Ukrainian fundraiser, with help from Cowes CWA
Helen Brown admits she’s better at writing than knitting, with her best-known book, Cleo, selling two million copies globally.
Phillip Island author Helen Brown admits she’s better at writing than knitting, with her best-known book, Cleo, selling two million copies globally.
So no one was more surprised when a winning bidder paid $1000 for Helen’s hand-knitted beanie in a New York auction, which was a fundraiser for Ukraine.
But, she adds, the price wouldn’t have happened without a little help from the Cowes Country Women’s Association.
“For years I would force my beanies on to family and friends,” she laughs.
“I’m a very bad knitter, just plain and purl.”
She says when her New York-based publisher told her of the fundraising auction, Helen could only think of donating her books and a beanie, which she knitted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
“When I finished the beanie I thought something was missing so I walked up and down Thompson Avenue and the $2 shops looking for a sunflower for this terrible beanie.”
She popped into the CWA on Thompson Avenue and member Penny offered one of her hand-crocheted sunflowers.
“Blow me down the colour was an exact match with the gold of the Ukrainian flag in the beanie.”
Helen then sent the beanie, complete with sunflower, to New York where bidders – who were also fans of the New York Times bestselling author – came from the UK, Belgium, New Zealand and the US.
“I thought it would get $20 so I was shocked when it reached $US650.”
The winning bidder was a fan in Tasmania, who has since connected with both Helen and Penny to show her gratitude.
Helen has written 15 books and is currently working on her latest, due for release later this year.
