Liz describes knitting as ‘a winter sport’ – but really there is reason to knit all year round, and for any occasion. The annual yarn-bombing of trees in the main street in St Leonards would be one of those occasions.
Liz and her husband became ‘empty nesters’ and wanted to leave the city, which led to them becoming ‘sea changers’ and moving to St Leonards almost five years ago. Liz had never heard of the Bellarine, but her husband is a keen fisherman and his family had holidayed in Portarlington every summer for years. Coming to St Leonards was ‘an easy decision’. They bought a holiday house and then one day, two years later said ‘let’s just stay here’. Not long before the move, Liz also changed careers. After ‘years in retail’ Liz trained in aged care and now provides aged care and disability support. She has worked with many clients, and now supports the same two people for two days each per week, which she has done over a number of years, and loves it. She says the relationship you build with people is just as important as the practical support you provide.
Knitting however has been a constant in her life, finding new forms of expression throughout the years and changing circumstances. Liz grew up and has lived in the north western suburbs of Melbourne until coming to St Leonards. Her Polish heritage provided for big celebrations and spreads laid on for Christmas and Easter. It was ‘a happy house.’ ‘I learnt how to knit, make Polish embroidery and sew from my mother’. We had ‘a haberdashery at home.’ It’s not surprising that Liz says the same is true for her own home.
Liz’s working life also followed the threads of her love of knitting. At one time she was a knitting pattern writer (for anyone who has ever followed the other-language that is a knitting pattern you cannot help but be impressed by that), managed a wool shop and ran workshops in Essendon, and worked for two large haberdashery retailers. Even in shifting careers to aged care Liz has still been able to incorporate art, craft and knitting. It was through one client that she became involved in the Portarlington knitting group and another with an interest in art that led her to the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House where she has recently started some knitting workshops. Introductory workshops to date have included one with ladies making Christmassy things, and in 2024 will begin school holiday programs for children. Liz says ‘I love what I do and I love teaching’, especially when students feel proud and discover a sense of ‘I can do it’. Adult knitting classes will commence on a Wednesday in the first term 2024 at Queenscliff Neighbourhood House.
Liz’s move to St Leonards coincided with the first year of what is now an annual yarn-bombing event*. She says her first thought was that it was ‘a waste of wool’. She got over that though, and is now on her fourth. As for wasting wool – each of her past three yarn-bomb creations have been repurposed as blankets. Liz’s creations have included a seal, alpaca, seagull and pelican and this year it is Santa with a stubby in hand to pay tribute to its location outside the pub. ‘I like to see kids point (at my yarn-bombing creation) and have a giggle’. Liz said she is already thinking about what she will do next year. Each yarn-bomb creation she says takes about 50 hours to make.
Liz describes knitting as being ‘like meditation, it can also give a sense of accomplishment, and you get to make things. You can see more of Liz’s work on Instagram #elaknits
Liz finished our chat with “I love what I do.”
We, love what you do too Liz!
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* The yarn-bombing of trees in the main street of St Leonards is an initiative of the St Leonards Progress Association, lead each year by Marie Reed and supported by the City of Greater Geelong, who have responsibility for the trees.
Humans in St Leonards 