The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Hobsons Bay, with a local group of women creating a Christmas tree made out of more than 3000 granny squares.
Williamstown yarn store Pick Up Stitches’ Sharon Boxshall joined with locals Tricia Salau and Jill Bilston to co-ordinate the project.
Ms Salau said the project began as a way to bring women out of their narrowed comfort zones following the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Starter kits of eight small balls of wool, crochet hook and patterns in a cute zip lock bag were given out to interested crocheters,” she said.
“Word got around and within a month, women from Williamstown, Laverton, Altona North, South Kingsville and every other suburb had their hook out and the squares began.
“Craft groups got in touch with us, and kits were delivered.”
The launch of the tree will be held from 10am on Saturday, December 10 at 193 Nelson Place in Williamstown.
Ms Salau said support came from far and wide for the project.
“This craft project encouraged craft groups, social groups, service clubs and hundreds of individuals across Hobsons Bay,” she said.
“Before long, new crocheters joined groups, met with friends at coffee shops or gathered in homes to chat and crochet.
“Over 300 women have been involved in the making of the squares or the many jobs to do in getting squares ready.”
People who wanted to contribute to the project but who could not crochet had the opportunity to enrol in free workshops across the region.
The group thanked Williamstown MP Melissa Horne and Pick Up Stitches for funding and in-kind support for the project.
The tree will be on show until Friday, January 13.
Matthew Sims
