Charity knitting

One of my ongoing goals is to knit more projects for charity. This can be a mind blogging as there are too many organizations in need. 

I have narrowed it down to three projects:

• Scrappy sock yarn blanket squares for Bertie's blanket

• Preemie hats to be donated to the hospital my child was born

• Worsted weight blanket squares for Project Linus

Where to look for additional resources & organizations? I recommend checking out:

• The Knitting Guild Association - Organizations Links

• Ravelry Group: Charity Knitting

• Charity Vault (USA)

Hope you all have a great weekend! Looks like is going to be warmer in my neck of the woods. That is an unexpected gift that I hope to enjoy!

Graceful and Beautiful

I am super excited to spread the word about a noble fundraiser. The talented Maria Yarley, from Elegant Economy, will donate 100% of the post-pay pal/printing proceeds of "Graceful Pullover" pattern to a family in need. You can read about Maria's inspiration and the cause in the pattern page (here).

Photos credits (left to right): Graceful Pullover from pattern page (copyright Misi Photo); Copper Corgi "Pirouette" fingering yarn (from Copper Corgi Etsy Shop); Graceful Pullover from pattern page (copyright Misi Photo)

The pattern comes in girls sizes ranging from 2-10. The pullover is constructed flat, button up. I adore the yarn on the sample; it is fingering weight from Copper Corgi in "Pirouette" - a color way specifically designed for this pattern.

Please consider supporting this cause. Perhaps is the perfect opportunity to try out Copper Corgi's  yarns. Her yarns and fiber are pretty darn beautiful!

Hope you are having a great week!

Hat-along?

There are an almost infinite number of charities to choose from. The difficulty is in deciding which ones I can possibly support. I cannot give to everything or everyone. But, if I can positively affect one person, then I'm going for it.

What Robyn Devine, of She Makes Hats, has been doing for a number of years is beyond generous and awesome. Following her on Instagram, I learned about the latest charity drive. Guess what is on my needles? I hope you guessed a hat.

The pattern and charity information can be found here. Wouldn't it be nice if they can collect more than 2000 hats by the end of June? Hope that you can knit a hat too. I promise it feels great to knit for a noble cause!

My husband and I are about to take off for an out of town "weekend date". I am looking forward to some rest, lots of knitting and great food. What are you looking forward to?

Finding peace

"If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another"

-Dalai Lama

These blocks are my contribution for the beautiful project that Sam is organizing in loving memory of her father. Knitting for a cause like this is so special... Think about how much love can be poured into these simples squares...and what may bring to the individual getting a blanket! If you want to take part of this, get more details here.

I'm using Martha Stewart's Extra Soft Wool Blend. This is a 35% wool and 65% acrylic yarn. Like the name suggests, the yarn is very soft and produces great stitch definition. Definitely a nice surprise! Project details & pattern: Ravelry

Red Scarf Project

Knitting in red for a great cause. My red scarf was started a few years ago. I still like is simple seed stitch pattern. I still want to give back. It will get off the needles soon.

More about "Red Scarf Project" here.

Honoring Amy

After doctor and ER visits, repeated doses of medicines and some rest: I’m back! All is well now. We (baby and I) are getting better from skin allergies, reactions to medicines and viral bronchitis. I don’t want to turn this post downhill…so let’s get to knitting really fast.

This post, from Erin of Eat.Sleep.Knit, touched my heart in a way I cannot explain. Erin and Dan’s desire to honor Amy is admirable. I wanted to take part of this tribute no matter what was going on in my neck of the woods. Here is my contribution – with all my love.

There is still nine days between now and July 26 when Erin will take the hats to the NICU at Piedmont Hospital. Please pray for this family; knit a hat if you can! It would mean so much for you and a family in need.

Sunday recap

I started another charity blanket. I had yarn from the first project and thought it would be nice to donate more than one blanket. It made perfect sense to start this when I have so many other WIPs - including Christmas gifts. I am being a tin sarcastic.

Today, my husband went to the Falcons (football) game. I stayed with my daughter. We had pizza at a sports bar. The guys there looked at us like we've entered through the wrong door. By the end of lunch they were all over the baby. We were all friends. Next time, I will push it a bit more. I'll bring my toddler and my knitting.

Pattern: Diagonal Baby Blanket via Raverly

Have a great week!

FO: Charity Blanket

I have finished the charity blanket. I second guessed my choice of colors but they are growing on me. I hope the recipient and his/her love ones like it.

Pattern is from here. Happy Thursday!

Daylight saving time = extra knitting hour?

I am half way done with the charity blanket. Last night I knitted into the wee hours because I wanted to get  to this point. After all, I would have an extra hour of sleep today. Yeah, right! Wishful thinking. I have learned the hard way that toddlers couldn't care less about daylight saving time. My main goals when she is awake are to prevent disasters, enjoy our bonding time and provide for post tantrum care. If anything else gets done then it was an extraordinary day. That being said, all I can show now is the yarn that I am using for the blanket. Is not cashmere or cotton just an acrylic blend. I am trying to be practical; experience tells me that no one wants to hand wash when there is a sweet baby around. Unless you are being paid for but that would be a separate post.  Anyhow, the colors are so beautiful that make up for any Ms. Zimmerman anti man made yarn moment. I picked green and violet in an effort to be neutral.

Now, let's all get ready for the week ahead.

There is a theme

A diagonal theme is ruling my weekend and I am happy about it. I have started the premmie blanket to be donated to Northside Hospital in Atlanta. The patterns says the blanket could be 14 x 14 which I think is on the small size but we will see how it goes. I am using two colors to create a stripe pattern. Pictures to follow!

Knitting for charity is a very special experience. I guess it is true that giving back helps us live happier. If you have not done, give yourself the chance. A simple hat, an easy blanket could mean the world for someone in need.

Etsy Inspiration: Give Good by Studio Mela via Etsy.

Give Good by Studio Mela via Etsy

Holiday Knitting (part two)

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”

-Mother Theresa

I have added a holiday project knitted for a little one that will need much tender loving care during his/hers first days in this world. I am planning to knit a baby blanket to be donated to a local hospital.

I am super excited about this project that I have found via the Atlanta Knitters Guild. Hopefully this will be the first of many charity knitting projects.