Patch by Kelda

Patch

Creator
Kelda
Location
London
Story
My patch is an excerpt of a cable jumper I knitted for my boyfriend, using leftover wool. Knitting is my way to creatively express myself; to relax; to sustainably produce my own clothing; to show people I love them by making items for them; to find community through other knitters; to connect to both of my nans, who taught me to knit from an early age.

I think that the artistic value of handmade knitted items is overlooked because of their practical nature. I know that my maternal grandmother found great joy in knitting items for my mum and her sister, her grandchildren, and any other person that would take a knitted hat, jumper or doll (i.e. most of their neighbour’s children). She put a lot of thought and effort into making these items, such as a jumper she self-drafted for my mum featuring a silhouetted witch flying across the moon. She accidentally knitted the broomstick facing the wrong way, but that is what makes these items even more precious!

I feel lucky that whenever I’ve made an item for someone, they have appreciated the time and creative effort I’ve put into it. Similarly, I treasure the items that both my grandmothers have knitted for me over the years. I’m grateful for how this often overlooked craft strengthens my connection to myself, my community and my family.
Rights Holder
Kelda
Rights
All rights reserved.