‘Knitwits’ meet for a knit-a-thon
The knitwits have made over 167 000 blankets since they began.
Women from all around the world gathered at the Farmhouse in Steyn City to share how knitting has impacted them in their different countries. They did so over tea while sharing their stories and knitting the day away. Women from România, Brazil, Turkyie, USA, Bolivia, Greece, Cameroon, Peru, Nigeria, UK, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Italy, DR Congo, Argentine, India, Pakistan, Côte d’Ivoire, Switzerland, Panama, Benin, Honduras, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico and Moldova all shared their love for knitting and how this initiative impacts people in their different countries.
The founder of 67 Blankets for Mandela Day, Carolyn Steyn, shared how the journey began. “It was at my husband’s birthday. He was just out of hospital so I did not want to invite a lot of people. As we were chatting, Mandela Day came up and I said ‘I do not know what to do for the 67 minutes on Mandela Day’. That is when Mandela’s personal assistant, Zelda la Grange, said let’s make 67 blankets. That is how it started.”
She told all the attendees that this was a task she could not do alone – hence why she created a Facebook post to ask other women for help. “Ever since then, it has grown. It grew to what it is today and I couldn’t be happier.”
She said she would love to see more of the youth knitting to donate these blankets to people in need. “We identify organisations that help people in need and just before winter, we like making these donations so that people can stay warm.
“I believe I have found my calling.”
This year’s theme is ‘Peace, Love and Tolerance’.
The knitwits are planning on knitting flags of their respective countries to make one big blanket to raise more awareness of the knitting initiative and how it helps people. “It is so nice to see people from all walks of life coming together for a good cause.”
Related article: Knitwitts proud to turn 10
