Blankets knitted by UK volunteers ready to be shipped to Ethiopia

Three times a year, the Hamlin Fistula UK office fills up with colour and vibrancy as hundreds of hand-knitted blankets arrive. This is our favourite time of year, as we open parcels sent in from across the UK of beautiful creations knitted with love.

Many of the knitters include a card or letter in their parcel, with a note about why they knit for women in Ethiopia. These are so inspiring and touching – we wanted to share a few of the notes received. They show how important the Hamlin blankets are for people who knit, as well as the women in Ethiopia who receive them.

A letter in Saga magazine told me of the Hamlin Fistula Hospital. I was not aware of this wonderful place, and so I’ve knitted a blanket. I have bought and read Dr Catherine’s book ‘The Hospital by the River’ – a wonderful achievement with Dr Reg. Sending all my good wishes and love to all the fistula patients and Hamlin staff.

Janet

“Knitted with love by Debbie and Audrey. In memory of Audrey, who managed to complete crocheting the edges of the second large blanket shortly before she died.”.

Debbie

The older my mother got, the less she could see but she could still knit by feel. So when she complained that she was not useful any more, I asked her to knit squares for a blanket. I hope whoever receives this blanket enjoys the idea of an old lady being useful again. I wish her well with her new life and hope this blanket keeps her warm and cosy on cold nights.

Pamela

Another batch of 15 blankets for the ladies recovering in Hamlin Hospitals. With love and prayers from us here in beautiful mid-Devon.

Culm Valley Hamlin Knitters

What happens next?

Once all the blankets arrive at our Birmingham office, we unpack them, count them and repack them into boxes ready for shipping.

Last week, we received over 800 blankets which made up 51 boxes – a bumper collection! These will be shipped to Addis Ababa next week.

Why are the blankets important?

At Hamlin hospitals in Ethiopia, every woman is welcomed with kindness, care and compassion. Among the first things she receives is a Fresh Start Pack, which includes one of our knitters’ handmade blankets. It gives her more than just warmth. It lets her know that she is not alone, and that she will be treated with care and dignity. 

Many of the women we treat have been isolated for years. Some have been abandoned by their families. Others have hidden away from their communities because of the shame and stigma surrounding their condition. When she wraps a Hamlin blanket around her shoulders, we want her to feel the love and kindness in every stitch. 

Every blanket helps restore a woman’s confidence and sense of dignity. Thank you to all our knitters for being part of this.

Love to knit? We need you!

We need more kind-hearted knitters so we can continue wrapping a handmade blanket around each and every woman we care for. To find out more and download the knitting guide, please visit Knitted with Love.

With special thanks to our office landlord Sense UK for allowing us to use the office space to collect and pack the blankets.