are knitting free hats for local primary schoolchildren.
However, this year is set to be bigger than ever given the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Hurdsfield resident Lynda Speakman explained why her Macclesfield business gives back to the community every Christmas.
"I'm a grandma of eight, so I know my girls were struggling to feed the kids never mind buy them something warm," said Lynda.
"It gets cold in Macc. I did notice lots of kids walking past the shop or my house in school uniform, thinking they are going to be freezing when they get to school.
"So we encourage our customers to join us in our winter woolies campaign. It is a great stash buster to use up some of the yarns you've had for a while.
"It is perfect to use your leftover yarn for, as many of the hats are for small children.
"The first year we did it, we kitted out every child in the school on the Moss, which was about 150. We had some left over sp Puss Bank got some of them too.
"Last year we knitted hats for Park Royal School on Lyon Street, and as the kids have grown up now we're doing the same again this year.
"Many a time, kids have walked past the shop and parents say 'look, this is where you got your hat from'. They love to see the shop, and the project is great as it teaches them the value of the skills of knitting.
"Especially in these times, people aren't going to buy a hat as it is a luxury item. So we step in and do our bit for the community."
Almost 60 hats have been donated so far. Lynda makes about a fifth of the donated hats every day.
"My customers are amazing, I just give them a project and they are on it. And it is not just for the winter woolies campaign," added Lynda.
"They have made 1500 poppies for Remembrance displays over the last three years.
"We also donate some hats to the homeless in Manchester as well.
"My job is the best in the world as we try to bring crafters together and be more of a community.
"We describe ourselves as a 'base' shop to get likeminded people in and offer them something that nobody else really offers in town.
"We might have the wool shop in Macclesfield Indoor Market, but we're much bigger, and I have knitted for 50 plus years so have half-a-century of expertise.
"We're a shop where anybody can come in, sit down and chat to get advice. You can't do that online. We do go above and beyond, probably more than we should, but that's who I am.
"We had a lady come all the way from Dorest the other day, just to come and try us."
The shop hires three part-timers, and spans three floors.
Employee Martin Speakman added: "This sort of shop inspires people if you are welcoming and helpful, it is easy to take you to the next level of your craft. We give advice, and host many events to help hone your craft."
The unique Macclesfield independent haberdashery will have been in their 81 Mill Street premises for a year-and-a-half in January 2023.
It benefitted from the lockdown boom of knitting.
The business is traditionally at their busiest in the winter season, so it is even more remarkable that the small business manages to rally together and take part in the winter woolies campaign.
Follow the Macclesfield business on Facebook.
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