Big Christmas Knit creates Blankets for London

On Saturday 30 November, thousands of people visited Southwark Cathedral to enjoy a day of Christmas crafts and carols, including many knitters and crocheters who joined us for the first Big Cathedral Christmas Knit. Throughout the day individually crafted squares, many of which were produced at the first Big Cathedral Knit back in August, were sewn together to produce blankets as part of Craft Forward’s Blankets for London project. The finished blankets will be distributed to those who are homeless across London this winter.

The Dean of Southwark, the Very Rev’d Dr Mark Oakley, said: ‘To see so many people come into the Cathedral to knit, crochet and sew blankets for the homeless of our locality was very moving. Blankets are not the answer to homelessness, we know that, but whilst there is still a need for them, this wonderful community event seeks to help.’

With seasonal entertainment provided by the Salvation Army Brass Band, acclaimed pianist Rick Simpson and local choirs along with servings of mulled wine and mince pies from the Friends of Southwark Cathedral to keep energy levels up during the six-hour crafting marathon. Over 100 blankets were assembled at the Cathedral, and since then the total has risen to 221 thanks to the work of the Craft Forward team. These blankets will be shared between the following charities: Brixton Soup Kitchen, Ealing Soup Kitchen, The Passage, Your Place UK and the Trussell Trust.

Blankets for London is a project run by Brixton-based not for profit Craft Forward who provide accessible, creative, experiences suitable for everyone, regardless of their skills and background. They have been running Blankets for London since 2020 and facilitated both the managed both days providing yarn and needles as well as staff and volunteer support.

For further information about Blankets for London and Craft Forward please visit their website https://craftforward.com/