Kwa-Thema – Maria Kgorong (94), a beneficiary at Leratong Society for the Care of the Aged, recently found a renewed passion for crocheting.
She is a self-taught crocheter who learned the skill as a way of beating boredom. She now crochets blankets, undergarments, dresses, a variety of homely comforts and anything else that an individual may require.
Her beautiful work has blossomed into a movement of skill-sharing and sisterhood at Leratong. Kgorong is teaching other women at the centre to crochet too.
“As old people we always strive to find ways to keep ourselves busy. I figured my way into crocheting and decided to teach others who may be interested in the same skill.
“It helps pass the time, keeps us engaged, and allows us to watch our work transform into something beautiful,” said Kgorong.
She explained that she observes stitches and patterns in order to get something done as accurately and neatly as possible.
Som of Maria Kgorong’s beautiful work. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“When someone needs something crocheted, I look at the stitches, colours and patterns. I observe carefully, and then I try it myself,” she said.
Through observation, patience and practice, she has mastered patterns without ever attending a formal class.
Her journey with thread and fabric, however, began decades ago. After the passing of her husband, Kgorong was left to make ends meet.
She then ventured into working as a self-employed seamstress, a craft she taught herself.
“I taught myself how to sew. I worked my way to the top and I was well known for my tailoring skills. I sewed different things for many people in my community.
“I stitched school uniforms, altered garments and mended clothes, turning fabric into survival,” she added.
Maria Kgorong in her garden. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Not only did Kgorong build a livelihood, she built others. She taught many people how to sew, sharing knowledge she had fought hard to acquire on her own.
Among her proudest achievements is teaching her eldest daughter, whom she describes warmly as the one who takes after her.
“My daughter inherited not only my sewing skills, but my spirit of resilience as well,” she said.
Her neat handwork, focus and determination have also opened doors beyond her home.
Last year she formed part of a campaign at Spring Girls’ High School, where she contributed to an initiative that taught schoolgirls to crochet blankets for donation to orphanages.
“That experience was fulfilling for me. I got to form part of an impactful initiative and witness the learners’ smiles when they could figure out what they were doing.
ALSO CHECK: Safety concerns emerge over Tsakane Police Station resources, SAPS disputes claims
“I aim to contribute my knowledge and experience to this initiative yearly if possible,” she expressed.
Kgorong has so far sewn and crocheted countless blankets, many of which she later donated to orphanages, vulnerable communities and Leratong.
Leratong then sells the blankets in order to generate money for the centre. Even as age gently blurs her eyesight, Kgorong refuses to sit idle.
“I do not let my age, eyesight or inability to move as fast as I used to get in the way of getting things done. As long as my hands can move, I will work,” she said.
Apart from needles and thread, Kgorong loves gardening.
She has a small garden in her backyard and at a neighbour’s house where vegetables grow under her careful watch.
Maria Kgorong knits blankets, bras, panties, dresses, a variety of homely comforts. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“I had limited space in my backyard and saw unused space in my neighbour’s yard. I then arranged to use a neighbour’s empty yard to expand my small plantation,” she mentioned.
Her gardens are blossoming with spinach, cabbage and other greens. Kgorong is convinced that age is not a boundary.
“If I can do so many things at my age, I encourage young people, especially the unemployed, to learn practical skills.
“These skills may help them start a business, teach others or offer services to the community as a way of making extra money,” she said.
“Sewing, basic stitching and crocheting are things that can help young people make extra money. You must not sit and say there is nothing to do. Use your hands. Talent is there.”
Maria Kgorong holds a blanket she crocheted. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!