Knitting for Charity: Easy, Fun and Gratifying

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday...

People, young and old, battling the effects of cancer and other illnesses, Veterans who so bravely serve our Nation, our elderly population, innocent victims with their lives turned upside down because of natural disaster or war, animals abused and neglected, children abused and neglected, people who are homeless and prematurely born babies all benefit from the knit projects you supply to the charities.

Today I will share with you some more of the different charities that focus on helping children through difficult times they are facing. Every piece donated reinforces the fact that someone cares.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

If the loom knitting bug has bitten you lately AND if you're like me, you're just dying to make all sorts of things with your newfound skills. But, if you're also like me and in the past you've spent way too much on other crafts to later find out you don't like it after all, then I know how you feel.

It can get expensive.

The cure? Try these free knitting loom patterns and cut your costs. This way, you won't invest a lot of money in yet another craft until you know for certain you can do it and you love it.

And...I know you will.

Posted by Kyla at 2:46 PM | Permalink

Today is "Frugal" Friday...

Let's talk saving! As you already know, I'm a big fan of saving money on my knitting gear. I also think it is important to help save the planet by "green" knitting. I'm not saying save the Earth by knitting with only green colored yarn. I mean use yarns that are better for the environment. Here are four reasons for eco-friendly knitting:

• Not only do eco- friendly or organic yarns cost about the same as synthetic yarns -- they look just as good if not better.
• "Green" knitting isn't just limited to yarn, in fact there are several eco- friendly knitting needle options too.
• Eco- friendly yarns are good for the environment and good for your health.
• Using recycled yarn can be also be good for the environment and will cost next to nothing. Recycle yarn from old sweaters and make new stuff for free.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

When loom knitting, just like regular needle knitting, gauge is important. If your gauge is right, your knitted garment will fit like a glove. If your gauge is off, you may just end up with a very comical item after spending a lot of time and money. So when it comes to knitting on a loom, first things first. Let's learn about gauge.

Posted by Kyla at 2:42 PM | Permalink

Why are knitting patterns for ladies' clothes so intimidating? You know what I mean. You've tackled knitting patterns for blankets, afghans, scarves and hats. You might have even gotten brave and tried a pair of socks or baby cardigan. That's great. These all make great gifts for your loved ones.

But...what about you? Are you afraid to tackle making something for yourself? If you are, there's no need to be afraid. I picked out a few super easy knitting patterns for you to try. They're easy and make gorgeous tops just for you.

Posted by Kyla at 2:20 PM | Permalink

Today is Make a Difference Monday...

With all the varying ways you can help by donating your knitting projects, I decided to feature some of the categories and causes. - People, young and old, battling the effects of cancer, Veterans who so bravely serve our Nation, our elderly population, innocent victims with their lives turned upside down because of natural disaster or war, animals abused and neglected, children abused and neglected, people who are homeless and prematurely born babies.

Today I will share with you some of the different charities that focus on helping children through difficult times they are facing. Every piece donated reinforces the fact that someone cares.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

When you search for baby hat patterns, you inevitably find adorable little caps perfectly suited for the dead of winter. But what about all the babes born in warm months -- or warm climates? Don't they deserve something cute to cover those floppy baby ears, too? Of course they do -- and these patterns will help you make sure they have their fair share of toppings!

Posted by Jenny at 12:06 AM | Permalink

Today is Frugal Friday...

Here you sit, reading your Knitting for charity newsletter online. It makes sense that some of your shopping might also be done from the comfort of your home. I have put together a list of some of the sites you can find discount yarn and knitting supplies. A great resource for the days when you don't feel like leaving the house. (Or spending a lot of time searching for online deals).

I realize some yarns need the "hands on" approach before purchase; the need to wiggle your fingers in the skein or brush it against your cheek. What I do is familiarize myself with the texture and feel of the product in the store, then go home and order online.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

So you selected your color chart and the two skeins of different color yarn that you want to alternate between. So now what?

Now what?!?

Let's get fired up for knitting! Let's get ready to explore the uncharted area within a color pattern! Let's knit some stuff!

Posted by Kyla at 8:18 AM | Permalink

If you want to start loom knitting, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll take a look at knitting looms; different types of looms, how to choose a knitting loom, and knitting loom terms.

Posted by Jenny at 12:12 AM | Permalink

Today is "Witty" Wednesday

Have I got some knitting jokes for you today. After all, it is "witty" Wednesday, so it seems silly not to have some knit wit. Here we go:

- What did the gold digger say when her boyfriend bought her a scarf?
Answer: "That's NOT what I meant by a string of pearls!" (Purls)

Wow. That was a homonym joke... about knitting... Next!

- How did the knitter feel when she lost her wool?
Answer: Sheepish

Come on now, that's funny.

Okay this is the last one. Based on an actual conversation I had with my friend.

- Me: "Hey do you know any good knitting jokes?"
- Friend: "I don't know any, but my doctor's a comedian."
- Me: "Is she funny?"
- Friend: "She leaves me in stitches every time!"

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Are you tired of knitting in one color only? Have you tried knitting with mixed color yarn, only to discover, there is no way to control which color you are knitting in? Do you want to knit a unicorn in your next project, but can't find a pattern or color chart you need?

I know I can say yes to all three questions.

If you can answer yes to any of those questions too, then it's time to talk knitting in color.

Here are some tips to help you break free of the monochromatic yarns and enter the land of multicolored knitting.

Posted by Kyla at 7:46 AM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday

When I first started knitting, I would only knit scarves. If someone wanted a scarf, any length, color, width, with tassels or without- I was the one to see. I never got tired of making scarves. I made a bunch of scarves for myself then, secure in my scarf artisanship, I began to make scarves for my friends.

The first scarf, made with black yarn with two patches that were actually pockets, was a great success. Everyone who saw it, and knew me, wanted a scarf of his or her own. No problem, I thought, because I loved making scarves.

How was I to know that my friends only wanted black scarves! After one year, and dozens of skeins of black yarn, I never wanted to knit another scarf again. Least of all, anything that involved black yarn.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | 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 Jenny at 12:02 AM | Permalink

If you haven't already noticed, the weather is sunnier and warmer each day. So what's on your needles this summer?

For many years, I used to use summer to try to get head start on my fall and winter knitting. So while it was easily in the one hundreds as far as temperature, I would be sitting there knitting the hottest winter item thinking, this will be the year I complete all the holiday knitting before the holidays. Then I would pass out from the heat stroke I was giving myself from knitting the heaviest winter project in summer.

Posted by Kyla at 7:53 AM | Permalink

Are you addicted to knitting? If so, then take advantage of discount yarn. By using discount knitting yarn, you can knit two to three times as many items. This way, you can keep all your friends and family happy plus feed your knitting addiction

Posted by Nellie at 2:09 PM | Permalink

Today is Frugal Friday...

With so many different colors and styles of yarn available, it can sometimes be frustrating when our checkbook says no. Today I will give you my top four ways to keep your supply closet stocked full without breaking the bank.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

What's making knitting news? Record breaking that's what.

Until recently, I had no idea there were so many knitting world records. There is a record for the biggest everything. From knitting needles to cardigans to tea cozies. They even have a record for the fastest knitter! I say, why not?!

My favorite is the world's longest scarf record, held by knitters in Wales. The scarf began as a charity fundraiser. When they finished the scarf measured 53 kilometers! That's almost 33 miles! Do you know what they did after they secured the world record?

Very funny... No, they did not go to Disneyland; they reworked the scarf into blankets and donated them to charity.

Knitting for charity is not only easy, fun, and gratifying, it's also world record inspiring.

Here is some interesting news from the knitting world:

Posted by Kyla at 8:08 AM | Permalink

You've gone through the basic loom knitting instructions and are chomping at the bit to make something. But.a word of warning. Start slowly. I know you're just dying to jump in and try some of the beautiful patterns you've seen online, but resist that urge. Instead, start with some very basic loom knitting patterns. This is the best way to learn and make sure your successful with your new craft. Here are some free patterns to get you started.

Posted by Kyla at 8:08 PM | Permalink

Today is Make a Witty Wednesday...

One thing we knitters like to do when gathered together is talk. I know in my circle sometimes there are 4 or 5 different conversations going on at once. Keeping up with all of them certainly keeps my mind sharp!

Many times I have been involved with one particular conversation, and suddenly a loud peal of laughter turns our attention to the ruckus.

More often than not, someone has just shared an experience that only a knitter would appreciate.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Now, I know what you're thinking...knitting...fun? Sure. Think knitting is for fuddy-duddies, you're wrong. Yes, members of older generations still knit away. But, not as fuddy-duddies. Instead, they remain valuable assets to the knitting community.

While the older generation passes on their valuable knitting skills, it's the younger groups reviving knitting with a passion. So whether you're an experienced knitting elder or a beginning knitter -- a charity knitter or a Goth knitter creating gruesome skull caps, discover the fun of knitting.

Posted by Nellie at 3:09 PM | Permalink

Minnesota is known for being the Land of 10,000 Lakes but it could easily change its name to the Land of 10,000 Knitting Charities! If you're looking for knitting charities to join in the great state of Minnesota, look no further.

Covered here are just two of Minnesota's worthwhile charities that would love having your hand-knitted items. If neither of these two suit your fancy, simply search for 'knitting for charity in Minnesota, and you'll find the other 9,998!

Posted by Kyla at 7:49 PM | Permalink

The other day I was walking around at the mall and I saw an amazing sweater. It was one of those things that once you spot it, you absolutely must have it.

Unfortunately it was not in a storefront display window, it was riding around on a stranger doing its job of looking awesome, keeping her warm and averting an indecent exposure charge.

So of course I did what any reasonable knit fanatic would do. I walked up to the woman and asked her where she got that amazing sweater.

Posted by Kyla at 9:09 AM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday

Knitting charities provide necessities to people who have nothing. One of the knitted items deemed a "necessity" is a security blanket. I am inclined to agree.

As children, some of us had a special doll, others a favorite stuffed animal, but most of us had security blankets. My blanket and I were inseparable. It was my family when they were away, my favorite playmate, and my suit of armor when I was afraid.

Here are two knitting charities that, with our help, can make sure no child will be left blanket-less:

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

How many of you have little bits and pieces of yarn that don't really look like they can ever amount to anything but yet you still hang on to them 'just in case'? All of you?
I thought so. Me too.

My inner packrat just loves that I can't bear to toss any leftover pieces of yarn. I hear a hearty mwah-ha-ha in my head each time a drop another handful in the basket. My inner packrat is an evil little bugger.

I think it's time to put that evil little bugger in its place.

Posted by Kyla at 8:09 AM | Permalink

Today is "Frugal" Friday!

I love finding bargains on yarn, but I love it even more when I come across an awesome deal on knitting needles and notions. I really didn't notice the price of needles until I started knitting a variety of projects. It seemed everything I wanted to knit used a size or type of needle I didn't have, which wasn't cheap.

Yarn shops and craft stores are always advertising sales on yarn but rarely do you hear anything about sales on needles. So where does someone find sales or bargains on knitting needles and notions?

Needles and supplies vary in styles and pricing. I have discovered that word of mouth amongst the knitting circle helps me keep up with the latest deals and best value. Ask around; see who is finding what and where. Remember at the knitting circles, we do a lot of chatting so feel free to speak up!

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

There have been many times when I start off with a plan of doing something a particular way and unforeseen events or circumstances cause me to veer off of my original plan, make adjustments and hope for the best. This happens not only when I'm knitting, but in my day-to-day activities as well.

Posted by Kyla at 9:49 AM | Permalink

Today is "Witty" Wednesday!

What would knit "witty" Wednesday be without some knitting humor? One of the things that warms the heart is laughter. Another thing that warms the heart is doing something nice for someone else, like charity knitting.

Here are four amusing knitting jokes that will even make non- knitters laugh. Whether they are laughing because it's funny or because it's so ridiculous, either way, they're laughing.

-How did the knitter knit a suit of armor?
Answer: She used steel wool!

Let me guess, you're laughing on the inside...

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Some folks collect baseball cards, some folks collect shoes, some folks collect rocks.
I collect knitting needles.

It works out pretty well that I collect knitting needles, considering I am so obsessed with knitting. It would be pretty weird if I collected knitting needles and my hobby was painting. Stop laughing, weirder things have happened.

Posted by Kyla at 4:38 PM | Permalink

If you've always wanted to knit a shawl but were afraid to try, use one of these free knitting patterns made especially for beginners. They're fast and easy but don't let that fool you. With these free knitting patterns for shawls, you'll be able to knit a gorgeous shawl in no time.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Sunday, May 9th, is Mother's Day! Do you know why moms are the best people to give hand knitted gifts? No, not because moms are obligated to like whatever homemade craft their child gives them. Moms are the perfect recipients for a knitted-by-you gift because it's something you made, with them in mind. Regardless of what it may look like, the mere fact that you put time, love, and care into making something unique is gift enough.

Posted by Kyla at 1:06 PM | Permalink

You just never know whom you help when you knit for charity. Such is the case when you join knitting charities in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. Browse these helpful charities from this great state and see which one you can help.

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday

This Monday, we are going to look at three charitable ways to "make a difference" by making something different. Let me take you beyond blankets.

When I was new to the world of charity knitting, I thought the only charitable item you could knit was a blanket or afghan. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I was wrong.

Many charities need blankets, and blankets are an easy, great place to start knitting for charity. However, it's not the only item you can knit for charity.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

I love knitting socks, but there are really only so many pairs my family uses. Fortunately, knitting socks for charity is fun, easy, and incredibly appreciated. Whether a pro at knitted socks or a beginner, you're sure to enjoy knitting for the many charities who accept socks!

Posted by Nellie at 3:00 AM | Permalink

What's new in knitting? A better question is what's making knitting news? Here are a few knitting current events. Not surprising, is the number of articles about charity knitting. Let's look at what fellow knitters are up to around the world.

Posted by Kyla at 8:58 AM | Permalink