Mother India�s Crochet Queens (MICQ) registers their name in Latest Guinness World Record.
Jharsuguda : Members of Mother India�s Crochet Queens, consisting of over 6000 members in 13 countries discussed their latest Guinness World Record
Among 375 women of Mother India�s Crochet Queens (MICQ), Anshu Malini, of Jharsuguda, had showcased a whopping 66,158 decorations, in an attempt to set their fourth Guinness World Record for the World�s Largest Display of Crochet Christmas Decorations after four hours of careful counting later, the new record was set.
Anshu Malini is the Goodwill Ambassador of Jharkhand and Odisha of Mother India�s Crochet Queens. Mother India�s Crochet Queens (MICQ) was founded in 2016 by Subashri Natarajan and currently consists of over 6,000 members in 13 countries. Previously setting records for the largest crochet blanket, largest crocheted scarf and the largest display of crochet sculptures, the group, which also consists of cancer survivors, stroke patients and physically challenged members, was trying to break the previous record of 4,416 crochet Christmas decorations achieved by British group Women�s Weekly.
These women won the Guinness World Record for the world�s largest display of crocheted Christmas ornaments. Subashri set the ball rolling in February and coordinated through 28 goodwill ambassadors including Anshu Malini of Jharsuguda apart from others across nine countries. �We picked 120 designs and sent them to the organisation for approval. Fixing a target of 100 crochet pieces per participant, I initially aimed towards creating 10,000 designs, not anticipating that we would produce six times the number.�
Participants, from the age of six to 89, busied themselves knitting angels and Christmas trees onto sheets of netlon, while exploring colours and patterns. Applique, a two-dimensional needlework technique combined with amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting, resulted in funky gingerbread men and tiny reindeer. Pushing the boundaries of crochet, the women also decided to narrate the history of Christianity through 33 different scenes, beginning with angels appearing before the shepherds. A colour scheme was decided and through CAL (Crochet Along), dolls were couriered in and assembled.
When asked what the pieces would be used for, the members spoke about using their skills for charity and social work.
So what will the group�s next record attempt be? Subashini said, �We are now working towards converting the Christmas designs into blankets, cushion covers, mobile cases and sling bags. These will be distributed to all needy.