I read this article on the Guardian fashion blog about a group of knitting grannies, who knit articles for Danish designers that are sold in limited numbers in shops in Denmark. I thought it was a wonderful idea. How lovely for these ladies to be able to put their skills to good use. The ladies all belong to a Copenhagen activity and community centre for elderly people and the money that they earn is used by the centre to provide activities and excursions for all members. I’m sure it gives a great boost to the ladies, most of whom have been knitting all their lives, to be able to continue to knit and benefit other members of their community.
When my grandma lived with us after my granddad died, she used to knit handbags and covers for coat hangers that were sold to provide funds for some good cause, although I no longer remember which exactly. I know it gave her a sense of purpose and a good use for her time. My mother was an excellent knitter and knitted many beautiful jumpers and cardigans for my sister and I. Later she knitted school cardigans for her granddaughters too. Hand-knitted garments are so much nicer that shop bought ones. I do knit myself, but I’m the first to admit that I don’t have the same skill as my Mum. My sister is a better knitter than I. When she was at school, she used to knit for her friends to boost her pocket money. Sadly she no longer has time for hand crafts.
The knitting grannies have their own web site called Kaffeslabberas. It is in Danish, but if you use the Chrome browser to view it you can set the browser to automatically translate it, which is a pretty neat feature. They have also brought out a book of specially commissioned knitting projects. Unfortunately it only appears to be in Danish.
Wouldn’t it be great if this idea caught on it other countries?
