Knitting and crafting groups across the Isle of Wight are leading the charge to create warm scarves, blankets and hats for Islanders facing rising energy costs this winter, as part of the Isle of Wight County Press and Island charities’ Wight Warmers Knit-In Challenge (#wightwarmers).

We are looking for knitters, crocheters and sewing experts to get crafty, supporting vulnerable residents worried about the cold and the cost of heating, as many face a stark choice between heating and eating.

You can join them, by grabbing your knitting needles, crochet hooks and sewing kits, and crafting blankets, hats and scarves.

We are aiming to gather 200 items in time for Christmas. Niton’s Knit and Natter group is among those pledging items.

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Through Island charities and organisations, including Aspire Ryde, Better Days Café, food pantries and the West Wight Sports and Community Centre, we will distribute your clever creations to people in need.

We have drop-off points across the Isle of Wight, working alongside charities and Isle of Wight estate agency Hose Rhodes Dickson, which has kindly offered to collect them at its eight offices.

Where on the Isle of Wight to drop off your Wight Warmers Knit-In donations:

Newport

  • Hose Rhodes Dickson: 138 High Street, PO30 1TY
  • Isle of Wight County Press office: 123 Pyle Street, PO30 1ST

Bembridge

  • Hose Rhodes Dickson: 13 High Street, PO35 5SD

Cowes

  • Hose Rhodes Dickson:  92 High Street, PO31 7AW

East Cowes

  • Hose Rhodes Dickson:  26 Castle Street, PO32 6RD

Freshwater

  • Hose Rhodes Dickson:  Avenue Road, PO40 9UR

Ryde

  • Hose Rhodes Dickson:  37 Union Street, PO33 2LE
  • Aspire Ryde, Dover Street: PO33 2BN

Shanklin

  • Hose Rhodes Dickson: 37 Regent Street, PO37 7AF

Ventnor

  • Hose Rhodes Dickson: 1 High Street, PO38 1RY
  • Better Days Café: 64 High St, PO38 1LT

Among those taking part is Ventnor High Street’s Better Days Cafe Inclusion Hub, which has pledged a free drink for crafters dropping items in.  

In Ryde, Aspire Ryde, on Dover Street will be among drop-off points for finished items The organisation's Trevor Nicholas said: "We are seeing the impact of the rise in heating costs daily at Aspire Ryde. This is a very welcome initiative to help keep people warmer this winter."

The food pantry at Oakfield Primary School, Ryde is helping with knitting and will be among those sharing your donations.

The West Wight Sports and Community Centre told us: "As we did during the pandemic, West Wight Sports and Community Centre, in conjunction with the Our Place community sessions, will act as a hub to receive and distribute items made by the talented crafters on the Isle of Wight and help people to stay warm and well, during what may be a difficult winter ahead.”

Members of the Isle of Wight's WI network will also be getting involved in the making. 

  • We want to hear from you, if you run a project for people who might need a blanket, hat or scarf.
  • Tell us if you want to act as a drop-off point. If you run a craft group, tell us how you're getting involved by tagging #wightwarmers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
  • Email lucym@iwcpmail.co.uk for more information