Ramsgate knitters are not yarning

EVEN if you cannot knit a stitch, you can be part of a worldwide knitting effort, thanks to the Ugu South Coast Tourism’s Ramsgate Area Committee.

Members are gearing up to host a massive Ramsgate event to commemorate International Worldwide Knit in Public Day. It is only taking place in June but there is much to be done before then and the organisers are already going all out to encourage as many local people as possible to be part of this global knit-in.

The Worldwide Knit In Public Day was started by Danielle Landes in 2005. Her goal was to bring knitters together in a public location to knit and to enjoy each others’ company. Since then this slightly wacky, fun idea has earned massive global support. Now Ramsgate aims to be part of it.

Because of its popularity, the Knit in Public Day has been expanded into a week-long worldwide celebration of knitting, crocheting and other fibre arts, thereby allowing all the countries of the world to be a part of it. Globally, it takes place from the second Saturday to the third Sunday of June each year but Ramsgate Tourism is hoping to stage its event on June 14 and 15.

Hazel Voice, who is helping to co-ordinate the local event invites anyone who can knit or crochet as well as anyone who would like to learn these age-old crafts or be part of the Knit in Public Day fun.

“To add to the event a couple of us will be ‘yarn bombing’ part of the Knit in Public Day venue. This means we will cover much of the venue and its furniture with colourful knitted and crocheted squares. After the event the yarn bomb squares will be turned into blankets and given to a children’s charity,” she said.

Of course, this will take many balls of wool and this is where you come into the picture if you have absolutely no desire to pick up a knitting needle or crochet hook. You can sponsor a square or two for R10 each and help the yarn bombers to keep all our children warm this winter.

Saprotex has already promised to donate some of the wool but any assistance with wool and funds would be greatly appreciated. All sponsors will be advertised during the Knitting in Public Day event.

“I am really hoping that the big communal knit-in will attract men and women, boys and girls from all our communities. For beginners, knitting and crocheting are easy crafts to learn,” said Hazel.

To find out more, contact her at 083 4479261.