Blanket of Hope: symbol of creativity and resilience

A GROUP of women who banded together to create a ‘blanket of hope’, a symbol of resilience and creativity, have launched the special project.

Women’s Collective Ireland (WCI) Liffey Valley, which is formerly known as NCCWN Rowlagh Women’s Group, held a special event at their premises in Clondalkin to mark their community project.

Held on Wednesday, July 6, the unveiling of the special crochet and knitted blanket was done as part of the group’s summer celebrations.

Throughout the Covid-19 outbreak, with the challenging times that everyone went through with lockdowns and measures, the goal of creating the blanket was to bring people together with a common purpose.

They succeeded, with 178 individual 6 x 6 inch squares created with unique colours, designs, symbols and meanings with the event inclusive to all women in the community.

Coordinator at WCI Liffey Valley, Sinead Mahon, told The Echo about the value of the project.

The crochet and knitted blanket

“During lockdown we realised that not everyone could or wanted to access classes online and we did not want to exclude anyone during those difficult times,” Ms Mahon said. “This project was developed to engage with as many women as possible.

“We even had a beginners’ online knitting class over Zoom for women who wanted to learn and contribute to this project.

“Others could work on the project in a way that was comfortable for them. More than 178 6” x 6” squares where created, both knitted and crocheted.”

The result is the squares were all stitched together to create a big blanket, which will be hung on the wall of their new premises at Unit 12, Block One, Weaver’s Court, off the Neilstown Road in Clondalkin.

Sinead added: “The meaning behind the squares was varied, for example there were words like Hope, Mná, Live Love Laugh.”

“There were also images such as the Round Tower in Clondalkin and flowers representing nature, which I think we all took solace in during Covid-19.

“I would like to give a special thanks to Loreta Redmond and Anne Ryan for putting all the squares together.”

One of the participants was delighted to take part in the initiative, as the group turns a new leaf and embraces a fresh visual identity.

“I want to thank WCI Liffey Valley for everything over lockdown,” said the participant.

“I learned to knit squares, many different stitches, I got to do sugar-crafting, and enjoyed every minute of the Zoom classes.

“They made such a difference to me, to connect with other people, and the fun and laughter. Looking forward to what’s to come in the autumn.”

WCI Liffey Valley continues to organise events in the locality and nationwide, with more information available at www.womenscollective.ie