Guinness World Record scarf initiative to celebrate Madiba’s life

A TOTAL of 27km worth of scarf, for every year that Nelson Mandela spent in prison and a Guinness World Record. What better way to celebrate Madiba’s 100th year.

67 Blankets, the remarkable charity drive that ensures that thousands of needy people have access to blankets and scarves, is on a mission to once again attain a coveted world record – and create kilometres of scarves that will be distributed in the coldest months of the year.

This Guinness attempt at creating the world’s longest scarf will take place on Sunday, July 29, which is in Mandela Month and the scarf will be on display at the Mandela Capture Site in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal.

“This attempt will show the entire world what our 67 Blankets family is doing, stitch by stitch, to keep the legacy of our late great Tata Madiba (and the ideals for which he stood) alive,” says Carolyn Steyn, the founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.

“For the past three years we have churned out thousands of scarves for our SSS (Secret Scarves Shhh…) initiative which we do every July during Mandela Month. India currently holds the record for the longest scarf in the world – at 14km. Why don’t we in South Africa beat India in this ‘Wool Cup’? Our KnitWits can definitely do this for Madiba”

2018 is going to be, as Carolyn calls it a “greyt year” for the project. On April 24, the KnitWits will make history by creating the “Largest Portrait Blanket in the World” depicting the face of the beloved world icon Nelson Mandela, setting the pace for yet another Guinness World Record in July.

“We have the wool. We have the ‘goodwool’,” she says.

The deadline to get all scarves to 67 Blankets Headquarters, so that the task of sewing scarves together and labelling each scarf can begin, is June 25th. Once the Guinness record has been achieved, and spectacular aerial photos of this display have been taken, Stuttaford Van Lines will transport the scarves back to the the regions so that the Secret Scarves mission can continue on the same day at the same time, all around our beautiful country.

“Every scarf will have our message of love and warmth attached to it, as well as our trademark heart logo – and people walking home from school and work will witness pockets of glorious colour and warmth around lamp posts, railings and trees. And thousands of people who need a little more colour and warmth will be able to just help themselves to our labours of love,” says Carolyn.

The nitty gritty: The scarf size has to be 20 cm x 200 cm, and the hook size must be no bigger than 6.5mm (As per Guinness World Record Rules). Details about the type of hooks used must be provided.

For the purposes of the Guinness World Record the scarves need to be crocheted. However  knitted scarves  will be accepted to distribute.

So get out your wool and crochet hooks, and get started as soon as possible. For more details on either the scarves or on how to get your scarves to the 67 Blankets HQ, check out their Facebook page or email info@67blankets.co.za 

 

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