So we have had a small break following what has been a massive three years of very hard work, but we have not been idle. There is still so much to do before our grand finale at the Australian War Memorial in November 2018.
We have loaned some of our wonderful poppies to the Shire of Wyndham Library to support their current installation of Writing the War exhibition. So, for those of you who would like to see some of the lovely felted, stitched and fancy poppies … City Life Plaza Library, Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre, Shop MM11, Level 1, Derrimut Road, Werribee until 12 November alongside some fantastic WWI memorabilia from the local RSL. It looks amazing.
Next step … We are also starting work tomorrow on rehabilitating the nets from their overseas workout. Hoping that this will be minimal but won’t really know until we get them on the table. And so it starts all over again …will post dates and details on the facebook group.
In November we will be loaning a selection of stringed and stemmed poppies as well as a few panels to the Point Cook Air Base to support the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Australian Flying Corps at Point Cook. These will not be on public display.
We have also started work on stitching the string poppies … as opposed to tagging. It’s quite a task …. but worth the effort when you see the result.
We are planning to do a catch up on Remembrance Day this year in Fed Square. It may not be a formal activity but we are relaunching our poppy drive with a view to creating an additional 50,000 lapel poppies for the Victorian RSL for their 2018 Poppy Appeal. That’s two years away and I think we can do it easily. So dust off those crochet hooks and knitting needles, we need your help!!!! And we are planning to raise well in excess of half a million dollars for the RSL … that would be amazing don’t you think?
And so, just in case you missed what we have achieved over the last few years … here is a visual reminder of a number of the major installations. There were many, many more. I never tire of these images.
Where it all started … the 14/32nd Australian Infantry Battallion memorial, Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne 2013 in honour of Wal and Stan.
Our official launch installation at Federation Square in November 2013
Phil’s beautiful tribute garden at the Melbourne Flower and Garden Show in 2015
THE stunning installation at Federation Square on Anzac Day 2015
The installation on Princes Bridge … what an honour watching all the marchers march past of tribute to them on Anzac Day 2015
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2106 … such an amazingly beautiful installation … seen by more than 60 million people all over the world
Fromelles France 2016 … the heart and soul … such an honour and a privilege.
It’s been an amazing journey and the journey continues.
Work to do!!!
5000 POPPIES 
Would love to make some lapel-sized poppies for the RSL. Will there be particular instructions or specifications for these?
Hi Katherine,
The patterns are the same as the ones for chelsea under the patterns section on the blog. I will update shortly but you can find the Chelsea patterns there.
In general we are looking for a tight knit/crochet pin than you would be happy to wear yourself. This is an exciting new development.
That is clear enough – about 8 cm in diameter, a pin sewn on the back if possible, and any of the patterns so long as the fabric is quite tight so that the poppy doesn’t flop. I can do it. In fact, I can do lots!
Would you like a small safety pin stitched on the back????Also I will try with some 4 ply and a fine crochet hook to make some smaller ones for Ladies!My husband belongs to Canberra Legacy so I will show his sweet ladies and ask their opinion.
Carolyn Pennington
Canberra
A small safety pin would be wonderful. It would definitely save us doing it. We are looking for around 8-9 cm in size … so not too tiny … we love to make a splash … But that would be wonderful thank Carolyn.
Lynn
Would love to help out with knitting poppies please send a pattern so I know the right size and I will be able to get started. Keep up the good work the whole world knows about your goog work
Hi Noelein,
The poppy patterns on the blog … on the patterns page will be good. We are using the Chelsea patterns. Our original patterns … just knitted or crocheted a little tighter (slightly smaller hook or needles) to give a nice tight finish. And if you would like to put a safety pin on the back that would be great as well … or we can arrange here.
thanks
Lynn
Hi Lyn,This is amazing.Have just been tidying up a cupboard and came across a folder with lots of my poppy photos and the little book, and sat down and went through them,thinking of the happy times we had and saying to myself how much I miss it and I must get in touch with Lynn to see when we are needed again& then here this is.!!!!! Unfortunately I am having another cataract done on 11Nov. but after that it will be all systems go.Kind regards Rana
Lovely Rana,
Football season and Rugby season are over for another year. Back to poppies. LOL.
Lots of love and hugs for your cataract op. Hope all goes really well.
Look forward to seeing you hale and hearty soon.
Lynn
Hi Ladies, I have a new email address it is santarossajudy@gmail.com