Launching in 2016, Knots & Vibes started as a handmade crochet clothing label, but has since developed into so much more: a platform for celebrating Jamaican Dancehall culture and empowering women, an advocate for ‘slow’, ethical fashion and a brand that provides opportunities for girls and women in the Caribbean through crochet workshops. Truly a labour of love, their colourful handmade pieces can take anything from 3-15 hours to create which are offered on a made-to-order basis.
In September, Knots & Vibes held their second set of workshops at Cedar’s Home, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence in the small Caribbean island of Grenada. Aside from the prospect of earning an income, crochet can also be used as a therapeutic exercise and a confidence-building activity, which is especially important for people who have experienced physical and mental abuse. Intent on continuing to support their students, Knots & Vibes are giving customers the option to donate a ball of yarn through their website, which will allow their students to continue practicing and perfecting their new crochet skills.
“I started my workshop programme because there aren’t enough opportunities for women to make a living in the Caribbean, and many have no choice but to rely on men. I have worked with girls at Mary’s Child, a home for teenage mothers in Jamaica, and women at Cedar’s Home, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence in Grenada. Both of these places focus on a long-term goal of independence for their residents; a skill like crochet is valuable as it gives them an opportunity to earn an income on their own.” – Luci Wilden, founder and designer
Knots & Vibes’ latest editorial was shot in the parish of Saint George, from Happy Hill to the beautiful Grand Anse beach, modelled by local Grenadian and Trini models who truly embody the ‘island gyal’ spirit.
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