Knitting for Charity: Easy, Fun and Gratifying

There's never a bad time for free knitting patterns. With warmer weather approaching, you might think it's time to stop the hunt for sweaters -- but actually, we're almost in that season where a sweater is exactly what you need. It's too warm for bulky coats but too cold for T-shirts: you can't go wrong with a beautiful hand knit sweater.

If you've never knit a sweater before, don't be afraid! Sweaters are actually not all that difficult, and with the many free knit sweater patterns online, you can easily make sweaters for each and every member of your family, regardless of their taste.

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 10:26 AM | Permalink

In a perfect world, all children would be healthy, happy, loved and well cared for. Unfortunately, this just isn't so. But instead of bemoaning this fact and talking about how unfair life is, let's take action and do something about it.

By joining national charities like Today's Featured Charity or knitting for your local shelters and charities, you can make a difference in a child's life. The most popular item to give to children who need comforting is blankets. But don't stop there. Think about other items children need and get busy knitting. Hats, scarves, and slippers are just a few knitted items that can put a smile on a child's face as it gives them warmth.

Read over today's newsletter and think about how you can use your knitting skills to help a child in need.

Posted by Kyla at 3:18 PM | Permalink

Too many times we stay in our comfort zone. That's okay. It's safe there. But... if you never take a chance, never step out of your comfort zone and try new things, you might be... well... a little on the boring side. ;-)

Personally, I tend to stay in my comfort zone and yes, I'm a little on the boring side. But, every once in a while, I try to branch out - try something new.

The same goes for knitting. If you keep knitting those same 'safe' patterns over and over, you become the 'b' word (boring). So today, I want to you try something new, something just for fun - try some new knitting stitches.

Yes, you'll make some mistakes. But, over time, you'll conquer your fear of trying new stitches; you'll learn some new favorites along the way. You'll surprise even yourself at how wonderful and interesting your knitting (and you) have become.

Posted by Kyla at 12:08 PM | Permalink

Every now and then, I need knitting patterns dogs can wear, too. As much as I love knitting for my human family, sometimes I look at those soulful canine eyes and think, man, you need a sweater. Especially during a cold snap like this one! Why shouldn't Fido be as warm as the rest of us?

For people who've never tried a dog sweater knitting pattern, the idea can be intimidating. It's the same as with socks, though: trying something new is daunting and takes courage. Once you get going, I guarantee you'll love knitting patterns for dogs as much as I do... even if your pooch doesn't!

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 9:26 AM | Permalink

Do you love knitting for charity, but hate donating boring projects? I'm exactly the same. I know it's more useful to knit fifteen charity scarves than one beautiful sweater, but I hate to donate something to a cause that I wouldn't wear myself.

Of course, there are lots of fun yarns and patterns you can use to make more interesting, quick designs. But there's an even better option: knitting embellishments! I recently learned how to knit flowers, add embroidery, and do all kinds of fun things to make scarves, washcloths, and afghan squares more interesting.

If you're just learning to knit, a scarf is the perfect place to start -- and today's featured article will make sure you get it right. And if you're an expert knitter, check out the featured link and product, which will help you turn dull into beautiful.

Posted by Kyla at 11:50 AM | Permalink

I love books. As a matter of fact, I love them almost as much as I do knitting. What's the best combination? Knitting books, of course. The problem is books cost money. That's why I was thrilled when I received a Kindle for Christmas and discovered there are free knitting books available.

Downloading free knitting books or discounted knitting books to e-readers is a great way to save money. Of course, in today's newsletter, we'll also give you plenty of other online eBooks at knitting websites that have wonderful free knitting patterns too.

Browse through today's suggestions and check out these free and discounted resources for knitting books and patterns. Most of all... have fun!

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

I love books. As a matter of fact, I love them almost as much as I do knitting. What's the best combination? Knitting books, of course. The problem is books cost money. That's why I was thrilled when I received a Kindle for Christmas and discovered there are free knitting books available.

Downloading free knitting books or discounted knitting books to e-readers is a great way to save money. Of course, in today's newsletter, we'll also give you plenty of other online eBooks at knitting websites that have wonderful free knitting patterns too.

Browse through today's suggestions and check out these free and discounted resources for knitting books and patterns. Most of all... have fun!

Posted by Kyla at 11:31 AM | Permalink

Are you swimming in free knitting patterns, but you still want more? Want to be part of a community who shares their patterns and has fun together? Then you're in the same situation as me! I have tons of free knitting patterns for beginners that I no longer use, patterns I've downloaded and never gotten around to, patterns I've found in books and magazines... the list goes on and on!

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 11:34 AM | Permalink

Do you find knitting difficult? I know I did when I first started in my knitting adventures. What makes it so difficult? To me, it was unclear instructions. On the Internet any Tom, Dick or Harry can throw up some instructions and call it a pattern. Thankfully, I had one-on-one help from a friend and videos on the Internet that proved invaluable to me because I'm a visual learner.

But what if you don't have a very patient friend? What if you're not a visual learner? Heck, what if you're blind?

Strange question isn't it? But that's the case of one very special person we're going to feature today - Davey Hulse. Mr. Hulse became blind at the age of seven. In Today's Featured Article, you'll learn all about his story, how he makes a difference by helping others, and how he came to write a fail-proof how-to-knit book.

Posted by Kyla at 10:53 AM | Permalink

As mentioned in our Monday issue, we recently started using Speed Stix and love them. For those of you who aren't familiar with Speed Stix, they're size 50 knitting needles. Talk about fast! You can zip through project after project with these babies. I absolutely love them! Can you tell? One issue just wasn't enough to rave about these needles!

What have I been knitting? Scarves of course. I made several as super quick last minute Christmas gifts. They turned out beautifully. Now, I'm working on a top for myself from the book you'll see in Today's Featured Product - it won't take long and then I'll move on to the next project. Yes, intricate knitting projects are gorgeous, but just for a quick little break, I thought I would give Speed Stix a try and I'm so glad I did. Join me!

Posted by Kyla at 10:32 AM | Permalink

It can be hard to find free knitting patterns for beginners. There are thousands and thousands of free patterns online, but many of them contain difficult terminology, or involve complicated stitches that the beginning knitter might not feel comfortable mastering.

Before you seek out anything too complicated, there are two basic stitches you should know: the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Since one is just the reverse of the other, these are not too complicated to master. Fool around with them until you feel very comfortable switching back and forth. From there, with those two simple stitches, there are actually many great patterns you can make.

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 3:57 PM | Permalink

When you first hear about the idea of knitting for charity or someone asks you to join their charity knitting group, you're usually at a loss as to what to say. Most likely, "Oh, I can't knit well enough to do that" may go through your mind.

But I'm here to tell you that there's absolutely no reason to feel that way. Most knitting charities need simple items like hats, baby blankets, baby booties, afghans, and scarves. Sure, they can use mittens and socks too, but there's no reason why those items must be your first knitting charity donations.

Now, you may have noticed that I included afghans in that 'easy' list above. You're probably thinking, "Is she crazy? I've never even made myself an afghan let alone knit fast enough to crank them out for charity!"

Well, hang on to your hats (and knitting needles)! Today, I'm going to show you how you can make simple scarves, baby blankets, hats, and yes, even afghans faster than you ever believed possible!

Posted by Kyla at 10:07 AM | Permalink

Have you ever tried to buy your dog a sweater? And I mean, this isn't just vanity: my pup is tiny, and he shivers out in these cold winters. He doesn't have much hair either, so he really needs something to keep him warm. And those pet stores know it, too: that's why they charge completely ridiculous prices for even the most cheaply made dog clothing.

And that, my friends, is why I love being a knitter: you can always make your own clothing, whether it's for people or dogs. You can save a lot of money by checking out our featured knitting pattern today. Or, if dogs aren't your thing, check out our featured article, which will tell you where to find loads of other free knitting patterns.

Knitting is the best hobby, especially when it's saving you money instead of costing it. Go on, knit your dog a sweater and feel good about yourself... no matter how much Fido glares.

~~~

Posted by Kyla at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Have you ever tried to buy your dog a sweater? And I mean, this isn't just vanity: my pup is tiny, and he shivers out in these cold winters. He doesn't have much hair either, so he really needs something to keep him warm. And those pet stores know it, too: that's why they charge completely ridiculous prices for even the most cheaply made dog clothing.

And that, my friends, is why I love being a knitter: you can always make your own clothing, whether it's for people or dogs. You can save a lot of money by checking out our featured knitting pattern today. Or, if dogs aren't your thing, check out our featured article, which will tell you where to find loads of other free knitting patterns.

Knitting is the best hobby, especially when it's saving you money instead of costing it. Go on, knit your dog a sweater and feel good about yourself... no matter how much Fido glares.

Posted by Kyla at 9:42 AM | Permalink