Cape Town women picked up their knitting needles and crochet hooks last week to craft blankets and winter items for those in need as part of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative.

Twenty-two women gathered at the Dutch Reformed Church in Peerless Park East, Kraaifontein, to do their part for the legacy of Madiba.

The knitting and crochet session took place on World Creativity and Innovation Day, bringing together participants from various groups, including the church’s art group, the Knitstars from Durbanville, and ladies from Scottsville Seniors.

A ‘rainbow’ of blankets

The women created an array of colourful items including warm winter slippers, intricate blankets, and unique pieces such as a Springbok rugby blanket, a playful noughts and crosses blanket, and a map-of-the-world blanket.

Many participants also brought along items they had completed throughout the year specifically for the project. “There are some lovely blankets and scarves; every one is made with love,” said organiser Arina van Wyk.

Van Wyk, who has been part of the initiative since the church’s art group began crocheting in the middle of last year, described the meaningful impact of the project. “Being part of the 67 Blankets group means so much to me. We make these blankets with love and when we hand them out, seeing the joy on people’s faces is incredible. Through this project, we’ve met new friends and we all help each other,” she said.

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All items created will be donated to people in need at the church on Mandela Day on 18 July.

The 67 Blankets initiative was started in December 2013 by Carolyn Steyn in honour of Nelson Mandela Day. Since its inception, the campaign has grown into an international movement spanning Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, the USA, Ireland, Italy, and India.

The initiative won Campaign of the Year at the South African of the Year Awards in October 2014, and in April 2015 smashed the Guinness World Record for “The Largest Crochet Blanket in the World” measuring 3 377 square metres at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.