An online friend is going through a rough time so I made her a shawl. Thank goodness another online friend let me know the planned recipient is sensitive to animal fibers, and also what colors she enjoys. (photo above, thanks to Oscar).
So I finished the shawl and as often happens it sparked an idea for a pattern. (The pattern will use wool rather than cotton, and will be in a different palette).
I am also enjoying free-knitting some sweaters, hats etc. for charity.
Many charities locally prefer people to just purchase new clothing for donation, some of it not as warm as a woolen item would be. I have decided to donate my efforts elsewhere. If we had a more financially stable situation, I would be glad to donate school supplies, hygiene items etc locally, but that will wait until we are settled.
What I can do this year is use my partial skeins of wool yarn to knit.
The group I work through is called Wool-Aid. Unlike many charitable organizations here in the States they prefer items to be made of wool. (Even if you don't craft, I know they are always in need of money for postage, please consider sending even a few dollars their way.)
They help people closer to home as well as in other countries, but the sweaters I am making at the moment I think I will send on behalf of Tibet. A year after the earthquakes, approximately 100,000 people are housed in thin-walled tents. Some of them are sole survivors of their families, many of them are children. Although the website states an end date of May 2011, they have continued the campaign because of the great need, and the next mailing is slated to go out in November.
If you are a crafter and on Ravelry, the wool-aid group is located HERE.
They also have a section earmarked for "finished object to go where most needed". Which I think is fabulous. People can send Wool-aid whatever woolens (80% or greater animal fiber content) they have to send, and Wool-aid will steer them toward whatever campaign has the most need at the time they are received.
3 comments:
Wow! That shawl is beautiful!
I am most impressed with your commitment to charity.
The shawl is gorgeous!
And what a great idea for a charity. I've always been partial to Afghans for Afghans, but I love that these folks send to where the greatest need is. And I love that you do it.
hi Diana
The shawl is awesome and your spirit of charity is just wonderful. Here in southern ohio many charities are shying away from "home-items" due to an infestation of bedbugs in parts of the city. Yuck! So they won't take used mattresses, upholstered furniture, clothing, or other similar items. I hope this is not happening in your area but it might be an explanation for the charities requesting purchased items instead. I'm glad you found an outlet for your wooly talents.
Going back to take another look at the shawl. Love the colors!
Martha
P.S. in spite of said epidemic i have never seen a bb and hope to keep it that way.
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