While nothing can make up for the tragic loss of life, as human beings we can help bereaved parents by reaching out to them, letting them know they are not alone, and offering our own condolences and comfort. As knitters, we can do this through our charity knitting. The founders of Upon Butterfly Wings can help us to do this through their nonprofit organization.

So if you're looking for real free knitting patterns -- good ones, I mean, with a lot of variety and interest -- look no further: here's the best of the web!

Cancer is an equal opportunity illness. That is to say, it doesn't seem to care about age, gender, ethnicity, or skin color. It can strike anyone at any time and is terribly unforgiving. Currently cancer has no cure, though it can be treated and sent into remission.

So let's skip that step, shall we? Here are some great free easy knitting patterns that won't make you bite your nails with boredom!

Children's pattern's are fun in other ways, too -- they're quick, easy, and don't cost a lot since they don't involve a lot of yarn or other materials. So if you've always wanted to try knitting some kids' stuff, give these ones a try.

Why, branch out, of course. There are more interesting free knitting patterns out there. You just have to be willing to find them. Or, if scouring the web doesn't pique your interest, you could start here with our pre-screened knitting patterns for the fun and creative knitter.

Suddenly one day I realized, though, that I actually have quite a few cardigans in my wardrobe. I just call them 'sweaters' instead. And they're fantastic: fitted, slim, pretty pieces perfect for both keeping warm and layering.

Does any of that sound familiar? When I first discovered knitting for charity, it consumed my life. There were so many charities, so many amazing people dedicating their times and talents to helping others, so many in need... how could I possibly spend my time on anything but charity knitting?

A knit flower pattern can change all that. Flower knitting patterns are very easy, very fast, and very fun. You can do them in different colors and different styles, and they dress up any piece of work perfectly. Better yet, you can make them into brooches with pins, and then you can change them around. Instead of a plain gray hat, or even a gray hat with a pink flower, you can have a new flower for every day of the week.

These are incredibly easy knitting patterns. If you can knit a scarf or a hat, you can knit one of these.

These funky knitting patterns are not only quick, easy, and fun, they make excellent gifts, and they're great novelties for a charity fundraiser or garage sale. I hope you enjoy exploring them as much as I did, and if not, well, remember: any free knitted pattern is a good knitted pattern.

The nice thing about a shrug knitting pattern is that it works up fast, offers a lot of choice in style and color, and works for almost any season. A shrug is the perfect accessory to dress up anything from jeans and a T-shirt to an out of season sleeveless dress. Don't pay a bunch of money for them in stores, though -- make your own with these free knitting patterns.

And you all know how I love to share, so here are some new knitting stitches you can use for all your projects this fall!

I've spent years browsing knitting sites, and wasted a lot of time (at least according to my husband). So to save you the same time and energy, I've compiled a list of my very favorites: sites containing great information, friendly communities, and most importantly of all, tons of free knitting patterns!