THE clickety-clack of knitting needles can be heard all around the suburbs where women’s hands are busily creating beanies, scarves and jerseys for those needing the warmth of love patterned into woollen garments.
Since its inception, the beanie project has helped add a touch of warmth to thousands of people in the Valley of 1000 Hills each winter and this year, more than 1 500 beanies have been knitted for those in need.
Bellair resident, Grace Margaret Smith started knitting beanies for another project in KwaDabeka in 2015.
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She knitted 130 beanies as well as 27 jerseys and 27 scarves. Her good friend, Sharon Richardson, challenged her to knit 200 beanies, which she politely declined to do as she had a larger number in mind, 365.
“Once you have knitted 10 of them, the pattern seems to just stick in your mind,” giggled Grace.
With her deft skills, she can create three small beanies, two mediums or one large beanie in a day.
Her reason for helping in this manner is simple. “I have a passion and love for people and I get so excited when I see people wearing my beanies, I become like a little child in those moments.
“I feel that the more love and respect you show to others, the more love and and respect will be given back to you in return. This has been my life’s motto,” said the 74-year-old.
The beanies will be donated to the Jes Foord Foundation which will hand them over to children in Hammarsdale.
According to the organisation’s Trish Gillespie, the foundation aims to empower more than 110 000 learners this year through its awareness talks and No Means No campaign.
“I am bowled over by the response,” said the project’s founder, Marion Parker. “I could cry every time someone drops off a beanie. Some people have even told me that taking part in this project has given them a reason to wake up in the morning. A big thank you to everyone who has contributed.”
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