When high-flying financier Ruth Herring lost her job at Christmas, she discovered an unusual way to weave her way out of unemployment.

Some people in her predicament might mope around the house in despair, but this 51-year-old saw it as an opportunity to rediscover an old passion - knitting.

Miss Herring, who studied fashion as a youngster, launched a new career teaching knitwear and crochet at South Thames College, and demand for her expertise is growing by the day.

She said: “My job was very stressful. I did it for seven years, and then I was made redundant out of the blue.
(more...)

A woman from Oxfordshire has started knitting sweaters for rescued battery hens that have lost their feathers.

Jane Blaine, of Eynsham, said when a friend first asked her to knit jumpers for chickens she thought it was a joke.

Ms Blaine, who has previously made coats for dogs, said: "When I saw these poor battery hens without any feathers, I thought I'd give it a try."

The jumpers are made from eyelash wool and were specially designed after the chickens' measurements were taken.

Ms Blaine said measuring the chickens was problematic.

"Obviously they have quite small necks and big bodies," she said.

"And I had to make room for the wings. It was a bit like knitting a funnel."

Source: BBC