A number of CQU staff members, family and friends are knitting small squares to make into blankets this winter for the Salvation Army project 'Knitting for the Homeless'.

They are considering challenging James Cook University and the University of Southern Queensland to do the same, with a video link at lunch time on June 17 to exhibit the finished blankets and share some fun.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard has encouraged staff to join in this worthwhile cause. 'Celebrity' knitters and knotters identified so far include Veronica Rickard and Professor Alan Knight, but there are many more to be identified.

The following are ways in which you might support the project:.

Form a group within your area (say 14 people to knit 4 squares each, or any combination to get 56 squares by 17th June to make a blanket).

Plain knit the 18cm square using 8 ply wool & size 4 needles (knit 38 stitches & approx 80 rows).

Supply your squares to combine with another group.

Encourage friends & family to knit for your blanket.

Buy wool or needles for those willing to knit (Size 4mm needles and 8 ply wool, approx $4 each at Big W or K Mart, etc).

Buy one set of needles and wool, persuade one person to knit a square and then hand on to another to knit the next square, and so on.

Form a morning tea group to encourage each other.

Identify a fun person from your area willing to be a celebrity knitter, or knotter as the case may be, on June 17 approx noon-2pm.

The Salvation Army will supply some wool that has been donated, but it may not be available until later next week.

The website:http://www.patons.biz/news/Blanket_appeal.htm?page=3 .

provides details, plus pattern:.

http://www.patons.biz/news/Blanket_popup.htm .

For further information, or for help in getting started, please contact Robyn Bailey (x 6370) , Robyn Nissen (x 9664) or Mary Pitcher (x 2128).

Photo (left): Back row, L to R: Jo Perry, Catherine Krezalek, Kristin Brown, Robyn Nissen; Front row, L to R: Mary Pitcher, Suzie Hancock, Molly Yang.

Photo (above) Back row, L to R, Connie Moore, Veronica Rickard, Ingrid Kennedy; Front row, L to R, Claire Barry, Tracy Olive.