This Mandela Day, kindness, creativity and community spirit will come together at Hyde Park Corner as the shopping centre hosts what is believed to be the world’s largest handmade scarf chandelier.
The striking installation forms part of the Yarn by Design Expo, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the beloved Secret Scarves Shh… campaign by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Running from 18 to 30 July, the free exhibition invites shoppers to knit, crochet, donate wool and become part of a nationwide movement that has warmed thousands of lives over the past decade.
A decade of kindness, one scarf at a time
What began ten years ago as a simple act of leaving a handmade scarf in a public place for someone in need has grown into one of South Africa’s most heartwarming community initiatives.
The Secret Scarves Shh… campaign encourages volunteers to knit or crochet scarves before leaving them in parks, around trees, on fences and in other public spaces where someone experiencing the winter cold can find them.
Each scarf carries a simple but powerful message:
“I AM NOT LOST. If you are cold and need me, please take me. Love, 67 Blankets xxx.”
Over the years, thousands of scarves created by the organisation’s dedicated volunteers, affectionately known as the KnitWits of 67 Blankets, have been distributed across South Africa. Some have even been handed out aboard Johannesburg’s City Sightseeing Red Bus, spreading warmth and compassion throughout the city.
A spectacular centrepiece for Mandela Day
To commemorate the campaign’s milestone anniversary, Hyde Park Corner’s Centre Court will be transformed into the Yarn by Design Expo.
At the heart of the exhibition will be what is believed to be the world’s largest handmade scarf chandelier, suspended above visitors as a colourful symbol of generosity and community.
The remarkable installation has been created entirely from handcrafted scarves made by the 67 Blankets Gauteng KnitWits especially for the exhibition.
Visitors will also experience three beautifully curated living spaces designed by Cabbages & Roses, each decorated with colour-coordinated handcrafted scarves and bespoke blankets that showcase the artistry behind every stitch.
Everyone can take part
The Yarn by Design Expo has been designed as an interactive experience that welcomes everyone to contribute.
Visitors are encouraged to:
- Knit or crochet scarves during the exhibition.
- Donate handmade scarves and blankets to 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
- Donate wool to support future creations.
- Purchase wool from the on-site retailer to begin their own handmade project.
Every contribution will help provide warmth to people in need during South Africa’s winter months.
Building warmth through community
According to Sheree McHaffie, Hyde Park Corner’s marketing spokesperson, the exhibition reflects the power of collective kindness.
“Hyde Park Corner is proud to open its doors to the Secret Scarves Shh… campaign as it celebrates a decade of warmth and connection. The scarf chandelier suspended above Centre Court is a striking symbol of what a caring community can build together, one stitch at a time. We hope our shoppers will stop by, pick up a needle or simply take a scarf home for someone who needs it.”
Carolyn Steyn, founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, reflected on the campaign’s remarkable journey over the past decade.
“What started ten years ago as leaving handmade scarves in public places for people in need has grown into a nationwide movement rooted in compassion. Every scarf represents warmth, dignity and hope, and we are proud of the thousands of people who have embraced this simple idea and helped it grow into a national movement.”
More than 200,000 handmade gifts of hope
Since its founding in 2013, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has distributed more than 200,000 handmade blankets and scarves internationally.
The organisation credits this achievement to thousands of volunteers who continue giving their time, creativity and compassion to help complete strangers stay warm during winter.
This Mandela Day, Hyde Park Corner offers shoppers the opportunity to become part of that legacy, proving that even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting impact.
The Yarn by Design Expo opens at Hyde Park Corner’s Centre Court on 18 July, with free entry for all visitors.
