Forget your Norway Spruce or Douglas Fir – an Aberdeen university craft group has conjured up a truly novel version of the humble Christmas tree.
The Knit and Natter group at Robert Gordon University (RGU) has unveiled its 6ft labour of love, which has been months in the making.
The artificial tree is made out of over 200 individually knitted and crocheted squares, with every decoration – including the tinsel – a product of the pins.
It is now on display at the university’s Sir Ian Wood Building, where it has been catching the eye of passers-by.
The society’s Judith Moynagh, who is associate director of content and systems at the university library, said: “Everyone was enthusiastic about the idea and we discussed various possible designs for the tree – including flat ones or ones with branches.
“In the end, we decided on a cone shape and Jenny McConnachie, subject leader for mechanical engineering, worked out the number of squares we would need and how it would all fit together.”
The group was established in 2014 by the Art and Heritage Collections, as part of the university’s ‘Fit for the Future’ initiative, which promotes health and wellbeing across the campus community.
It currently has 25 student members as well as staff from across different university departments.
Mrs Moynagh added: “It is surprising how some time away from your desk, knitting and chatting with like-minded people can be so therapeutic.
“Members of the group are also very willing to share their knowledge about knitting and crocheting and it is a great chance to pick up new ideas.”
Anyone interested in joining can find them in the Sir Ian Wood Building amphitheatre between 12-2pm every Friday.
