Young knitters make bears for children in Africa
Times-Herald - Coweta County, GA

The Elm Street Knitters had a busy year -- working on a variety of projects during the 2008-2009 school term.

The final meeting of the group was held on April 22 at Two Sisters Knitting Nook, a knitting shop in downtown Newnan owned by Ashley Murray. For three years, girls from third through fifth grade have created hot mitts, hats, scarves, pillows and purses.

During their second year, the knitters used a pattern -- which dated back to World War II -- to knit teddy bears. The original pattern was used to make bears for children evacuated from London during the Blitz.

The bears made by the Elm Street pupils were sent to Africa as part of the Mother Bear Project. The project supplies bears to children suffering from the affects of the AIDS epidemic on the African continent.

Each bear is unique and a true work of love from one child to another.

During the past year, beginners in the Elm Street Knitters worked on washcloths, and more experienced knitters took on socks made the traditional way.

The volunteer run class was taught by Joy Gugert and Carrie Griswold.