Kandahar Home resident, Iris, loves to celebrate Easter. So much so that she created enough knitted chickens for all the residents at the Enliven home in Masterton.
Cleverly designed to be very tactile and appealing, the soft woollen chickens also served as a wrapping for a chocolate egg.
“It was a nice surprise for some of the residents to find a little egg hidden inside the chicken,” Iris says.
An avid knitter for many years, Iris, 89, honed her craft by making clothes for her babies and now makes garments and intricate knitted toys for her grandchildren.
It’s taken Iris months to make all the chickens, which are beautifully and imaginatively decorated with ribbons and feathers. She adapted the pattern from a book and a friend in Rotorua where she hails from gave her the wool.
When asked if she’s thought of selling the chicks, Iris says she just wanted to give other residents pleasure at Easter.
“It’s been fun knitting the chickens and if they make someone happy, I’m happy.”
Relatively new to Kandahar Home, Iris has quickly formed a warm bond with recreation officer Diane McCuish.
“Di is a real source of inspiration and encouragement,” says Iris.
Di says Iris’ selfless attitude is one everyone can aspire to.
“She’s been here less than a year and she’s spent six months making gifts for other people. Roll on Christmas!”
Enliven’s Kandahar Home and Village in Lansdowne, Masterton offers retirement living, rest home and hospital care, while nearby Kandahar Court offers specialised dementia care. For more information visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call the friendly team on 06 370 0447.
