The Crackling Needles Knitting Group of Gordon’s Bay is celebrating a remarkable milestone, having donated more than 1 000 high-quality knitted items to various community initiatives over the past three years in a successful joint initiative with the Strand Rotary Club.
What began as an informal social gathering for local knitters in 2022, founded by Barbara Fourie and a few other passionate individuals, has blossomed into a prolific force for good.
The group, now comprising 30 women ranging in age from 24 to 96 years old, found a powerful partner in Strand Rotary, who brought in the essential wool and the crucial community outreach component.
“It’s wonderful stimulation for them, it keeps them busy, and it makes them so happy to see their hard work pay off,” said Fourie.
The Crackling Needles group produces an array of items, including toys, clothes and scarves, all crafted with commitment to quality. Its charitable efforts are a core part of Rotary’s “Beanies, Bears and Blankets” project, with donations distributed to clinics in Macassar, Helderberg Hospital, ACVV, Badisa, the police’s Victim Support Centre and PATCH Helderberg.
Beyond donations, Rotary has also worked with other organisations, teaching knitting and crochet, and sharing wool, which is either donated or purchased through the sale of some of the goods.
This year the group embarked on its most ambitious project yet – a colourful, knitted giraffe.
The unique creation features a frame built by local artist Tinei Michael Moyana, for which Rotary paid. The Crackling Needles group meticulously patched knitted squares and pieces together over the frame, bringing the artistic vision to life.
Deidre Peterson, treasurer of Strand Rotary, shared the enthusiasm for the knitted masterpiece and the ongoing partnership. “We want to put the giraffe somewhere where it will bring joy,” she said.
President-elect of Strand Rotary Elenore Baiocchi added the organisation is in the process of deciding on a recipient for the giraffe, with an announcement expected towards the end of July following a local school competition to name it.
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