Share your love of knitting GLAM twilight market scares up new talent

The Diagon Alley Twilight Market that saw over 600 magic enthusiasts flock to Gerringong Library last year was a hit thanks to the stallholders, makers and performers.

Expressions of interest are now open for those of any age who want to be involved in this year’s enchantment of the Library.

“We will have a photobooth and roving entertainers and hopefully even more market stalls displaying the imagination and creative skill of our local makers.” Market goers will be able to peruse the stalls, enjoy live music, have their fortune told and take part in challenges and puzzles to win a prize.

Paid parking more likely

The idea of introducing paid parking for visitors in Kiama gained further support at the May Council meeting.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Matt Brown, aims to replicate the success of paid parking in other LGAs, such as Byron Bay.

Celebrate creativity and share your passion for knitting this Worldwide Knit In Public Day at the Gerringong Library on 8 June.

Bring your current handiwork projects and top tips to the library to share with other knitters and view two dozen of the best local Wrap With Love blankets.

For far too long, knitting has been misconstrued as something solely reserved for grannies, but the truth is, it’s a creative and rewarding pastime that is meant for all ages, genders, and anyone with a passion for self-expression.

That’s why the aim of this special day is to encourage more people to pick up the needles, and the Kiama knitting scene is happy to help those just starting out.

Boni Maywald not only knits but organises knitters to make squares for Wrap With Love, a voluntary charitable organisation which wraps more than 30,000 people each year in Australia and the world with love and warmth.

“In the first half of this year, local knitters, stitchers and crochet afficionados have particularly pulled out all stops to provide finished Wrap With Love blankets for distribution to those affected by disasters and conflict,” she says.

“We have donated around 250 local blankets in the past four months for distribution locally and overseas, including to those still affected by floods and fires in north, south and western NSW, and also to Syria and Turkiye quake victims and to support Ukrainian refugees staying in Sydney under the special three-year visa arrangements.”

This past year, aside from continuing to support the monthly casual Knit+Chat groups at Kiama and Gerringong libraries, Knit With Love have also helped Bonaira Care Home set up its own weekly knit group, so that residents can enjoy continuing to create while sharing stories of their lives.

“One Care Home resident was especially thrilled to win a prize at this year's Kiama Show for her skillful Bavarian Crochet blanket,” says Boni.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day Thursday 8 June, 10am to 2pm Gerringong Library, Blackwood Street

by Perrie Croshaw

Kiama Librarian and organiser, Carla James, says stallholders, makers and performers who love all things magic, Harry Potter, witchy, or spooky should host a stall on the night, and are encouraged to decorate their stall to suit the theme.

“We were completely thrilled with the turn out at the inaugural event and this year, we are going to make it bigger and more wondrous,” Ms James says.

“We will also have special prizes for anyone who comes dressed up in their best magical garb!” Ms James says.

To get involved as a stallholder, maker or performer, visit the Kiama Library website before 30 June. No fees apply.

While Cllr Brown acknowledged the need to consult with Kiama residents and Transport NSW, he noted that the business community was already supportive of the idea, provided that parking costs were not imposed on residents and the funds were directed towards public services.

Cassandra Zaucer

Friday 14 July, Gerringong Library and Museum, 3-7pm by

During the meeting, Cllr Croxford expressed his support for the proposal, highlighting that many day-trip visitors enjoy Kiama’s ambiance and facilities, without necessarily spending money with local businesses.

The soon to be formed Infrastructure and Liveability Committee will be asked to form a working group to review the implementation of visitor paid parking.

After the Meeting, Mayor Reilly observed that Kiama is embarking on a paid parking journey, with money for a report on the issues involved allocated in the budget.

by Tracey Henderson