One of the recently ordained Hidden Treasures of Kiama, Boni Maywald, reflected on a successful exhibition of knitters, quilters, and crochet items at the Kiama Library over the past two weeks, while also celebrating Worldwide Knit in Public Day.

“The quality of work and the art in the craft was world standard and Australian standard,” Maywald said.

“We are very proud of the two-week exhibition.

“Local Brian McCarthy’s hand spun, hand dyed fine hand knits… the art embroidery by the Kiama Quilters Group, at least ten of those are top quality across Australia. Beautiful pieces.”

The displays were a clear indication of the rich qualities of not only the arts and crafts within the Kiama region, but also the engagement from the community.

“There is a lot of creativity here,” she said.

Arts and crafts can be traced back to the Palaeolithic (hunter and gatherer) period and is still relevant in society today with many cultures globally producing items for exhibition and everyday uses.

A few of the items that were on display will be donated to the organisation Wrap With Love which coordinates the making of blankets to give to people who have been displaced due to disasters or are vulnerable.

“They do about 20,000 blankets a year, so over 33 years that is about 600,000 blankets, which is a lot of knitting!” Maywald said.

“10% of global deaths every year are caused by people who cannot get warm for a range of reasons.”

Maywald estimates that the Kiama region finishes more than 500 blankets a year.

“Myself, my husband and Tia Blanche have been coordinating a collection of blankets, squares, anything that is made locally and we either donate it directly here to people in need, or we take a carload up to Alexandria in Sydney to Wrap With Love.

“This year we have just finished our 42nd blanket for Indigenous themes that have been going to children in palliative care units at Randwick and Westmead Children’s Hospital’s and also some to Steve Burrows Foundation who support vulnerable communities.”

Whilst the crafter is donating their piece of art to provide support to others less fortunate, Maywald explained the many benefits.

“To knit, crochet, or stitch by hand gives as much in mental and physical health benefits to the maker as this also does for the receiver of the homemade gift,” she said.  

For those who are new to the area or looking to put their hands to task with knitting, quilting or crochet, there is something for you. 

“We support a read, knit and chat group once a month at Kiama and Gerringong Libraries,” Maywald said.

Kiama Library holds the ‘read, knit and chat group’ on the first Thursday of the month between 2-4pm.

Gerringong Library holds the same group on the last Friday morning of every month between 11am – 1pm.