Take up your needles with Closely Knit

Have you ever considered taking up knitting or crocheting, but don’t know how? Now you no longer have an excuse as there is an exciting new initiative in town. The group is named Closely Knit and was started by Sew & Save Help-my-Krap, and it had its first gathering on Saturday morning on the veranda of this store.

Anyone can join and it is free. “No matter your age, income level, or status – we believe in unity, in diversity, mutual respect and care and this is part of how we foresee the way forward,” said Muhammed Vawda of Help-my-Krap, who is also the spokesman for the group.
Apart from socialising, it’s intended to put the craft of knitting and crochet within easy reach for any enthusiastic and interested person. Primary and high school pupils as well as their parents are encouraged to join.

Help-my-Krap, which sells variety of wool that will have any lover of knitting or crocheting in seventh heaven, has managed to secure discounts for these sessions. “More than money, however, we have aimed and achieved an ethos of building each other up in many ways,” said Vawda.
Despite the cold, wet weather on Saturday, 14 ladies showed up with the youngest being six-year-old Diane Mans. Together with her slightly older sister, they were taught to knit and had great fun.

“Apart from the discount members get from Help-My-Krap upon joining, coffee and tea are also provided by the business and they pay for the services of professional teachers. We were a mixture of white, Indian, black as well as young and older ladies. It was indeed nice to sit down, chat to strangers about everyday issues that affect us all while all the time enjoying this craft,” said one of the members.

“I think in short, it can be described as a club where you can learn, socialise and contribute to someone else’s life without going to too much trouble,” said Susan van Engelenhoven of the Umjindi Jewellery Project.

For now the club will get together once a month and everyone is invited. The meetings will be held at different locations in town and the next session will be on May 9. The venue will be confirmed in Barberton Times.

Vawda said that projects for CANSA, the Vroue Landbou-unie (VLU) and Barberton Christian Forum (BCF), as well as donations to hospitals and the SPCA, charities and orphanages will be incorporated into the Closely Knit initiative in so far as it is relevant.

“We welcome the benefit of the company of persons or groups already involved in knitting and crocheting, or anyone who wants to chill in warm company. Much thanks to Van Engelenhoven for assisting in facilitating the coming together of some tutors, Function Junction and Help-my-Krap. Many thanks to Happy Hookers members who attended and shared their experience and skills with others.” said Vawda.

Should you wish to sign up or for more information, join their WhatsApp group on 082-766-6717 or contact Muhammed Vawda on the same number.