We’re delighted that our Knit and Knatter group at Lucton House in Bournville has been able to support Birmingham Women’s Hospital, with our wonderful residents donating around 20 handmade blankets and 15 knitted hats to the hospital’s Neonatal Unit.
On 30 September, our lovely resident Jean joined our Home Administrator, Kirsty, to deliver the donations in person. The items were made during our weekly knitting sessions, which began in July 2026.
From knitted squares to blankets for newborn babies
The idea came from our regular group members, Carol and Ann, who suggested supporting Birmingham Women’s Hospital because a member of their family works there.
We had originally been making green knitted squares for a Christmas tree project. When we found ourselves with more squares than we needed, the group decided to stitch four together to make blankets instead. Before long, we were making blankets and hats for the hospital, with the project getting underway in August.
Jean was particularly keen to join Kirsty for the delivery, as it meant she could see the blankets and hats reaching the babies they had been made for. It was important to Jean that the group’s hard work went towards helping others, and she really enjoyed being part of the visit.
During the visit, Jean and Kirsty met Maria Deakin, Ward Clerk in the Neonatal Unit, who gratefully received the handmade items. They were also welcomed by the hospital’s reception team and volunteers from Birmingham Women’s Hospital and Charity, who were selling knitted items to raise funds. Before heading home, they took a little time to look at displays showing how the hospital has developed over the years.
Here are just a few of our favourite photos:

When Kirsty started Knit and Knatter, she wanted to give people in the local community a reason to visit our home and spend time with our residents. The weekly sessions have become about much more than knitting, with conversation, friendship with a good chat, a cuppa and a slice of cake always on the cards.
Kirsty said:
“I was asked to host a weekly event that would draw the community into the care home, and I instantly thought of knitting, followed by nattering. I wanted to make the session special, so I brought in my own China cups, and every week the special trolley comes out with tea, coffee and cake.”
“This is not just about knitting. It’s about building friendships and helping each other. It helps build confidence and gives people the chance to chat and get to know one another. It’s so much more than just a knitting group.”
We’ve also had some lovely support from the wider community, including a local woman who donated two large bags of wool. Carol and Ann give their own time and wool to make small knitted gifts, which they leave around the community in little organza bags with little notes of kindness and information about our home. They’ve also made forget-me-not flowers to mark Dementia Awareness.
What’s next for Knit and Knatter?
At Lucton House, we love seeing our residents share their skills, connect with the local community and make a difference to others. What started with a few knitted squares has grown into something our residents can be proud of, and we look forward to seeing what comes next.
We’ll continue making blankets for Birmingham Women’s Hospital, with more donations planned and further visits being arranged so other residents can take part. We’re also exploring ways to use the group’s knitting skills to support other causes, including Kings Heath Cat Rescue and we’re also looking at making twiddle mitts for the dementia ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Our Knit and Knatter group meets every Thursday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, and people from the local community are welcome to come along. With Christmas approaching, we hope that more families to join us, too.
Want to see what we get up to next? Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, photos and activities from Lucton House. We’d love to welcome you to one of our Thursday sessions, too!
