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What could be nicer than a knitting charity that gives handmade hugs? Not much and that's exactly what these kind ladies are doing. For fifteen years, these ladies have donated their time and skill to send hugs to those who need them most.
As a knitter, you knit for yourself, friends and family and probably a knitting charity or two (or three). With all this knitting, it unusual for you actually buy something hand-knit. Why would you? After all, you can take care of all your knitting needs and it gives you a great sense of satisfaction to wear your own creations.
So why would you buy hand-knit items from other women?
Doesn't your heart just break when you see babies in need? I know mine does. That's why today we're showcasing Newborns in Need. This great charity has grown to mind-boggling proportions and has helped hundreds of thousands of babies all because of one lady who wanted to change the world.
If you would like your knitting to have this kind of impact, check out the website and think about starting a chapter.
In today's newsletter, you'll not only find information about Newborns in Need, you'll also find free patterns you can knit to donate to this charity. Along with baby yarns and inspiring books, you'll find everything you need to get started making a difference.
Knitting techniques are as old as...well, knitting. Some techniques are strictly utilitarian teaching you the basics of this wonderful skill. Some are just plain fun, adding zip and zing to your knitted creations. Then there are hand-knitting techniques that stop you dead in your tracks and take your breath away. These techniques are not for beginners or the faint at heart, but are so worth every bit of work you put into mastering them.
Did you know knitting saves money? It's true. Now, I know some of you are thinking you spend an awful lot on yarn and knitting accessories, but stop and think just a moment. Knitting can and does save money. So much in fact that Village Wools in Albuquerque, New Mexico is having trouble keeping the shelves stocked.
Employee Laurie Domski says they are not only having trouble keeping yarn in stock, but their classes are full also. Why? Because the recession is forcing people to stay home more and people are looking for ways to entertain themselves at home.
Not only is it cheaper to stay at home and knit, but knitters are saving money by knitting gifts, clothing, and home accessories. Sure, you still have to pay for the yarn, but by buying smart, you end up saving in the long run.
So if you've taken a break from knitting, break out your needles and check your stash. Then read the rest of this newsletter to see how you can knit for next to nothing.
When did you feel that you were no longer a newbie knitter?
Was it when you successfully completed a pattern ranked "intermediate", or was it the first time you fearlessly ripped out a row of knitting in the name of repair?
I have listed below are some ways for you to determine your knitting experience level.
You have a new baby and you're looking for knitting instructions to keep it properly clothed. This might be a little trickier than you think because we're not talking about a real baby. We're talking about your new, prized, possession...your new iPhone!
Sorry, we hate to discriminate, but today's newsletter is for knitting angels only. Do you qualify? Find out:
1. Do you hoard yarn for future charity projects?
2. Do you collect free knitting patterns to use for your next knitting charity project?
3. Are you always looking for new charities to knit for?
4. Do you love reading about knitting charities that go the extra mile?
5. Do you love making baby items?
6. Do you love making hats?
7. Do you love making shawls?
8. Do you love making scarves?
9. Do you love helping others?
10.Do you love showing your love by knitting for others?
If you answered 'yes' to any of the above 10 questions, you pass. You are either a knitting angel or are close to getting your wings.
Now that you know your true calling in life, check out today's newsletter and read about the Crafty Angels who donate amazing amounts of 'yarny goodness', watch free videos about making some projects to donate and pick up a few extra free knitting patterns so you'll always be ready to help those in need.
Every year at this time, I start looking for new free knitting patterns summer won't destroy. You know what I mean -- who wants to bury themselves under a pound of wool and knit an afghan in the summer heat? But if you're like me, you're not going to let the sun keep your needles still -- and you don't have to! There are tons of free knit patterns that make fantastic summer treasures.
Here are a few favorites for your enjoyment!
I love to take my knitting everywhere with me, as I am sure most of you do too. If you travel with your knitting, then you probably realize the importance of a good knitting bag.
Here are some knitting bag options.
Let's celebrate this knit "witty" Wednesday with crazy hat day.
Years ago, I knitted a beanie for one of my friends who insisted that the hat have ears. I couldn't refuse such an awesome request so I knitted two bear style ears and attached them to the top of the beanie. My adult age, male friend was delighted when he received his crazy hat.
You know you're doing a good deed when you knit for charity. Whether you knit for the homeless, abused, or underprivileged, it gives you a great sense of satisfaction. As much as I enjoy knitting for all these causes, charities for babies are still my favorite.
Knowing that the teeny-tiny hats and booties will comfort a baby in NICU and knowing scared and upset parents use the soft baby blankets to wrap their sick baby in touches my heart.
If you would like to help knit for premature and critically ill babies but don't know where to donate, here's a great baby charity who greatly appreciate all donations.
Did you know out of all the knitting for charity groups around the country, that there are hardly any that knit special socks to help diabetics? It's true. You'll find plenty of charities that focus on babies, children, and cancer. But when it comes to diabetics, there simply aren't many.
If knitting socks is your specialty, consider getting together with your sock-knitting friends and start pitching in. If you are new to knitting socks, read about how your help is needed and use the easy sock knitting patterns in our featured article section.
Once you're inspired to make a difference and help diabetics, watch the video about the world's fastest knitter. Learn her tips and let her inspire you to speed up your knitting so you can do more knitting to help those in need.
And we're going to talk about killing two birds with one stone. No, not literally. What I mean is Green Knitting and saving money. How can you go green with your knitting and save money at the same time?
Today's featured knitting book will show you the way. Not only does this book debunk some common 'going green' myths but also shows you how to make yarn from things you have in your home.
For a quick tutorial about this, watch today's featured video and follow the tips. You'll restock your stash in no time without spending one red cent.
Today, we're concentrating on witty, wild, and wacky knitting in honor of Witty Wednesday. In today's newsletter, you'll find everything from fun and cute baby items like Monster pants to the completely wacky idea of knitting with Ramen noodles. You'll get a kick out of both of these ideas.
You'll also get a kick out of this funny, but true, story found on the Basic Jokes site.
When we think about making a difference with our knitting, most of the time, we think of knitting for charity. After all, this is where we feel we truly make a difference -- giving a homeless man a warm hat and mittens, giving an underprivileged child a warm sweater, giving a sick newborn a hat and blanket to snuggle up with in NICU.
Of course, all of these things make a huge difference and is the main reason why we donate our knitting. But, have you stopped to think about how giving your hand-knit items as gifts to your loved ones makes a difference?
It does.