Standing tall: Showcasing 1500 pieces of community knitted tapestries sewn together.

Nuraisha Bte Kamal Bacha

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SINGAPORE COMES TOGETHER TO KNIT WITH ONE HEART FOR CHINGAY 2014.
By: Mufidah Tasneem Binte Abdul Kader

Yet another extravagant Chingay (meaning the art of costume and masquerade) celebration was held at F1 Pit Building this year on the 7 and 8 of February, 2014. As the finale item, more than 3000 performers came together to showcase 1500 pieces of community-knitted tapestries sewn together as part of a community engagement program called Knit With One Heart (KWOH) . KWOH, a seven month long project which was organized by more than 30 Schools, Organizations and Corporations, comprised of grassroots organizations from 87 divisions,

religious groups, schools, voluntary welfare organizations and other PA partners. Bringing people of diverse background together, the project aimed to exemplify a closely knit society through knitting. Mr David, 45, (GRL from Teck Ghee Division) said: This is actually more of a community bonding. When we do the knitting, we get to know each other, doesnt matter whos fast or whos slow, as long as we get-together and our focus is to knit together. While not every volunteer was proficient in knitting, they learned from each other with patience and perseverance. This sense of community spirit not only helped them complete their displays but taught them a new skill of knitting. The volunteers comprised of the young and old, regardless of background, race or religion. Madam Lim, 65, a senior citizen participant from Braddell Heights Community Club, said, This program is very meaningful to me because we learn many things. Im happy to meet a lot of new friends and we can take care of each other. The tapestries were hand-knitted by the volunteers out of recycled fabrics such as t-shirts and pillow cases. Adding on to the joyous mood of the parade, local music talent Mr Lee Si Song, 47, sang his original composed piece, Knit As One.