Redgrave and Lopham Fen

Big needles
Originally uploaded by zoer.

I have been to Redgrave and Lopham Fen today spinning and showing people how to knit.
I took some huge needles (made from broomsticks) and some Jaeger King Pins as well as some ordinary needles and lots of wool. I cut up some old dresses to knit with on the broomstick needles and the knitting looked really good.
Three different men of various ages said that they had been taught to knit by their aunts or grandmothers and they had a go with the big needles, but only one of them knew how to cast on. It was strange how they were perfectly happy to have a go with the big needles but wouldn't have a go with the ordinary ones.
Some of the little boys wanted to have a go as well as some of the little girls, and one of the boys said he'd had a go at school during a project they were doing about the second world war. He had obviously enjoyed it and wanted to knit some more.
Everyone who had a go persevered and they were all pleased with themselves.