LITTERED with soft, knitted trinkets, a sewing room filled to the brim with wool, material and finished and half completed works - the home of Charlestown resident Dorothy Sneddon is a museum of artistic wares.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For the past 40 years, Mrs Sneddon, a pioneer of classic knitting styles and crocheting, has perfected her creative endeavours, making garments for the young and old as well as beautiful blankets for her grandchildren.
Her talent and commitment to what she describes as a "dying art" saw her clean up the craft awards at the recent Newcastle Show - a welcome surprise for the humble 92 year old.
Awarded four first places and two Showcases of Excellence at the Newcastle Show came as a complete shock to Mrs Sneddon, who said she had not even planned to submit a single design.
Newcastle Machine Knitters president Leonie Mills encouraged her to enter a few of her pieces into the competition.
The winning works included a crocheted blanket, two knitted women's tops and a baby layette - booties, bonnet and matinee jacket.
"I give anything a go, there is always something to do," she said.
"It [knitting] keeps my brain active. I think it also keeps you going," she said.
Already starting on her applications and pieces for the 2014 Royal Sydney Show, the self-taught seamstress said she would be busy organising what to make and submit as well as keeping up with orders from the family to make clothes for future great-grandchildren.
"The grandchildren are too busy studying to learn how to sew and knit so I have lots to get through," she said.