Our latest window display launches in the heart of winter. Therefore, we decided to focus on the most commonly layered clothing item during this period – knitwear.
Knitwear is warmth, comfort and luxury rolled up in one. We decided to create an oversized swatch of knitwear with a lovely ombre colour, highlighting the colour palette within the collection in stores during this time. This window was lovingly created in collaboration with women in our community, knitting together these incredible pieces, which will later be donated to families in need.
We contacted the CCDI (Cape Craft and Design Institute) and partnered with a group of knitters. The CCDI has a program that matches crafter to client. We were put into contact with Mignon Hattingh, who has a passion for people and creativity. She has run successful outreach programs for many years, with empowerment being a priority to her. Read on to find out how these blankets have affected the lives of the individuals involved in the project, as told by Mignon:
“What a crazy few weeks it has been! Once the mutton cloth was delivered, we were cutting it into strips and strips and more strips. Our backs were aching, our hands hurt, our scissors were blunt and the cutting machine blades had been replaced.
That’s when the fun began. We had families working out what the best way would be to knit these large blankets. We knitted on huge dowel sticks, and decided to put a G-clamp on the table with wood and nails so the dowel sticks could rest under the nails and not move as it got heavier. The blankets were placed on carpets and in washing baskets for easy movement and to keep them clean.
There were times when we ran out of balls of yarn - the mutton cloth had to be cut, joined and balled before the knitting began. When we would run out of cut mutton cloth our team leader, Marilyn, was cutting, joining, balling and running up and down to the various houses in the buzzing industrious street in Lost City.
All in all we knitted 14 blankets. This affected the income of 7 homes from Nyanga, Bonteheuwel and Lost City in Mitchells Plain. All the people involved in this project were unemployed and the income received made a huge difference in their daily lives. Some of the ladies are skilled, and for some it was the first time working on a creative project. This project affected families on many levels, such as families living together not talking to one another. It has brought mothers and daughters closers, with fathers and sons helping and giving guidance. Most importantly it put food on tables. They often said they wished more opportunities like this could come their way.”
If you would like to get involved in projects at the CCDI, contact them via [email protected]
Shop our latest knitwear range in store and online.
