(Retha
Cilliers & Kim Davis)
The latest Durban creative personality to
embrace the 67 Blankets for Madiba project is Retha Cilliers, CEO of the
massive national Field Band Foundation.
Currently confined to bed for cancer
treatment, she decided that she wanted to crochet to make her personal
contribution. So friend and colleague - and now fellow Knitwit - Caroline Smart
headed for her home armed with crochet hooks and wool. She found herself with
two eager learners because Kim Davis, Retha’s close friend and carer, also
decided that she would like to learn the skill.
“It was a delightful couple of hours
watching them get to terms with wool and crochet hooks which often decide to do
their own thing! Another challenge was one of Retha’s adored cats who decided
the entire process was for his benefit!”
The project was the idea of Zelda la
Grange, former personal assistant to late former president Nelson Mandela, who
presented a challenge to well-known Johannesburg live-wire personality Carolyn
Steyn to knit 67 blankets by July 18 for Mandela Day. These blankets would then
be distributed to those in need.
Carolyn Steyn initially put the idea out to
the arts community and the response was incredible. Leading theatre
personalities, both women and men - not to mention the Minister of Arts &
Culture, Paul Mashatile – responded immediately. Before long, Knitwits (as they
have come to be called) have been popping up everywhere, inside and outside
South Africa, inspired by the values of the project. The list grows by the
minute.
For the full story visit http://news.artsmart.co.za/2014/01/join-knit-wit-revolution.html
It’s also well worth taking a look at the 67 Blankets for Madiba Day Facebook page
where the most wonderful array of knitting and crochet work is being produced,
from the most basic to those which should be displayed on an exhibition!
Posts
