Calling all crocheters: Scarves for world record needed

A non profit organisation is on a mission to set a new Guinness World Record, in celebration of former president Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday.

67 Blankets, a charity drive that strives to collect and donate blankets and scarves to those in need, are hoping to set a record by creating a 27km of scarf – one kilometre for every year that Madiba spent in prison.

The scarves collected for the incredible feat will be distributed during the coldest months of the year.

This Guinness attempt at creating the world’s longest scarf will take place on Sunday, 29 July, which is in Mandela Month. The scarf then be displayed at the Mandela Capture Site in Howick.

ALSO READ: Join crochet revolution for Madiba

Carolyn Steyn, the founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day said this attempt will show the entire world what the 67 Blankets family is doing, stitch by stitch, to keep the legacy of the late great Tata Madiba (and the ideals for which he stood) alive.

“For the past three years we have churned out thousands of scarves for our SSS (Secret Scarves Shhh…) initiative which we do every July during Mandela Month. India currently holds the record for the longest scarf in the world – at 14km. Why don’t we in South Africa beat India in this ‘Wool Cup’? Our KnitWits can definitely do this for Madiba,” she added.

2018 is going to be, as Carolyn calls it a “greyt year” for the project.

On 24 April, the KnitWits will also attempt to make history by creating the “Largest Portrait Blanket in the World” depicting the face of the beloved world icon, Nelson Mandel.

ALSO READ: KnitWits honour Tata’s legacy

“We have the wool. We have the ‘goodwool’,” she added.

The deadline to get all scarves to 67 Blankets Headquarters, so that the task of sewing scarves together and labelling each scarf can begin, is 25 June.

Once the Guinness record has been achieved, and spectacular aerial photos of this display have been taken, Stuttaford Van Lines will transport the scarves back to the the regions so that the Secret Scarves mission can continue on the same day at the same time, all around the country.

“Every scarf will have our message of love and warmth attached to it, as well as our trademark heart logo – and people walking home from school and work will witness pockets of glorious colour and warmth around lamp posts, railings and trees. And thousands of people who need a little more colour and warmth will be able to just help themselves to our labours of love,” said Carolyn.

The nitty gritty
The scarf size has to be 20 cm x 200 cm, and the hook size must be no bigger than 6.5mm (As per Guinness World Record Rules). Details about the type of hooks used must be provided.
For the purposes of the Guinness World Record the scarves need to be crocheted. However knitted scarves will be accepted to distribute.
So get out your wool and crochet hooks, and get started as soon as possible. For more details on either the scarves or on how to get your scarves to the 67 Blankets HQ, check out their Facebook page or email info@67blankets.co.za

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