Here knitty, knitty!

Charity Knitting

Today I got back in the saddle and picked up my mom's poncho again. It's funny how you can get out of "knitting shape" in just a couple of days. I had problems with tension, problems with posture, problems with gage, the circular needles kept twisting on me, the yarn tangled, etc. All the problems of a beginner. It all wore off after about 10 or 15 minutes of steady knitting, but it was funny/frustrating when it was happening.

It got me to thinking that it might be a good idea to do a little warm-up exercise before I launch into my main project. And wouldn't that be a good way to incorporate a little charity knitting into my project bag? Hugs For Homeless Animals http://www.h4ha.org/snuggles/ is just one of a number of groups looking for crafters to make and donate items for their beneficiaries. I'm thinking this will be a win-win situation: the critters will get a nice soft blanket every so often, and I get to warm up on a project that doesn't have to be 100% perfect. Other benefits for me besides doing something positive for the community: my big projects will look better, I can try out new stitches on these blankets and not feel like all I ever make is 4"x4" swatches. And I suppose I can make a patchwork blanket out of those pesky little squares hanging in my bag and hiding in my stash. Plus it will use up all those mismatched odds and ends that only have a couple dozen yards left.

Here are a couple of sites with charity crafting links and ideas. You can also google "charity knitting" (or whatever your preferred craft may be) for other sites.

Sewing Charity: http://www.dotdigital.com/sewingcharity/location.html This site also has links to some good needlework how-to sites.

Bev's Country Cottage: http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/charity-links.html Lots of free patterns for charity work.

Be sure a charity is legitimate: www.give.org is the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.

There's probably some group or other that is looking for crafted items for tsunami victims too. Whatever cause you choose, they will probably be thrilled about your donation.

posted by KackieC @ 11:23 PM