Clan Cancer Support is looking for craft enthusiasts to
stitch a drove of knitted hares this Easter, ahead of The Big Hop Trail
launching this summer.
The North-east’s leading cancer support charity has
partnered again with Wild in Art for the public art trail which will feature 40
spectacular hare sculptures across the region as part of the charity’s 40-year
anniversary.
The charity is calling on knitters to create the long-eared
creatures in all colours and designs, reflecting the diverse range of hare
sculptures due to be displayed across the North-east, Moray, Orkney and
Shetland.
The woollen creations will be available to purchase online,
in Clan charity shops and at pop-up merchandise stalls when the trail is live,
with all proceeds helping Clan to support people affected by a cancer
diagnosis.
Teresa Bremner, Clan’s sculpture trail Project Manager,
said: “In anticipation of the arrival of our 40 large hare sculptures, we’re
setting crafters an Easter challenge to knit mini hares to be sold in honour of
Clan once our art trail is live.
“This is a brilliant opportunity for individuals and
community knitting groups to play a role in Scotland’s biggest public art trail
this year. As well as supporting the vital services that Clan provides, we
anticipate the knitted hares will become special souvenirs for many trail
goers.”
Those interested in taking part can download a free
knitting pattern kindly donated to the charity by knitting designer and author
Sara Elizabeth Kellner who is the designer of Rabbit Hole Knits - toy and
animal patterns for hand-knitters.
Sara, who specialises in creating knitting patterns which
portray animals realistically, recently exhibited some of her creations in
Vogue Knitting Live! in New York City.
She said: "This pattern is for the intermediate
knitter, or someone who is comfortable with working in the round, short rows,
and picking up stitches. It will take approximately eight - ten hours to
complete. I am extremely honoured that one of my designs has been chosen
to be a part of this event."
Knitters should return their completed hare – unstuffed –
to any Clan Cancer Support centre or shop by May 31, 2023.
For more information and to download the knitting pattern,
please visit: https://www.thebighop.co.uk/knit-your-own-hare/
See pictured (L-R): Teresa Bremner and Emma Panton from
Clan Cancer Support.