Knitting for Charity: Easy, Fun and Gratifying

Today is "Witty" Wednesday!

The funniest day in knitting is just about to get funnier. Here are your witty, knitting jokes!

A woman was knitting on a plane in the emergency exit row. The flight attendant came by and asked if she would be able to open the door in the event of an emergency. The knitter responded, "Yes as soon as I finish knitting the row."

Very funny and to be quite honest, there is very few things that I stop mid row for while I'm knitting. Anyways... Next!

An astronaut, a nun, and a knitter walk into a bar.
The bartender says, "What is this, some kind of joke?"

I must admit this one did make me laugh out loud, a few times.

That's all the jokes folks, have a great "witty Wednesday.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

What can you knit with one ball of yarn? How about a stunning evening bag? Now, I know you're probably like me and don't go to events very often where you need an evening bag. But for those few times you do, you don't want to have to spend a lot of money on a little bitty purse. And you can't very well carry a big bulky bag when wearing a cocktail or evening dress.

Posted by Kyla at 7:36 PM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday

The aftermath of a natural disaster can leave families homeless and in need of aid. Knitting for charity is one way for you to help the victims of such tragedies. Donating knitted items such as afghans, hats, scarves, and a comforting stuffed toy for the children.

When it comes to disaster relief, The American Red Cross is often the first on the scene, setting up evacuation shelter and providing hot meals for the people in need. Their goal is to provide comfort to a community stricken by unexpected circumstances.

They accept knitted donations that they then give to disaster families left with nothing.

Sometimes during a disaster, it is difficult for care packages to be delivered. If you are interested in helping families but are afraid that your knitting won't reach its destination, another idea is having a charity-knitting sale.

This is a particularly good idea for knitting groups. Everyone in the group can knit something to sell, the proceeds of which is a charity donation to the disaster relief fund of choice.

During times when people feel most vulnerable, such as a natural disaster, every bit of kindness is priceless. That's why what we do as knitters for charity is an invaluable service for those in need.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

I always knew knitters were ahead of the game. Modesty aside, don't you think we're smarter and better than the rest of the world?

Just kidding.

But, I do tend to be a little biased. Over the years, I've seen how knitting for charity has brought out the best in people. And let's face it. You've got to be pretty smart to whip up some of these knitting patterns we tackle.

Posted by Kyla at 12:18 PM | Permalink

If you're looking for simple, basic loom knitting patterns that don't look simple and basic, you came to the right place. Here's a collection of five knitting patterns that are quick and easy to make but are sure to impress your friends.

Posted by Kyla at 7:29 PM | Permalink

Today is Frugal Friday...

When you're trying to save money but just can't do the unthinkable and stop knitting - even for a short while - one of the best things you can do is use up all the stash you already have.

The question then is, "What can you make with just little scraps of yarn?" Well, I went ahead and took care of that with today's newsletter. Check out the featured website - you'll learn to use scraps and scrabbles of yarn in ways you never thought possible.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

When you first learn to knit, the only knitting stitches you know are often knit and purl. Of course, there's nothing wrong with this, but if you only stick with these stitches, your knitting will soon become boring. One way to keep from getting bored is to learn new stitches. Here are some fun ways to do just that.

Posted by Kyla at 7:25 PM | Permalink

Today is Witty Wednesday...

I don't know about you, but I can always use a good chuckle. Thought I would share this little chuckle I saw on CafePress.com with you...

1. Yes, I am knitting
2. No, not crocheting
3. No, it doesn't require a lot of patience
4. Yes, you could do it. Really. Want to learn?
5. Yes, I know you can buy sweaters, socks, etc. for not much money. What's the fun in that?
6. Yes, I'm sure your grandmother did knit for you. That's nice.
7. Well, yes, it does require some concentration, depending on the patterns. So could you shut up and let me knit now? Thanks!

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Free knitting patterns for bathing suits -- do you dare? I don't know if I would dare, but check these out. You may find the suit of your dreams. And with a few tips and precautions, you can make a swimsuit that is tailor-made just for you.

Posted by Kyla at 7:20 PM | Permalink

Today is Make a Difference Monday...

Did you know you can make a difference in a chicken's life...no kidding! Now, before you laugh, these ladies in Norwich, England, have a soft spot for former egg-layers. After doing their duty and laying all the eggs they can, they are rescued by Little Hen Rescue, founded by Jo Eglen.

The hens are placed in foster homes, but the problem is some of the chickens have lost their feathers. Because the chickens have lived their lives in cages around 10% of the chickens are bald.

Members of the knit and crochet club in Taunton like to help local charities and organizations. To help, they knit jumpers that button on and help keep the chickens warm until their feathers grow back.

To learn more and watch the video of the chickens in their cute jumpers.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

You just finished knitting the sweater you've dreamed of for a couple of years. You try it on only to discover you look horrid! What went wrong? You followed the pattern to a tee. You didn't make mistakes. You even checked your gauge before you started.

Guess what. You didn't mess up knitting the sweater; you just chose the wrong sweater to knit. Here's how to choose knitting patterns that make you look great so you can avoid this disaster from now on.

Posted by Kyla at 12:06 PM | Permalink

Sometimes you just need some really basic free knitting patterns, especially when you're knitting for charity. Sure, it's fun to experiment with funky socks, outlandish colors, and interesting patterns, but sometimes simple and easy is what you need.

That's especially true when you're churning out charity knitting items. Your free patterns for knitting might not cut it if they're too fancy, especially when you don't know who your donations will go to. That cute afghan with flowers and kittens may not thrill an injured war veteran!

Posted by Kyla at 7:14 PM | Permalink

Today is "Frugal" Friday

One of the reasons I learned to knit was yarn. I love the way yarn looks neatly spun and brand new. I would go to my LYS and inevitably gravitate to the more expensive yarn, which I would ultimately end up purchasing.

Once the yarn was purchased, I would begin practicing the skills I use for defending unnecessary yarn acquisitions. So when questioned about my overspending, I could be ready with evasive maneuvers.

Here is a list of my top 10 ways to dodge yarn-purchasing questions:

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Would you like to learn how to knit a baby cocoon for your baby? Baby cocoons are popping up everywhere. They're fast, easy, and make great gifts for friends and family.

Posted by Kyla at 7:09 PM | Permalink

Today is Witty Wednesday...

Feel like a little corn? Well, here you go!

Why did the knitter join a dating service?...

Because she wanted to get en-gauge-ed!

How do knitters travel?...

By cable car!

This knitter was going on a trip. Her friend asked if she was all packed, to which she replied, "Alpaca later!"

Well, you can't say I didn't warn you! They're corny but they're jokes all knitters get. It's kind of like the secret society of knitters and here at KnittingForCharity.org, we all belong.

So welcome, sit back and browse through this issue of the Knitting Nuggets Newsletter for more knitting humor in books and helpful tips every knitter can use.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

You love knitting. You could do it all day every day and dream of someone paying you to do just that. Is this just a dream or is it really possible. Let's take a realistic look at knitting as a business.

Posted by Kyla at 7:02 PM | Permalink

Today is Make a Difference Monday...

It takes special people to give their precious time and hard-earned money to knitting for charity. All charity knitters are caring, generous, and kind. But when you start a knitting charity to save the lives of your very own children knitting for charity takes on a whole new meaning.

Learn how one mother is doing just this.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Don't you just love hand-knit dishcloths? Yes, I know you can go to Wal-Mart and buy packs of them. But it just isn't the same. Hand-knit dishcloths last longer than the cheapies you buy at the store and I'll confess - I love the way they feel.

Now that you know one of my weaknesses, let me give you a few of my favorite ideas for creating one-of-a-kind dishcloths you'll fall in love with.

Posted by Kyla at 11:45 AM | Permalink

So, you're a beginning knitter and only know how to knit two stitches - knit and purl. That's no reason for you to feel incompetent or like a newbie. Not at all. Did you know you could knit over 46 stitches even though you only know how to knit and purl? You sure can.

Posted by Kyla at 6:51 PM | Permalink

Today is Frugal Friday!

Recently, I needed to buy some yarn to finish a gift I was making, but didn't have the money, and the present needed to be done soon. I sifted through my stash searching for any reasonable substitute for the multi colored yarn I had just run out of mid gift. No luck, however, I did discover that if white yarn were currency, I would be wealthy.

What if we could trade our unwanted yarn to others for their leftover yarn?

As with all questions, I searched Google for it, and we can. It's called a Yarn Stash Swap Party!

A stash swap is when you and your knitting friends get together and trade unwanted yarn for more desirable yarn that belongs to your friend.

Not only do you get to have a party with your friends, you also get new, free, yarn. Don't you love it when everything works out in the end!

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Ever wondered how to knit a hat you won't be afraid to show in public? Every knitter should know how to knit a simple hat. It's such a fun, simple process that there's really no excuse for NOT knowing -- and if you like charity knitting, there are few projects that will meet with a better reception.

Posted by Kyla at 6:59 PM | Permalink

Today is "Witty" Wednesday and, as you know, knitting's funniest day.

If you were a superhero, would your superpower be knitting? Not just regular knitting, though, we're talking faster than a speeding bullet knitting. The knitting speed you use when you have 36 more inches left to knit on a baby blanket for a baby shower that starts in 30 minutes.

I think my ultimate superhero weapon, without a doubt would be, "The Tangled Ball of Yarn". Nothing stops people in their tracks like a tangled ball of yarn. Really, you would be amazed at how long people will sit there trying to get it untangled.

Trust me it works every time.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

How many knitting stitches do you know? If you're a seasoned knitter, I bet you can't count them let alone remember them all. If you're a beginning knitter, you need to broaden your horizons. How? With a knitting stitch library.

I firmly believe every knitter should make their very own library showcasing all the stitches they know. Here's how.

Posted by Kyla at 10:59 PM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday

The Internet makes it possible to discover knitting charities from all over the world. While donating to a national or global charity is a great way to make a difference, what about local knitting charities?

Most cities have charity knitting organizations that need donations just as much as the National or Worldwide charities. Knitting for charities closer to home is a good way to use your knitting talent to fulfill a need in your own community.

Another reason for local charity knitting is you can drop off your donated items rather than send it in the mail. This means you can see the place and perhaps even the people that your knitting is helping. Not to mention, when you knit for local charities it is easier to find out specific items needed so you can be sure that your knitting will be useful.

Some charities have a surplus of one item but not enough of others. Knitting for local charities gives you the opportunity to find out what item that organization currently needs.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Most knitters are touchy-feely people. We just have to touch and feel yarn before we buy it. If you don't believe me, visit your favorite yarn shop. Stand back and quietly observe shoppers. What do they do? They oooh and aaah over the colors and then reach out and stroke, rub, and feel of each skein. It's the truth.

Same thing goes with our knitting needles. Yes, we can and do knit with our plain aluminum needles. But... we also simply love to look at the latest knitting needles, picking them up if possible to see how they feel in our hands. That's why you'll want to try some of these.

Posted by Kyla at 11:53 AM | Permalink

There's always a need for baby hat patterns, especially if you're an avid knitter. After all, it seems like someone is always having a baby and just about everyone appreciates a beautifully knit hat -- especially if it's a fun and whimsical baby sun hat, or a super cute frog to perch on baby's head.

So enjoy these baby hat knitting patterns, and remember: you can always expand them for adult use!

Posted by Kyla at 10:54 PM | Permalink

Today is Frugal Friday...

Desperate times call for desperate measures. If the recession is hitting your bank account hard and affecting your knitting, don't throw your hands up in the air and fall into a deep, deep depression. Instead, join or start a knitting group

How is a knitting group going to save you money and get you your much-needed yarn?

Simple. Since we're all knitting nuts here, I know you're like me. You may have used much of your yarn stash. But I'm willing to bet you haven't used it all.

Dig in your closets and find the yarn you've never used. Take it with you to your group and see who is willing to swap yarn with you. This works for other knitting supplies too.

Have everybody bring knitting tools, books, magazines, patterns and needles they don't need. At each meeting, you can knit but also swap stuff. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

One of the biggest mistakes beginning knitters make occurs when they don't use reversible knitting stitches on something like a scarf or afghan. Why is that important? Well, if you're making a sweater or a sock -- something where people only see one side of it -- then it's not. No one really cares what the 'wrong' side looks like.

But with some items, when people are going to see the reverse of your pattern, you really don't want it to be an ugly maze of crisscrossed lines and bizarre shapes. Using reversible knit stitches ensures that both sides of your finished product are a beauty and a joy. Convinced? Here are some easy knitting stitches to get you going.

Posted by Kyla at 10:52 PM | Permalink

Since this is knitting's funniest day, I have a familiar knitting pattern that will make you laugh and say, "it's funny because it's true!"

The Progressive Procrastinations of a Knitter:

Row 1. I'll just cast on, then start supper.
Row 2. I'll just do the ribbing to get through my least favorite part.
Row 3. I'll just put it on the larger needles.
Row 4. I'll just do a few rows to see the pattern.
Row 5. Just to the next increase (decrease) so I don't forget to do it.
Row 6. I'm almost to the underarm decrease- may as well...
Row 7. I'll just cast on the sleeves.
Rows 8-12. Repeat Rows 2-6.
Row 13. I'll just put the sleeves onto the body.
Row 14. Just to the first yoke decrease.
Row 15. Just through the first pattern to see it.
Row 16. So few stitches left, I'll whiz through the neck.
Row 17. Two inches of ribbing and cast off- I can do that quickly.
Row 18. I'll just try it on.
Row 19. I'll just get out the needles and yarn for the next project.
Rep Rows 1-19 for pattern.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

The 'Show Me' state of Missouri has shown us how great they are with all their knitting charities. Now it's time for us to show them some love and help them help others. Here are some great ways to show you care.

Posted by Kyla at 10:46 PM | Permalink