WATCH: Allen Park’s Cathy (78) is knitting up a storm

If there is anyone who has mastered the art and skill of knitting, it is Cathy Mare (78) who has been knitting since the age of three.

Cathy, among other things, knits boots for the Be’ad Chaim (Pro Life) Association in Israel, an anti-abortion non-profit organisation with counsellors in all major cities. They provide private and confidential counselling, free pregnancy tests, support groups as well as prenatal and parental training courses.

The organisation also comforts women who are grieving after an abortion or miscarriage.

Cathy, who lives at Allen Park Retirement Village, has been knitting for the organisation for two and a half years.

“A woman, who was apparently calling different old age homes, called here to find out who was knitting booties and that is how I started knitting for the organisation.

“So far, I have knitted roughly 3 000 to 4 000 booties for Be’ad Chaim. I enjoy doing this because it is comforting to know that I am making a difference in the lives of all those precious babies,” said Cathy as she looked at a poster glued to her cupboard of some of the children who have been rescued by the organisation.

She often looks at those adorable faces when knitting and is inspired to continue knitting.

The vibrant 78-year-old has been knitting her whole life and said her mother, who was a dressmaker, taught her how to knit.

“I was three when my mother taught me how to knit with six-inch nails and I had my first diploma for knitting when I was seven years old. I had knitted a jersey and it went to the Pretoria show where I won a diploma for it at that young age.

“I had my tonsils taken out when I was nine years old and while I was in hospital, I asked my mother to bring me all my needles and wool as I wanted to knit little booties for the dolls. When I was 13, I was in hospital again and knitted booties for the children there.

“I knitted my own jerseys as a child and knitted booties for florists who put them in their bouquets.”

Cathy taught herself how to knit booties, among other things, and it takes her 50 minutes to put together a pair.

“I love knitting. I find that it is very relaxing and at least you are producing something.

“I sell some of the booties to other residents here and they give it to their grandchildren. I use that money to buy more wool to continue knitting. That is my story: knitting, knitting and knitting,” said Cathy.

Knitting has become such an integral part of her that even as she gave the interview much attention, she was still able to knit.

“I sometimes wake up at night when I have a bit of insomnia, make my bed, take a bath and knit. I am very fortunate that I don’t suffer from any illness on my hands from knitting, which is a good thing because I can’t imagine myself doing something else. I sometimes bake and make creative birthday cards.”

The mother of three sons said she would appreciate any donations of wool from community members.

“Although I sometimes get wool from my son in Australia and from some of my friends, people are more than welcome to donate wool. I feel the Lord wants me to do this. I also knit jerseys and jackets when I can.

“Anyone interested can donate four-ply wool because three-ply is unsuitable for the booties. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.

“To the youngsters: Take care of yourself and make wise choices in life. I believe that being a Christian and loving the Lord has helped me get to where I am. I have been a resident at Allen Park for 16 years and I love it here. God bless you all.”