Ask Frances Bell to stop clicking her needles and she'll no doubt tell you to 'go get knitted!'
Frances is a huge supporter of Hula Animal Rescue, you see, and uses her talent at crafting wonderful woollen figures to raise much needed funds for the Aspley Guise based charity, writes Sammy Jones.
That's not to say she hasn't seen enough of some creations to last a good while.
“After planning to have an Easter range I ended up with just two items as they went so well - a bunny egg cosy and a Huggie Bunny.
“I was so sick of bunnies by the time Easter came!” she says with a laugh.
Earlier this year Frances called time on her role at Luton Borough Council after 15 years. Not that she has had any extra spare time – Grandson Robbie arrived in July to keep her busy.
In-between knitting up a storm for Hula, she now knits jumpers and toys for him.
But still the fundraising continues with gusto, and the pounds are pouring in.
“It's difficult to ascertain how many items I've knitted, but it must be approaching 400...”
“I attended a wedding in Scotland a few weeks ago, and took the opportunity to knit sheep on the way there. I never cease to be amazed at folks' generosity and support in ordering my items,” she said, although sometimes the thought of reaching for another ball of wool is a little tiresome.
“I must confess I do sometimes lose my 'mojo' particularly as I have to knit what is ordered rather than what I'd like to do.
“Fortunately I've discovered audio books; many a time I've sat looking at a daunting pile of knitted pieces that need sewing up and suddenly realise I've got a box of completed bunnies or sheep as I've been too engrossed in the story to notice.”
So far in 2015 her efforts have swelled Hula's coffers by £1021 and the race is on to break last year's total of £1093 before the year end.
And with attentions now turning to Christmas, Frances has swapped knitting bunnies for more seasonal items.
Napkin rings, Christmas puddings, Christmas trees, mini santa's and reindeer, and winter-ready penguins are among the goodies in demand just now.
And when the needles start to give Frances the needle, so to speak, just how does she ignite the spark and carry on 'purling'?
That's easy – by letting her thoughts drift to the animals that benefit from her hard work.
“Seth is a 13-year-old stray Staffie who came to Hula earlier in the year,” Frances tells Total MK, recalling one of the animals who has made quite an impression.
“He was due to be put down, but Hula was asked if they could take him due to his lovely nature. Seth was a poor old thing with very painful, untreated ulcerated eyes and what staff thought was kennel cough.
“I used to sit with him when he was in isolation and later walked him when it was discovered he had chronic bronchitis not kennel cough,” she says.
“Seth had to have an eye removed as it couldn't be saved, but remained his loving good natured self throughout his trials and tribulations.
“Everyone who meets him loves him!
“He has since been fostered by Dave, one of our volunteer dog walkers and it's a match made in heaven. "I'm so pleased he is having a happy retirement with Dave and his partner. So when I start lagging my thoughts turn to Seth...”
Help Frances to help more animals like Seth.
To place 'Knitting for Hula' orders visit https://www.facebook.com/handknittedforhula/info/
