Liudmyla knew the founders of the Harmony NGO before the organization was created. So when the organization started, she was an active member. She attended various events. It was at a creative circle that she learned to knit toys.
“The Harmony NGO had various needlework groups. I learned to knit toys there. I knew how to knit before. I could just make something for myself. But here I was taught to knit toys,” – says the craftswoman.
The Harmonia NGO launched an employment project for people who cannot go to work but do something at home.
“I was offered to knit toys. Then put them up for sale in the inclusive coffee shop Dandelion. I agreed,” – Liudmyla recalls.
The woman creates about 20 toys a month. It all depends on her inspiration. Most of them are animals – striped cats, red cows, gray mice, lavender bunnies.
“Adults buy toys for children. Usually parents take coffee for themselves and a toy for their child,” – says Liudmyla.
Liudmyla’s products are always unique. She invents the toys herself. When she is inspired by something, she immediately knits it.
“I can find an idea on the Internet or watch a master class. But I always alter that idea to suit myself. I add novelty and zest. I have been offered to make something to order. But I can’t do that. I always work at the call of my heart,” the woman says.
Knitting toys is the main activity for the craftswoman. She knits at home. She rarely visits the island. The toys are taken by representatives of the Harmony NGO or her husband takes them himself.
“I like to knit very much. For me, it’s two in one: a hobby for the soul and my own business that helps our family financially. I am grateful to the Harmony NGO for the opportunity to do what I love and realize myself as a craftswoman,” – says Liudmyla.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the World Vision and the European Disability Forum (EDF) thanks to a grant from “The League of the Strong” NGO. The views expressed in this material do not belong to the Harmony NGO and therefore do not in any way reflect the official opinion of the financial partners.