By Shaikha Al-Hasawi

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 2, (KUNA): Crochet is the process of creating fabric via weaving materials into various shapes and sizes using a single crochet hook.

However, beyond such specifics, this hobby in Kuwait had bred ‘Watan An Nahar’ crochet club, a volunteering collective with a unity message and humanitarian mission to deliver.

Speaking to KUNA on crochet in Kuwait, founder Bashayer Al-Zuwayed said that the group aimed at delivering a message of unity among all sectors of Kuwaiti society through ‘Watan An Nahar’; meaning the homeland daylight and delight.

Gaining global recognition for its April 4th, 2014 Guinness World Record for largest crochet blanket of the Kuwaiti flag, Al-Zuwayed said the group’s particular achievement was dedicated then to the Kuwaiti people as a message of hope and solidarity to the country and the world. She hoped that the message still resonated until this day.

With the work spanning from April 2013 until March 2014, the blanket, measured at 306.2 cubic meters, and weighed more than 160 kg. During the national and liberation days of Kuwait that year, the achievement was on display at 360 mall, garnering visitors’ attention.

It took 172 volunteers from all walks of life and age groups to complete the enormous piece. Part of the team, which made the record a reality, was Zainab Al-Sairafi, who told KUNA that she learned about the project through Watan An Nahar’s Instagram account.

Pouncing on Al-Zuwayed’s request for volunteers, Al-Sairafi was eager to help crocheting, saying that the experience was amazing and created a sense of comradely and passion amongst all who took part in the effort.

The volunteer affirmed that she would do another project with Al-Zuwayed as soon as an opportunity presented itself, saying that the experience was beneficial and made her want to give more to Kuwait.

While the Guinness World Records recognition helped the group to put itself on the global map, Al-Zuwayed was looking into other venues to remind the world of its obligation towards the Syrian crisis and refugees’ problem.

Under Al-Zuwayed’s supervision, Watan An Nahar group began a project for Syrian refugees, crocheting a considerable amount of small blankets and 200 scarves.

In a seemingly odd twist of fate, Al-Zuwayed had learned crocheting from a Germany-based Syrian instructor and perhaps that trivial connection was an inspiration for the work done for the Syrian refugees.

Meanwhile, on her crocheting journey, Al-Zuwayed said that after learning from her Syrian instructor, she continued to improve her skills and eventually started to share her craft with others.

Once her friends wanted to learn crocheting, she decided to look into more resources online and through professionals to become a better instructor.

Al-Zuwayed was not disillusioned with her skills, affirming that she still learned from trainees and would make a mistake every now and then; however, knowledge and competence comes with experience and dedication.

Al-Zuwayed supervises a crochet club, which meets every Saturday at her home.

Concluding her statements, she called on all crochet lovers to take risks and try something new, saying that it was important to change within to improve oneself and others.