Guests will still experience the typical inspiration of an IIWNF event, but with an added element of an interactive knit-a-thon. The IIWNF's aim to empower women though creative expression remains strong as they are now launching their educational programmes. The first programme starts with needlecraft classes to support the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day campaign.

Carolyn Steyn, founder of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day campaign, says that the campaign started out as a simple challenge and has since grown in leaps and bounds. The project has garnered thousands of supporters from around the globe.

"We were able to keep so many people warm this winter because of passion. Passion for the cause, passion for making a difference and passion for Madiba's legacy," says Steyn "May this passion continue to spiral in us achieving our goal of having 21 000 blankets ready for the yarn bomb at the Nelson Mandela statue at the Union Buildings on Tuesday, 21 April," she continues.

"What better way to honour 21 years of democracy and the results of our efforts, stitch by stitch, we will be keeping people around our beautiful country – and around the world – warm this winter."

Anusha Singh, owner and founder of the International Inspiring Women Network Foundation says that they chose to embrace the initiative enthusiastically as it gives them an opportunity to give tangible expression to their aim of empowering women through creative expression.

"Needlework has been with us since the earliest civilizations. For peasant and princess, cave dweller and career women, needlework has been a most gratifying endeavour for the human being and of all the activities associated with women, needlework is one of the most universal, second perhaps only to childbirth and childrearing," says Singh.

"Needlework defines our history, establishes our traditions, and will be an important part of our future. As I believe that 'in lifting others we rise', I am confident that the coming together of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day Campaign and IIWNF will strengthen the purpose with passion to achieve a truly unified nation," concludes Singh.

Anyone interested in getting involved as a sponsor, exhibitor, participant or as a volunteer can email [email protected].

For more information, visit the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.