Laughter and excitement filled the room as the Mulbarton KnitWits gathered to convert thousands of individual stitches into a major community effort.

The group handed over 2 400 knitted and crocheted squares to the Queenshaven Retirement Village KnitWits, who now have the challenge of turning them into as many blankets as possible over the next three months.

Lynton Lefevre, marketing manager for 67 Blankets and the Queenshaven Retirement Village KnitWits, said the afternoon had a special feeling, particularly because the Mulbarton group was still relatively new.

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“There was such a lovely buzz – lots of laughter, chatting and excitement. Our group is only a few months old, and already we’re bursting at the seams. Seeing the Queenshaven Retirement Village KnitWits leave with their challenge and such big smiles made the afternoon especially meaningful,” said Lefevre.

For Lefevre, seeing all 2 400 squares together was a reminder of the time and care that had gone into creating them.

“It’s quite something to see all 2 400 squares together. I feel incredibly proud and grateful, because behind every square is someone’s time, care and generosity. Knowing they will now be joined into blankets to keep people warm makes the number even more special,” he said.

The squares were donated to 67 Blankets by National Renal Care as a national corporate social investment project for its staff.

Lefevre said the contribution demonstrated what could happen when people came together around something as simple as knitting and crocheting.

“It shows just how much can grow from simply bringing people together. We enjoy a cup of tea, a natter and a few stitches, but those small moments add up to something that can make a real difference. That’s the heart of 67 Blankets – knitting lives together, one stitch at a time,” he said.

The next stage of the project will require plenty more work, with the 2 400 squares needing to be joined to create the blankets.

Lefevre said it was a collective effort, with National Renal Care staff making and donating the squares and The Wool Shoppe donating all the yarn needed to join the thousands of pieces. The Queenshaven Retirement Village KnitWits will now take the challenge forward, with ambassador Velly Matsebatlela overseeing the project.

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For Lefevre, however, the afternoon was about more than the finished blankets.

“I hope people leave feeling welcome, connected and inspired to get involved. You don’t have to be an expert at knitting or crocheting to have something to offer. Sometimes it starts with simply showing up, lending a hand or sharing a laugh,” he said.

The group’s next challenge is now underway as the squares begin their journey from individual pieces of yarn into blankets that will bring warmth to others.

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