Knitting for Charity: Easy, Fun and Gratifying

Today is Frugal Friday...

One of the many great things about being a knitter is that you can always give great gifts. Not only are the gifts handmade creations that the recipient will cherish forever, but they are also economical for those of us on the giving end.

In life, you go through different stages. One of those stages is the baby shower stage. Either you or your friends are having babies galore or you've made it to the grandmother stage and your children and the children of your friends are having babies galore!

That's okay. 'Babies galore' is a good thing and it's a great time to put your knitting skills to use for those you love the most. Thankfully, because you're a knitter, you can also use your knitting skills to save a lot of money on all those gifts.

Just think of all the gift combinations you can knit with a few simple patterns for baby blankets, caps, booties, and sweaters. The items are small so they don't take much money or time, and your gift will always be remembered and treasured.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Today is Witty Wednesday...

Funnies as seen on CafePress.com for t-shirts, coffee mugs, hats, and pins.

'I knit, therefore, I rock!'
'I have two needles. You have two eyes. Don't mess with a woman who knits.'
'I'm working on my PhD (Projects Half Done)'
'Veni, Vidi, Acubus Texui -- I came, I saw, I knitted'
'To Knit or Not to Knit -- Now, that's just a silly question'
'Cooking & cleaning are for people who haven't discovered knitting yet'

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

When it comes to knitting for charity in Canada, many Canadians have expressed frustration with the limited number of specifically Canadian knitting charities. It seems like there are thousands of ways to knit for charity around the world, but only a handful proudly call themselves Canuck. Don't let that stop you, though: you can still join the thousands of Canadians who make charity knitting part of their lives.

Posted by Kyla at 11:50 AM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday!

I love sharing stories about knitting for charity. I also enjoy hearing other people stories about their charity knitting experiences.

Pick a charity that is requesting a knitted item that you are already good at knitting. When you finish the item, donate it to the charity so they can give your knitted gift to those in need.

Once you have done this you will have your own story to tell about the first time you knitted an item for charity. I can assure you that it probably will not be your last charity-knitting story.

Lions brand yarn has "Stories from the Heart". A section devoted to charity knitting stories on their website. Users who write about their knitting for charity experiences submit the stories. They also have charity knitting patterns too. It is inspiring to hear the personal account of how somebody made a difference in the lives of those in need.

In the following weeks, think about your charity-knitting story.

What was the first knitting charity you made a donation?

How did you feel while knitting that item?

How did it make you feel after you donated your knitted item?

How did you first get involved with charity knitting?

Answer these questions, share your knitting for charity story with others, and remind yourself how you began to make a difference by knitting for charity.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

You never know what you'll start when you knit for charity. Judy Yoskosky certainly didn't. You see, Judy believes in giving back. But don't think for a moment that she's all talk and no action -- not so. Judy feels that everyone needs to share their talents with other people. Learn how Judy's generosity gave birth to knitting charities that keep on giving.

Posted by Kyla at 11:47 AM | Permalink

Today is "Frugal" Friday:

There are many ways to save money on knitting. One of those ways is by organizing your stash.

No, this is not some type of trick to get you to do something about the yarn anarchy overtaking your living space. I'm serious.

Here are some helpful tips on stash organization:

-Take inventory of your yarn: Knowing what you have can help determine what you keep and what you don't. It seems silly to waste storage space for something you are not likely to use.

-Gallon sized freezer bags: Put all the neatly rolled balls of yarn in baggies then push all the air out of them and place them in storage bins. Doing this will help to conserve space and prevent the yarn from tangling up as yarn that is free to roll around often does.

-When storing yarn a good idea is to keep common colors together so that if you are looking for green yarn you just have to find the bag with that color in it. Store all the oddballs and leftovers together to be used for detailing projects.

-Wondering what to do with unwanted yarn? Donate it to knitting charities -- they can use the yarn to help make something special for someone in need.

-Now that you have assessed, rolled, sorted, bagged, and boxed the yarn don't forget the needles, they need love too. If possible store the needles nearby so everything you need to knit can be found in one place.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Don't you just love to try new knitting techniques? I know I do. Especially when they're easy, fast, cheap, and make great projects. What knitting technique am I talking about? Knitting with rags. You won't believe some of the cute and useful things you can knit with old rags.

Posted by Kyla at 11:35 AM | Permalink

Today is Witty Wednesday

Today's issue is maybe not so witty as it is sweet. You don't find too many knitters who don't like to knit for babies. There's just something about all those cute little things that we can't resist. From the dainty, pastel layettes, to the fun, funky and vibrant items, it's just plain fun. Whichever you prefer, today's newsletter gives you the best of both worlds.

For the fun and funky, check out the featured website, blog, and product for the day. You'll love these whimsical designs that are sure to inspire you to decorate a baby or two.

If you prefer going the dainty route, check out the featured article and free pattern.

Sit back and get ready to ooh, aah and yes, laugh a bit.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Light and lacey knit items are my weakness. That's why I loved it when I learned the knitting technique for knitting the veil stitch. This stitch let's you knit up some absolutely gorgeous and feminine things like shawls and scarves. Since it's a very open weave stitch, you can also knit it up in no time. Learn this stitch and make yourself something breathtaking.

Posted by Kyla at 10:49 AM | Permalink

Today is Make a Difference Monday

Have you tried knitting a toy?

Recently I knitted a toy for a very special girl who was graduating kindergarten, so toy knitting has been on my mind. Since it's "make a difference" Monday, let's talk about knitting toys for charities.

Knitting a toy is a fun project to knit for charity. Donating knitted toys is important because, while clothing and blankets are necessary items, a knitted toy is a treat for a child who may not have that many toys or playthings.

Remember when you were younger, and instead of getting a toy for Christmas or your birthday, all you got was socks? While socks are necessary, as a kid, you would prefer to get a toy.

Homeless children, sick children, and orphans must grow up quickly due to their circumstances. A knitted toy is a gift that will help them to be a kid.

Here are some charities that accept knit toy donations:

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

The best thing about the internet has to be free knitting patterns, especially those hard to find patterns you might not have been able to get before. I've always adored vintage knitting, but those old books are hard to find. Imagine my delight when I discovered all of the free vintage knitting patterns just waiting for me online.

If you've never experimented with vintage knitting, it can be a real treat. Not only do you feel a connection to knitters past, you wind up with a truly unique product -- one no one will ever be able to buy at The Gap! Once you get started, you might get hooked -- but don't worry: these are just a few of the free vintage knitting patterns online.

Posted by Kyla at 11:51 AM | Permalink

Today is Frugal Friday...

In honor of Frugal Friday, we're concentrating on all things free. It's great when you can find a sale, but it's even better when you load up on free stuff. Today's featured website gives you a selection of knitting eBooks loaded with knitting patterns. You can choose from scarves, shawls, winter garments, and hats -- plenty to keep you busy!

You'll also love the free baby soaker patterns and the alluring halter-top. You and your baby will look and feel cool in these free knitting patterns. And the best part (other than the fact that they're free) is they are quick and easy to knit up.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Are you sick and tired of free knitting patterns for beginners that are only hats and scarves? If you are ready to move on to projects that are a little bit more difficult, but you still need something easy to knit and understand, you'll love these free knitting patterns. Try your hand at Fair Isle, the Seriously Simple Shawl, and the basic sweater.

Posted by Kyla at 11:46 AM | Permalink

Today is Witty Wednesday...

You know you're a knitter when...

You've worn a grove in your thumbnail from helping your yarn off the needle...

You'd rather go yarn shopping than clothes shopping...

You stay up late because you have to do 'just one more row'...

You go shopping to get ideas for knitting patterns...

When you have to clear the couch of patterns and yarn so visitors can sit...

When you find knitting needles in your couch cushions instead of change...

When your stash grows faster than your completed projects...

When you drool over yarn...

When your child's first word is 'knit'...

When you get a tattoo that says, 'knit & purl'...

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

If you want to knit for charity and be in the company of some wonderful people, you need to join the Oddball Charity Knitters on Ralvery. What's so odd about them? Find out.

Posted by Kyla at 11:39 AM | Permalink

Today is Make a Difference Monday...

Touching lives through knitting is so important. But... it's also important to have fun while doing it. To keep your interest and your productivity up while knitting for charity, be sure to change things up.

Doing this doesn't have to be expensive. Periodically treat yourself to something new that relates to knitting ~ a special pair of knitting needles, stitch counters, a subscription to a new knitting magazine, new patterns, or the latest knitting book put out by your favorite knitting expert can do the trick.

Now, don't go overboard. A new book or knitting trinket here or there can give you just the boost you need to keep you excited about knitting for charity and keep you out of the old knitting rut.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Canada is a cold place. Perhaps that's why knitting charities like Blankets for Canada have grown. Or perhaps it's because of the exceptional organizational skills of Nancy Panting, the founder of Blankets for Canada. Or...perhaps it the kind-hearted volunteers who donate 20,000 hours of their time each and every month.

Whatever the reason, this is a first-rate knitting charity you'll want to join and help out your fellow Canadians.

Posted by Kyla at 7:25 PM | Permalink

Today is Frugal Friday...

Today we're going to look at saving money with our dogs. Dogs can be a big part of our lives. Loving them and taking care of them the way we want to can get pretty expensive. Whether you treat your dog like a dog or like one of your children, the costs add up. Instead of running up a bill at your local pet store or doggie boutique, why not knit what your doggie needs?

Since we're all about dogs and being frugal today, I've dug up some articles about knitting for dogs, a really sweet knitting charity for all animals, and ideas for you to knit for your pooch. Free patterns include the 'Buster' for a jaunty look and 'Touch of Mink' for a sophisticated look.

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Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Knitting charities that make a difference -- isn't that what we all want? No? Actually, when most people start knitting they haven't given any thought to making a difference. That's okay -- it's natural. When you first start knitting, you're engrossed in learning technique, stitches and dreaming about all the beautiful things you can make yourself.

But that changes...

Posted by Kyla at 7:14 PM | Permalink

Today is Witty Wednesday...

Most of the world thinks of knitters as the quiet grandmotherly type, rocking quietly in front of the fireplace with an afghan thrown over her lap to keep the chill away.

Not!!!

Since it's Witty Wednesday, I think it's only appropriate to showcase some of the wild and wacky things knitters do. Yes, sometimes we're calm, peaceful, and downright reflective while knitting away. But, other times, we tend to cut loose -- doing some crazy stuff. From crazy patterns to knitting odd (very odd) items, to showing off our knitting in weird places, knitters are capable of it all.

See just how crazy we can get in today's newsletter!

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

We all love to knitting for charity. It just feels good. Now is your chance to help a knitting charity win big money. Chase Community Giving has a contest running on Facebook and they're giving away five million dollars. Learn how you can help a knitting charity with just a click and without knitting a stitch.

Posted by Kyla at 2:39 PM | Permalink

What's cuter than a baby in nothing but a diaper? Not much. With these free knitting patterns for diaper soakers, you can have the best of both worlds -- a cute cover for disposable diapers or, if you use cloth diapers, a soaker that keeps your baby looking cute without leaving puddles.

Posted by Kyla at 7:09 PM | Permalink

Today is "Make a Difference" Monday

How does knitting make a difference?

A knitted item represents comfort. Over the years, I have noticed that when someone sees a knitted scarf, blanket, or sweater, instantly they comment on how soft or warm and comfortable the person wearing it must be.

A hand knitted or homemade item reminds people of care and love because it shows the thoughtful consideration of the creator and the time spent completing the knitting.

Think about how you feel when you are knitting. The joy you feel when a project turns out wonderfully. The feeling of comfort in the calming act of knitting, the love and care you feel for every increase, decrease, knit and purl stitch that you have arranged to make something new. The hours you put into your knitted item, that to you is time well spent, because look what you made! The feeling of pride and accomplishment you have when you wear or use your knitted creation.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

It never ceases to amaze me what knitters can do when they put their minds to it. Such is the case with the ladies of Oak Hill, West Virginia. As supporters of Terri Lynn Massey, they put together a knitting project that you just have to see to believe.

Posted by Kyla at 12:24 PM | Permalink

Knitting is fun. But once you've learned the basic knitting stitches like knit and purl, it can get pretty boring. One way to keep your knitting fun is by learning new stitches. I firmly believe every knitter should make learning new stitches part of their knitting hobby.

Why? Because it breathes fresh life back into your craft. It increases your skill level. It presents you with challenges and keeps you from becoming stale like day-old cigarette smoke.

Challenging yourself by teaching yourself new stitches is like opening the windows and filling your home with fresh life-giving spring air. Let's take a deep breath and learn a new stitch today -- the raspberry stitch!

Posted by Kyla at 7:05 PM | Permalink

Today is "Frugal" Friday...

T.G.I.F.F.

Thank Goodness, It's Frugal Friday!

A few years ago, I purchased this lot of yarn on eBay. I was planning to knit some scarves so it wasn't a big deal that the lot I purchased contained one skein per color. I made a few scarves then moved onto a different project and the unused skeins remained in my stash.

Jump forward to a few months ago, I wanted to make a poncho as a gift for a family member. I went to my yarn stash and picked out a skein of the scarf yarn. I don't know why I thought I could make a poncho out of one skein of yarn, but for some reason, that day, I did. Anyways, I found some large sized needles and began to knit.

I was halfway done with the poncho when the yarn ran out. I went to see if I had any suitable yarn in the stash, and was disappointed to find there was none. At that time, I didn't have enough money to go and buy any yarn to finish the poncho.

The other major issue was yarn weight. The yarn from eBay was actually either three strands of fingering weight yarn, crochet thread, and/or a novelty yarn. Each of these yarns were wound up into a multicolored, single skein of yarn. I had to come up with a solution to my yarn dilemma soon since the poncho was a gift, and it was almost gift giving time.

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Looking for free knitting patterns to help you make quick and easy, breezy knitting projects? Great! We've got some for you. I know how it is for fellow knitting addicts. Even though the weather is hot, we still hate to put down our knitting needles. With these easy patterns, you don't have to.

Posted by Kyla at 6:57 PM | Permalink