Soroptimists in Crosby celebrated a milestone achievement in one of their community projects …. over 100 patchwork hand-crafted blankets completed.
Since autumn 2020, some members have been knitting and crocheting squares. Others have sewn them together and edged the resulting blankets. All have been sent to Knit for Peace, for distribution.
Knit for Peace is a charity through which knitted goods (clothing and blankets) are donated to people in need. Everything goes where it’s needed, whether hospitals, women’s refuges, refugee drop-in centres, prisons, community groups or hospices.
The charity also runs various campaigns to encourage knitting around the UK; it gifts knitting supplies to marginalised people; and it supports schools teaching children how to knit.
The roots of Knit for Peace are in bringing together hostile communities (such as in Rwanda) through crafting. As the charity has grown, so has the evidence that knitting and crochet are good for people and can be a factor in maintaining long-term mental and physical health.
Crosby Soroptimists set up their project during the pandemic. It enabled members to undertake practical help for others during the restrictions of lockdown and social distancing.
Crafting a square revived old skills or encouraged members to ‘have a go’. It was something positive and worthwhile to do in such difficult times, as everyone knew the blankets would go to a ‘good home’ and be welcomed.
So, post-pandemic, members continue to craft their squares and create colourful patchwork blankets. Some members even tackle a full blanket on their own. One-hundred-plus – and counting. Congratulations.
