Knitting for Charity: Easy, Fun and Gratifying

Today is Frugal Friday...

Many times when my passion for knitting comes up in conversation, one of the first comments a lot of people have is "Oh, I would love to learn, but I just can't afford to right now." I then proceed to 'educate' my friends that knitting doesn't have to break the bank.

If the cost of knitting classes is holding you back, be sure to check your area for free classes. Many libraries will periodically offer free classes, and some folks have even found a knitting circle and asked to join in. The knitting community is a very generous and kind group that welcomes the opportunity to help others learn the craft.

Once you have gotten comfortable with the stitches and styles of knitting you can begin to design your own styles. This will save considerable costs if you are purchasing your patterns. As you work from a pattern, pay close attention to how the project is going together and you can apply those aspects to your own designs.

Of course there is a vast supply of free patterns online. Some sites ask you to become a member, at no cost. When you join, many of the sites will send you free newsletters and notifications as new patterns are added.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

One of the things I am proud to have accomplished with my daughters, is their quest of uniqueness. It's my way of keeping them off the proverbial bridge everyone is jumping off of. Did your mothers say that to you too? "If everyone else was jumping off a bridge, would you???" So far we haven't had any bridge incidents. Whew!

I like to add a little something extra to projects when I do them; a subtle piece of flair to set it apart from all the others that are made from the same pattern. Sometimes it is a 3 dimensional addition to one of the shoulders (think butterfly resting on the left shoulder of your new lightweight spring sweater) or some fancy schmancy hand knitted lace added to the ends of a store bought table runner.

Posted by Kyla at 8:43 AM | Permalink

Yarn isn't just for knitting sweaters and socks! Creativity and ingenuity combined with a little bit of resin, can lead to some very interesting, unique new ways to display your yarn projects. Put down the knitting needles and gather up your little bits of yarn that might not be much on their own and combine them all together and create an entirely unique project that can be put to good use.

Posted by Kyla at 7:06 PM | Permalink

For the beginner, knitting needles are a pleasant mystery. You stand in a store and gape at rows and rows of bamboo knitting needles, colorful knitting needles, circular knitting needles, plastic knitting needles... the list goes on and on. What's a new knitter to do?

Well, never fear -- here is your complete and total guide to knitting needles, everything you ever need to know -- and then some.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Today is Witty Wednesday...

Since I'm feeling particularly goofy today, I figured I should share some of the most whimsical projects I have come across in my travels.

First up are these fun pencil toppers that are always a big hit with the elementary school children. The googly eyes add character and giggles every time! It's also a fun project to help introduce the children to the magic of yarn projects.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Since practically the beginning of civilization, every day thousands of men and women put themselves in the honorable profession of protecting the rights of each and every one of us. Many have lost their lives in the process; many are faced with a future of hardship, injury and emotional trauma. It is important for us to remember and share our thanks.

Posted by Kyla at 8:55 AM | Permalink

Have you ever had one of those days where you felt like you were being pulled in 42 different directions and nothing seemed to be going right?

Yet because of your resilient nature, you plugged on, with the hope of salvaging some semblance of accomplishment from the chaos surrounding you.

Recently I had one of those days. Whew!!

Posted by Kyla at 7:48 AM | Permalink

Today is Make a Difference Monday...

It feels good to do something for someone else. A random act of kindness by helping an elderly person reach something high on the shelf at the grocery story, catching the ambitious puppy at the dog park and returning it to their frantic owner, or even dropping a few extra quarters in the toll booth for the person behind you are all ways to do something nice for someone else.

Every day we are presented with ways to step up and do something kind for someone else. And when we are fortunate enough to recognize those moments and follow through with the kindness, our insides get all warm and fuzzy. Nice.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Over the years, I've given out my share of knitting instructions. I taught my children, my friends, and even local girl scout troops how to knit. And the one thing I discovered is that everyone has their learning quirks. Some people learn to knit without much struggle. Others go crazy with the process. So if you're thinking of doing some teaching of your own, here are some tips to help you out.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Do you live in Indiana? If you do, why not become a helpful Hoosier and knit for charity? Listed below are several great knitting charities to get you on the road to helping others and making their lives better.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

I have discovered that if I don't impose some guidelines upon myself, I tend to lose focus and consequently end up with a lot of half finished projects lying around.

From where I am sitting right now, I can see:

The afghan I started 3 days ago sitting neatly draped over the arm of my sofa.

A stack of knitting magazines and pattern books waiting for me to finish organizing them chronologically.

My basket of yarn looking all willy-nilly and disheveled because I was digging through it recently and just tossed everything back in.

Posted by Kyla at 8:56 AM | Permalink

Today is Frugal Friday...

Fortunately, for those of us that knit for charity, our biggest investment is our time. And since our time is spent doing something that makes us all warm and fuzzy inside, it doesn't really seem like an investment at all. So that brings us to the actual dollars spent supporting our 'habit'.

Would you like to make a few extra bucks to go towards your next basket full of goodies at the craft supply store?

At Fiverr.com, you can utilize your vast resources of trial and error knowledge to help others with issues they may face when pursuing their own knitting bliss. And they will pay you for it! How sweet is that?

Or, another way to profit from joining the Fiverr group is by selling tokens you hand craft yourself (as long as you make sure to keep up with your charity projects). :-)

Look around -- you may find some other projects (or gigs as they call it) that you may want to invest $5 on -- or some projects that you'd like to offer $5 for.

So there you go. Check it out and go nuts in the sale aisle to stretch your five bucks even further.

And by the way, if you're good at creating short knitting tips videos, please email me by hitting the reply button, and let me know. We're looking for someone to create some useful and fun one to two minute knitting tip videos for our KnittingForCharity.org website.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Okay, so you have decided to venture into the art of spinning. Are you standing in the door way of a particular room trying to figure out which piece of furniture has to go to make room for your spinning wheel?

As much as I know you would love to get rid of that old, worn, beat up, smelly recliner that doesn't match a thing in the rest of the house, it really isn't necessary. (Men all over the globe are now heaving a collective sigh of relief.)

Posted by Kyla at 8:47 AM | Permalink

Want to learn how to do loom knitting? You're in luck! In this article, I'll tell you what supplies you need to gather together to get started. In future articles, we'll cover loom knitting step-by-step and have you knitting in no time.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

When I first started out with my lil hobby, I would haphazardly store my supplies in various receptacles consisting mostly of plastic grocery bags. Not the wisest of choices, I must admit. I lost more needles that way.

I would grab my bag on the way out the door to an appointment, only to arrive at the appointment, settle in, get out my knitting, and discover the needle had poked its way out of the bag sometime during my travels.

Posted by Kyla at 9:38 AM | Permalink

Today is "Witty" Wednesday...

Citizen Skein.

Knitters Have Balls.

Spring is here and it's time to dye!

Stop needling us with all these questions!

I was on pins and needles to hear her wooly tale, and it left me in stitches!

All the kids are tired of Grandma spinning yarns!

Sock it to me, I can take it.

A lady who can't board the plane with her knitting project because of terrorism. Authorities were afraid she would knit an Afghan.

(Apologies to those who dislike punning...)

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

We look at our passion for knitting as a relaxing outlet for passing time. Creating the perfect piece for that special someone is a joy we pursue every chance we get.

For some, knitting is a way for them to build their self esteem and recognize their self worth as they complete a project with pride.

Posted by Kyla at 10:06 AM | Permalink

The announcement of a future arrival of a new baby brings a smile to even the most non smilingest type of person. Something about the news stirs warm and fuzzy feelings and what do we do when we feel warm and fuzzy? Well, we knit! Of course!!

With the recently acquired tidbit of the impending arrival, we set to work with the sometimes anguishing decision of what would be the absolutely most special gift we can create for the little bundle of joy.

Should it be a fuzzy snuggle buddy with soft and squishy stuffing? Should it be a hand crafted, personalized blanket to swaddle with? Should it be booties and a cap to be worn on the ride home from the hospital? Decisions! Decisions!!

Posted by Kyla at 8:11 AM | Permalink

It turns out that generous Georgians knit for charity! In the great state of Georgia, knitting charities abound and so do the opportunities for you to join forces with these charities to help those in need.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday...

The American Cancer Society says about 650,000 Americans go through chemotherapy each year -- not to mention people in the rest of the world. So, the need for soft, attractive, and comfortable chemo caps that cover the entire heard is huge.

Losing some or all of your hair can obviously be traumatic, and that's where chemo caps come in. They can help cancer patients who are suddenly bald begin to feel like themselves again. Plus, they reduce strangers staring at them (especially for women and girls), and naturally they help with warmth.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Free knitting patterns for simple baby items? Sounds too good to be true? Save time and money by checking out some of the easiest baby patterns for you to try. Below, find free patterns for knitting blankets, hoodies, cardigans, hats and booties. In other words, everything you need to get started knitting baby items.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Cats by nature are curious. Like children, many times when they encounter something they rub their face all over it. Combine this quality with a pinch of catnip and you got yourself a party!

Anyone with a cat can already relate to the wackiness these loveable furballs possess. A cat can be sitting stoically in a window sill and suddenly shoot off their perch and set off on a rip through the house like their back side is on fire. Makes me wish I could get inside the head of my own little furry nut job sometimes.

Posted by Kyla at 9:35 AM | Permalink

Today is "Frugal" Friday...

I love saving money on yarn, and there is no better place to do this than on eBay. So today let's talk about eBay...

Unfortunately, as wonderful as eBay is for finding bargains, shopping on eBay is not as simple as you might think. Not that it's difficult. But you have to know what you're doing.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Have you ever heard the term thin blooded? The most frequent usage of it occurs when someone from a tropical state such as Florida is visiting an area with a more blustery type of climate. Say, upper New York.

The folks in the blustery state have a respectable tolerance to the cold, harsh winter whereas the folks from the tropical state think they are going to flat out die from temperatures below 40.

I have been both. I still am both. And I play both sides of the fence, weather permitting.

Posted by Kyla at 9:44 AM | Permalink

Just because you're out of money doesn't mean an end to knitting. I know how you feel. At different times in my knitting adventure, I've actually used up all of my knitting stash only to be unpleasantly surprised to find I also didn't have any extra money for more yarn and patterns.

What's a knitter to do? Simple. Do what I did. Learn to knit without spending a dime by following these quick and easy tips.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

It seems as though every few years or so a group of folks start a great grass roots movement to better the world. Pay it forward, Inner City Gardening, Walk across America etc... Sometimes these movements are mere fads that don't really catch on nor have any lasting power. It's nice to know the community within the knitting world is comprised of individuals that come up with ideas that stick and make a difference in so many lives.

Posted by Kyla at 4:35 PM | Permalink

Today is "Witty Wednesday"...

You do not sew with a fork, and I see no reason why I should eat with knitting needles.
~Miss Piggy

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Spring is hovering just around the corner. A few false starts in some parts of the country had many of us psyching ourselves up for the obligatory spring cleaning and organizing. But then another cold spell came around and snapped us right out of the springtime frame of mind.

Hey there weather, it's not nice to tease people. Get our hopes all high for sunshine and flowers abloom, only to drop another 4 inches of snow to the ground. No fair!

Posted by Kyla at 9:28 AM | Permalink

I have discovered that the passion for knitting is only possessed by individuals with endearing specific qualities.

A kind generous heart is the most commonly shared trait.

The self gratifying pastime of honing the craft and creating finished works that often times serve a useful purpose is made even more gratifying when the finished product is then passed on to someone else for their enjoyment and use.

Another trait common to the community is whimsicalness. Is that even a word? You know, the part of a personality that can look at some otherwise outlandish color combination and create a fun, eye catching piece of work that brings a smile to anyone's face. Who would have thought that the neon green and fuchsia would actually complement each other when knitted into a sassy beret? Throw in some orange and we have a winner. It's all in the vision.

Posted by Kyla at 11:36 AM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday...

To celebrate "Make a Difference" Monday, I thought I'd tell you about four very interesting -- and different knitting charities:

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Simple and free - my two favorite words when it comes to knitting. That's just what you get with these free knitting patterns. Take a look at these simple blanket patterns. Easy enough for beginners to knit but beautiful enough to impress your friends and family. Simple and free are about to become two of your favorite words too. Check out 3 super simple patterns for blankets.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Nearly each and every one of us has at least some part of our day that if missed, messes up our whole rhythm for the remainder of that particular day. The biggest shared example is morning coffee. How many times have you heard someone say "I haven't had my coffee yet, excuse my confusion..."?

Let's remove the medicinal properties coffee possesses when waking us up every day and look a little deeper at the rest of the experience.

Posted by Kyla at 3:11 PM | Permalink

Today is "Frugal" Friday...

Since knitting can get expensive, today I'd like to share three ways to save money on yarn.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

When someone has a passion for something, they want to learn everything they can about the subject. If someone is passionate about cooking, they experiment and study herbs to find the perfect blend for their recipes. An artist who paints will learn different ways to work with a variety of paints and canvases.

It stands to reason that someone with a passion for knitting would want to know everything they could about their passion.

Posted by Kyla at 1:43 PM | Permalink

What happens when thousands of knitters start knitting for charity? You get the 2010 Ravelympics. The 2010 Winter Olympics might be over but the knitters at Ralvery are still recovering.

No, they weren't exactly in the Olympics, but they performed like Olympians and made Herculean efforts to help those in need. And let me tell you, they worked their knitting fingers to the bone. These ladies took knitting for charity to the extreme -- in a good way!

Posted by Kyla at 8:04 AM | Permalink

Just about everything is more fun when you share it with friends. I just sat here for a few minutes and tried to think of something enjoyable that I wouldn't want to have friends join me. I can't come up with one thing.

No matter what your hobby is, a whole different element comes into the experience when you have someone with a like mind working next to you. The project seems to go faster and with fewer complications. Before you know it, the time to begin your next project has arrived.

Posted by Kyla at 4:49 PM | Permalink

Today is "Witty" Wednesday...

To celebrate Witty Wednesday, I wanted to share a few of may favorite knitting t-shirt slogans with you today. It seems like a wonderful way to give a boost mid-week:

- Lean Mean Knitting Machine

- If I Knit Fast Enough, Does It Count As Aerobics?

- I have 2 NEEDLES. You have two EYES. Don't mess with a WOMAN who knits.

- Knitting Keeps Me From Unraveling

- When I Learned How to Knit, I Forgot How To Cook

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

More often than not, I find myself a day late and a dollar short when it comes to breaking news. I don't know why, it's just one of those things.

BUT- It is with great pride that I give you a heads up about a great book coming out in the next few weeks. 60 Quick Knits, from Vogue Knitting, is due to be released mid April.

Here it is, still March and I know about the book coming out. Whoop! Whoop!

Ok, I'm finished patting myself on the back. Sorry.

Posted by Kyla at 11:29 AM | Permalink

I just got off the telephone with my mom. She is very excited to be knitting a pink afghan to be raffled off at the local Relay for Life gathering in her town.

See, mom is one of the many brave survivors from the mean mean world of Cancer. Fifteen years ago she had her first battle with breast cancer and in the past year has had to suit up again for battle as metastasis has taken place.

Posted by Kyla at 1:15 PM | Permalink

Knitting on the beach? Knitting and Hawaii just don't seem to go hand-in-hand and yet, you'll find that Hawaiians knit for charity just like knitters in the other 49 states. Find out what these ladies are up to and why they knit in paradise.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Today is Make a Difference Monday...

One of the biggest questions I get (although it's rarely phrased this bluntly) is "why should I knit for charity?"

I LOVE this question.

Why?

Besides the fact that's it's a great question, it lets me answer from the heart. I want to have the opportunity to inspire many more knitters to start knitting for charity.

Here are my top 7 reasons...

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

I'm a year round knitter, so when spring hits, I keep right on with my search for free knitting patterns. I just shift my focus from scarves and heavy afghans to light sweaters, pretty crafts, and decorative items that will let me keep on with my hobby while giving me that feeling of spring in the air!

And as usual, I can't bear to keep the best patterns to myself -- so here are the best free knitting patterns online for spring.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Easter is just around the corner and will be barreling upon us before we realize it. It seems like every year time picks up a few miles per hour and the calendar becomes more of a stopwatch than a list of days and months.

Posted by Kyla at 6:43 PM | Permalink

Most of us in our right minds roll our eyes and groan when laundry day rolls around. I mean, there are two options on laundry day: End up stuck at home monitoring the washing machine, or ugh, hauling everything out to a local facility with a roll of quarters in hand.

Posted by Kyla at 12:57 PM | Permalink

If you like to do things a little differently, you'll love joining this oddball knitting charity. No, the great ladies that started this charity aren't odd; they simply came up with a cool concept for giving back to others. Check out their charity. Then join them or use their idea to start your own group of oddballs.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink