Machknitz, a local NPO, wants to revive the lost art of machine knitting.
Founder Adri Grib established the NPO about four years ago after she retired from her job and wanted to spend the rest of her time on one of her favourite pastimes.
“Knitting has always been one of my passions and it’s sad to see it’s a skill that is slowly disappearing.
“We all grew up with mothers, grandmothers and aunts who knitted back in the day and I want to carry on that tradition,” said Grib.
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Grib moved all her knitting machines and equipment to a building down the road from where she and her husband live in Casseldale and conducts her business from there.
When Grib announced the opening of the NPO and her mission to revive machine knitting, the response she received was overwhelming, with many people offering to sell her their machines.
Sellers from the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, Polokwane and other parts of the country offered her excellent prices on antique pieces still in good condition.
The 67 Blankets project donated two tons of wool to the NPO at the beginning of the year, which has allowed Machknitz to knit and donate hundreds of blankets, jerseys, socks and other items.
Most of the items are donated to children’s homes and old age homes in underprivileged areas of the country.
Weekly workshops have been set up to train eager knitters how to operate the machines under the tutelage of experienced knitters.
These classes will cater to beginner knitters as well as more advanced classes for those who want to take their knitting skills to the next level.
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Those taking part in the workshops are allowed to take the items they made home with them.
Grib transformed the entrance of the building into a museum displaying a wide variety of knitting machines that date back to the late 1800s.
Grib plans on hosting a Christmas Day on November 27, where they will be celebrating experts and artists who make their living working with their hands.
“People who work with their hands and make hand-crafted items are very dear to me, and we must celebrate their contributions to society.
“On the day, we will be inviting all sorts of artisans and artists and allow them to show the town the things they have created,” said Grib.
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