Sevim Kurtdere A brand in hand-knitted products: Ada and Güneş

Sevim Kurtdere knits at home to keep alive the names of her two daughters she lost in the February 6 earthquake. She aims to keep their names alive by sticking labels with the names of her daughters on the products she knits such as bags, sweaters, cardigans, booties, etc.!

Before the earthquake, Sevim used to produce tandoori bread to earn income and support her daughters to study. Her daughters didn’t want her to work and get tired, but she didn’t give up and worked hard so that her daughters could complete their education. One of the daughters she lost became a nurse and was appointed, while her other daughter was preparing for university.

”I didn’t go to school, I couldn’t go through this, but I’ll make you go through it. I’ll try so you won’t be like me. I’ll work so you won’t say I don’t have money. I’ll even sweep my hair for you, but I’ll make you go to school.”

Sevim, who lost her two daughters, Ada and Güneş, in the earthquake, started knitting with the encouragement of her other daughter. While she had not knitted before, she started knitting after her daughter encouraged her to have an occupation. She started by knitting sweaters, dresses and cardigans for her daughter. She started knitting not for sale but as a hobby. Then her son-in-law’s suggestion “You are knitting, you are tired, sell these!” did not sit well with Sevim at first and she did not want to sell them. But then she agreed to knit after her son-in-law promised to support her in selling. As she knitted, she realized that she wanted to keep the names of her daughters alive. She turned this into an income-generating business and started selling to those around her. Her daughter Ada Güneş opened her Instagram account and supported her in sales and promotion.

Sevim’s son-in-law sent the bags she knitted to Germany and had them sold there. Sevim, who started knitting reluctantly at first, now continues to knit. She knits many kinds of products such as bags, vests, sweaters, socks, shoes and sells them to her friends, acquaintances and to Germany. With the money she earns, she can buy products for her business again and at the same time meet her needs.

Sevim Kurtdere’s dream is to make more sales and keep the names of her 2 daughters, whom she lost in the earthquake, alive! You can find Ada and Güneş brand products on Sevim’s Instagram address.