Absent, but not a stitch dropped

Lorraine Scott (left) and daughter Jan Scott prepare knitted childrens-wear for sale at the Thieves Alley markets, but for the first time in nearly 30 years, the 78-year-old will not be behind a stall tomorrow.

She is one of the longest participating stall holders at the market, having sold knitted baby clothing since 1985.

However, after being admitted to Dunedin Hospital on Monday with an undiagnosed illness, she is unable to attend this year's event.

Daughters Jan Scott and Fiona Nicholson will run the stall in her absence.

''I'm very disappointed. I haven't missed one since 1985,'' Mrs Scott said.

''I do it because I enjoy knitting so much that I accumulate so many pieces of clothing and there's no other way to get rid of it.

''I'm heartened that my daughters are going to be there to hold the fort for me.''

She said the money raised from the sale of her woollen garments would be used to buy more wool because it was ''so expensive'' to buy these days, and knitting gave her so much pleasure.

''I knit so much because I hate television. Knitting keeps me awake.''

Mrs Scott hoped to be back on her feet soon, and planned to be back at Thieves Alley next year.