Made with love, that is what recipients must know

The only two things you needed to be part of this good initiative was your good wool and hook. On Saturday 25 January, KnitWits as they call themselves, gathered at Clearwater Mall in Struben’s Valley where they hosted a ‘knitathon’.

The initiative, called 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, started as a challenge, but has quickly grown into what some are calling a movement.

The campaign was founded by Carolyn Steyn and calls on people from around the world to knit, sew or crochet a blanket and help keep someone warm this winter.

Blankets will be distributed on Nelson Mandela Day, which occurs annually on 18 July. The only requirement is that the single bed-sized blanket or baby blanket is handmade. “The reason for this is because buying a blanket is easy – making one on the other hand, is time consuming and laborious. So much love and passion goes into making something yourself and the recipient of the blanket will hopefully know and understand that they matter,” explained Steyn.

Little Falls resident Timothy Moloi, who is also an ambassador of the project, said he is happy to be involved in this kind of project. Moloi said at first it was a challenge as he didn’t know how to knit. “Thanks to the internet, I learned how to knit on YouTube,” chuckled Moloi.

For most of the volunteers who call themselves KnitWits, the campaign is also helping them in their lives. “I have made so many friends, it’s even therapy for me as I get to meet and mingle with people from different areas,” shared Anne Dickerson.

People in different areas have grouped themselves and meet once a week where they have a knitting session. For Claire Seston of Little Falls, this was like an answer to her prayers when she heard of the initiative. “I have always loved knitting but now I’m glad because I’m knitting for a good cause and purpose,” explained Seston.

Details: www.67blankets.co.za, Twitter @67blankets, Facebook 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.