How Hurlingham-based KnitWits 4 the Needy helped a Mumbai immigrant adjust in Johannesburg
A move from India's city of Mumbai to Johannesburg came with uncertainty, but joining KnitWits 4 the Needy transformed Emma Jane's new beginning into a story of belonging and giving back.
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you leave behind everything familiar.
For Emma Jane (29), who now lives in Rivonia, relocating from the city of Mumbai in India to Johannesburg in February this year meant starting over.
Accompanying her husband, who works in Johannesburg, Jane found herself navigating a completely new city with no family or friends nearby. “I had no one here except my husband. It was a big adjustment.”
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She added that coming from Mumbai, where she loved riding her motorbike through the city’s lively streets, even in the middle of the night, Johannesburg presented a very different way of life.
Determined to build a new life and meet like-minded people, Jane began searching for crochet groups in the area. Having crocheted for five years, she was not looking for a new hobby; she was looking for a community.
She found exactly that after reading articles in the Sandton Chronicle about KnitWits 4 the Needy Hurlingham, a volunteer group that creates handmade blankets, scarves, beanies, and other items for people in need.
“I saw articles about the KnitWits 4 the Needy online on Sandton Chronicle and was immediately sold. I messaged Greta Collier, the founder of the group, and joined them the following Saturday.
“I was 40 minutes late for the first meeting. Excited, anxious, and little scared about being late. I was worried if I would fit in. I’ve been crocheting by myself all these years, I wasn’t sure what to expect really.”
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Those fears quickly disappeared after the warm welcome by the group.
“Everyone has welcomed me with arms open and they are ever willing to teach me new things. So much of love that I look forward to it every Saturday.
Being a part of KnitWits has given me the push to put myself out there. I no longer hesitate to talk to anyone and that has helped me feel at ease.”
She encourages others to pick up a hook and yarn, not only to learn a new skill, but to slow down in an increasingly busy world.
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“Hobbies like these help you slow down, breathe, and appreciate everything around you. Plus, the satisfaction at looking at something that you’ve made from scratch is insane.
I would highly recommend starting, because once you do, you won’t be able to stop. Also, it works like therapy when you want to shut off.”
Jane said she would never forget how welcome she felt being new to the city and the support she has received from the KnitWits since she joined the group.
“I’m looking at being here for a long time, at least for the next foreseeable future. I’m working on starting a PhD at WITS and I hope my husband and me can call this home.”
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