Knitting In A Circle

Knit and natter

Members of the Monday morning knitting circle need not look far for an example of where rising prices have affected their lives.

"Good quality wool has got quite expensive," says Mandy Snelling, a 62-year-old retired childcare professional.

"It cost £32 just for the wool for this tabard. It would have cost even more if it had sleeves!"

Members of the Knit and Natter Club meet every Monday in the local library of the Kent market town of Tonbridge.

"It is far more 'natter' than 'knit'," says Judith Ackrill, 62.

They need little encouragement to talk about the rate of inflation in the UK - which stood at 4.5% in May - and how families are coping with increasing prices.

The focus of food and fuel in the budgets of those aged over 50 mean that the 50-to-64-year-olds face the highest rate of inflation, according to calculations by investment company Alliance Trust.

Their wages have failed to keep pace with these rises, in much the same way as pensioners' savings rates are well below the inflation rate.

"When you retire, you think you have put enough aside to see you through," says Mrs Snelling, whose husband has decided to work on past pension age.

"Even if you are getting the best rates, they are not keeping up with inflation and you do not want to be a burden on your children."

However, they agree that rising prices mean grandparents are having to carry their share of childcare duties - a different scenario from the previous generation.

The group say that grandparents are often seen with their grandchildren in the High Street, as parents are having to return to work.

"You have to think twice about what you are going to buy and ask yourself whether you want it or need it," says Mrs Ackrill.

"Nine times out of 10, you do not really need it."

A short distance from the library, in the Supreme Card and Party Shop, that choice for consumers has had a clear effect.

The "yellow shop", as it is known to many locals, is available for let. Inflation is good for balloons, but bad for balloon sales, it seems.

With suppliers increasing their charges, the shop has been trying to avoid passing on these costs to customers.

"Kids pick things up, but their mums are being careful with how they spend," says Debbie Farnum, who has worked at the store for three years.

Crochet, Knit, bead, embroidery, handmade, craft, handicraft ...

Material: Yarn "Olga". But the more likeable and will not have to tease, if you use the yarn Lotus stretch of grass. " Filling: In fact, use specials. filler for toys, but an ordinary yarn will do. I had on hand was «Vita elegant» matching color. It is soft and not dumped, well kept shape. also need a button and bead (nose and eyes, respectively). In this case the head is better not to fill too tightly, and the rest of the Bears (legs and torso) best stuff stouter. Before assembling the pin lower legs first pin and then locate the position where he will stand. Then make a moving filament mounting pads. Pull the thread mount and check the stability of the toy standing and sitting. Do not be lazy to change, if the toy is not worth it.

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