When Does a Knitting Charity not Involve Knitting?
Help this knitting charity and never knit a stitch
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?
Lending a Helping Hand
Nadine Curtis had a vision -- a knitting charity of sorts, but with a twist. In 2003, while living in Cape Town, South Africa, she saw the need for the women to be able to support themselves. Women that lived in economically depressed areas or that needed to escape dangerous living conditions but still support themselves and their kids.
Working with women from the Xhosa tribe, experienced program directors taught the women new skills giving them a way to support themselves. The women learned to spin mohair, bamboo, and cotton yarns. They knit scarves, throws, trims, shawls, bags, hats, jewelry, ornaments, and accessories for the home.
Nadine had the idea to bring these items to the United States. She first went to Northern California and upstate New York boutiques and told the story about the women who made the items. Today, over 200 villagers work to make these hand-crafted items and the products sell worldwide in the USA, Canada, UK, France, and Japan.
Learning these new skills filled the women with pride, self-confidence and a brighter outlook for their future. If you would like to do your part and support these women, browse their products online and find a boutique near you. Purchasing products from these ladies enables and supports them in living a self-sufficient and productive life. What do you get? -- a beautiful hand-knit item that you didn't have to make yourself.
Even though you love knitting for charity, take a break and support this knitting charity. Knitting for charities has never been so easy.
