Issy’s Coffee and Gift Shop hosts knitathon to spread Mandela’s legacy of love
New and old knitters joined together at the knitathon at Issy's Coffee and Gift Shop to craft squares for the breathtaking creation that will light up Gqeberha on World Happiness Day.
In a quiet corner of Forest Town, where stories of resilience and remembrance intertwine, the click of knitting needles filled the air at Issy’s Coffee and Gift Shop on November 23. But this was no ordinary gathering. This was a knitathon, a vibrant chapter in the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative, weaving yarn, and the hopes and happiness of a community, together.
Michelle Burton, the spirited volunteer behind the event, welcomed newcomers and seasoned knitters alike, declaring, “Anyone can join – whether you’ve been knitting for years or have never picked up a pair of needles in your life.” For beginners, the day was a chance to learn a new skill, guided by patient volunteers.
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The mission? To craft squares for the happiness blanket, a breathtaking creation destined to light up Gqeberha on March 20, 2025, for World Happiness Day.
This isn’t just any blanket. Burton described its colourful future. “The centrepiece will be a giant smiley-face emoji, surrounded by squares made with love at knitathons like this one.”
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Hosting the event at the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre (JHGC) added deeper meaning. Tali Nates, founder and executive director of the JHGC, explained: “Nelson Mandela’s legacy inspires us to connect, to lead with compassion, and to uphold democracy. This initiative aligns beautifully with our work at the centre, which reflects on history to shape a kinder, more inclusive future.”
As Nates picked up her crochet hook, she confessed to being a beginner, but the joy of meeting new people from diverse backgrounds kept her stitches flowing. “This is what it’s all about – creating something beautiful together while building bridges of understanding,” she said.
Burton couldn’t agree more. “Knitting isn’t just about the craft – it’s about finding peace. As you stitch, your worries seem to unravel.”
The next knitathon is already on the horizon, set for January 25, 2025 at Issy’s Coffee and Gift Shop. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or simply curious, this initiative offers a chance to join a movement that warms hearts and strengthens communities – one stitch at a time.
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