Craft, community, and compassion came together as volunteers from 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day hosted their Love at first stitch KnitWits event at Reflection Pizza Bar on February 13.

Read more: KnitWits celebrate 12 years of togetherness

The Valentine’s-themed gathering saw knitters and crocheters from across Johannesburg and surrounding areas unite to create colourful blanket squares using pink, red, and white yarn.

Lisa Mancer, co-hosting with Greda Collier, said the initiative formed part of the organisation’s creative way of celebrating Valentine’s Day, while continuing its mission of spreading warmth and kindness through handmade blankets.

Also read: KnitWits celebrate World Crochet Day

She said the event was designed to bring people together through a shared love of crafting, while celebrating the spirit of Valentine’s Day. “We are helping to create a collaborative blanket using pink, red, and white yarn, which has been provided. Everyone is encouraged to dress in pink, red, or white and wear a heart somewhere.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Lucky draw excitement at the Love at first stitch KnitWits event, hosted by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, as Velly Matsebatle celebrates winning a special prize during the Valentine’s-themed games in Broadacres. Video: Ayanda Ntshingila #Fourways #Knitwits #67 ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“This is 67 Blankets’ way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. We are a day early, but everybody has got something on tomorrow.”

The KnitWits spent the day crafting squares that will be combined into several blankets. Unlike traditional blanket drives, where items are immediately distributed, these collaborative blankets will first form part of a special display. “We will combine the squares to make blankets that will be displayed on April 21 at Steyn City for world innovation and creativity day, before they are handed out.”

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