Could you be a knittivist?

Knitters are known to pick up their needles for many reasons and now an entire community is doing so in the name of peace.

Since 2007, the TikkunTree Project has been encouraging crafters to create an enormous knitted tree that will eventually cover a silent candle vigil to advocate cessation of hostilities between Israelis and Palestinians.

Known as the 'peace tree', it has been continuing to grow, thanks to "knittivists" - knitters, sewers and crocheters - passionate about Middle East peace.

With tensions continuing to boil on the Gaza Strip, now is the ideal moment to turn your love of knitting into a move for peace and simple patterns can be obtained from the TikkunTree official site.

The tree is already taking form as a free-standing sculpture and three-dimensional leaves are currently the most in need.

Whatever level your knitting is at, you can contribute, although you will probably want to get some practice in first.

Once you feel comfortable working the needles, you can opt for either a single or double-sided leaf pattern. Knittivists can also choose to create foliage from tip to stem or stem to take, using either double-point needles or straights.

If you're new to the world of knitting you should start with double-point needles, as these are great for any future projects you may choose to start.

Once you have completed your leaves, you may get a flavour for knitting for a good cause and there are plenty of charity knits taking place across the country.

In Enfield, London, crafters are being encouraged to take part in a nationwide scheme to tackle cystic fibrosis.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is calling on those with a kind heart to create leg warmers for people with the condition, who will then bounce on a trampoline in their new leg wear to keep fit and healthy, North London Today reported.

Sue Piper, the trust's senior fundraising manager, said: "We know that families with children who have cystic fibrosis often use trampolines as a fun way to help them do their daily physio and we're delighted to be part of this wacky challenge to the nation's knitters."