Founded in 2011, Granny’s Finest, is a very successful social enterprise that sells handmade knitwear (scarves, gloves, headbands, beanies, blankets, pillows, socks etc.). The organisation is a foundation and works with volunteers and students. So far it has been largely dependent on grants and subsidies. However, the aim is to become a financially independent and sustainable organisation. The organisation has a web shop but also sells through stores and department stores such as Sissy Boy and Bijenkorf.
Granny’s Finest believes in the power of binding generations. It is a company with a social mission. By organising craft clubs and other activities for the elderly, it contributes to preventing loneliness. About half of all Dutch people (1 million) indicate that they feel lonely. Loneliness is much more common in the elderly over 75. The knitting clubs are financed and organized in collaboration with social funds and welfare organisations.
Conversely, the elderly also make an important contribution through their commitment, expertise and life experience. Indeed, the scarves, hats and hand warmers produced by Granny’s Finest are knitted by hand in the Netherlands from sustainable materials. The collection is developed in collaboration with young creatives. Therefore, the organisation gives young designers the opportunity to gain relevant work experience and expand their portfolio. The renewed vision of the youngsters together with the handicrafts techniques of the grannies, result in a unique combination of craft and design.
