The tickle of an octopus tentacle might terrify most, but for premature babies, the touch of just such a knitted or crocheted toy replicates the sensation of the umbilical cord in the womb, and is comforting and calming.
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A crafty group of Goulburnians is getting together this Saturday, April 28, to hand-make the octopus and jellyfish toys for the neonatal intensive care unit at the Canberra Hospital, and volunteers are most welcome to participate.
Bev Foley usually travels to Canberra once a month for the get-together, but says the group has chosen to meet in Goulburn instead, from 10am to noon at the Library meeting room (Bourke Street) in a bid to boost numbers.
“We crochet from 100 percent cotton, according to necessary specifications for the safety of babies,” Bev says. About 30-40 toys are needed monthly, “so it would be fantastic to have more volunteers from the Goulburn area.”
After the craft session, the group will regather at The Roses Cafe for lunch and coffee “and more crochet”. Tables at the Montague Street cafe will be joined and set up for the activities from noon until 2.30pm. Material donations welcome.
Printed copies of patterns will be available on the day, as will lots of help. Queries: 0421 748 353
