FLANDER’S war-torn fields were known for producing the originals, but a crafty bunch of south-west volunteers have Remembrance Day stitched up.
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Hundreds of fabric poppies have been produced by a busy group of knitters based at Warrnambool Library as part of a statewide initiative reflecting on wars past and present.
The 5000 Poppies Project was devised by Melbourne women Lynn Berry and Margaret Knight as an alternative way of commemorating November 11. Libraries across Victoria have embraced the concept.
Warrnambool library officer Vicki Cox said the knitting extravaganza had been a surprise hit among young amateurs, with many children participating over the school holidays.
She said the sea of crimson, scarlet and burgundy had been a talking point at the municipal library. “It’s been fabulous. The children have really got on board with the whole idea,” Ms Cox said.
“Some people can knit a poppy in about half-an-hour, others take a few days, but it’s something you can do at your own leisurely pace.”
A number of poppies have typed and written dedications to fallen soldiers, with many participants choosing to highlight family connections to WWI, WWII and more modern conflicts.
“Most people have some relative that served in the war, so this is a unique way of remembering them,” Ms Cox said.
“They’ll eventually be displayed in Federation Square, which will be a sight to behold.”
The 5000 Poppies Project ties in with next year’s commemoration of 100 years since the advent of World War One and will also feature in events held across Australia marking a century since the April 1915 Gallipoli landings.
alex.sinnott@fairfaxmedia.com.au