Covid 19 level four which ended last night (27 April) meant changes to personal routines for most people.

While a lot of people have taken up exercise or baking to fill the hours of isolation others have used the time to indulge in lifetime passions.

Barbara Robertson, a long time avid knitter, managed to get her hands on some wool and patterns and set about producing an array of hand-knitted items for family and friends during her time off.

She was particularly pleased to be able to complete some knitting projects left behind by her friend Kim who sadly died last year, including some baby clothes for her friend’s grand baby.

Mrs Robertson works as a nurse at Invercargill prison and would normally spend her days off at home in Te Anau, but level four restrictions meant, that as an essential worker, she had to stay in her isolation bubble in Invercargill. Mrs Robertson found a refuge at the home of her cousin Barbara Pollard.

Her passion for knitting seems to be quite infectious and, encouraged by her cousin’s efforts, Mrs Pollard joined the knit-fest and between them the pair have so far produced about 20 items which would be gifted to their wider circle of family and friends.