I give much of my knitting away. I can only wear so many scarves and cowls and shawls. And I haven't gotten into the production of sweaters and socks yet which I would be more likely to keep for myself.
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Garter stitch scarf in Hair of the
Rare loopy boucle |
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| Lacey Baktus in Fleece Artist Seawool |
Most of my family has now been the recipient of some knitted item, mostly scarves. I'm not even sure they like what they've received so far, so I don't think I'll push that avenue of product distribution much more. I don't want to be the "crazy old aunt who gave us a scarf every year for Christmas."
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Scotland Scarf in Mochi Plus
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Fan & feather scarf in Debbie Bliss
BabCashmerino |
I want my knitting to be used and I want it to go to someone who will appreciate it. A couple years ago as my knitting production increased, I started looking for some way to support charitable organization. There are plenty of appealing organizations - Project Linus, afghans for Afghans, Afghan Square for Pine Ridge, and many more.
One organization that was particularly appealing is the California based "Handmade Especially for You." It is a non-profit charity that organizes knitters and crocheters to provide comfort scarves to women entering shelters from a domestic abuse situation. A few people jumped on the idea and started similar organizations in a few places around the country. I was interested in participating close to home or at least close to my hometown. Comfort Scarves Southwest Pennsylvania was founded around the time when I was looking to start sending donations. It started out as Comfort Scarves Pittsburgh supporting just a couple shelters but has grown to support 10 shelters in 8 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. Sad to say but about 135 scarves per month are need to support the shelters. The organization was founded by Barb Kochuba and is run out of her house. She has partnered with local churches, synagogues and other organizations to wrap and deliver not just scarves but washcloths, slippers and children's items to the shelters. Some charity to charity exchanges have also extended the circle of giving. I've sent several batches of scarves and some fingerless gloves, and washcloths In addition, Barb is now stocking yarn craft boxes at the shelters for those women who would like to knit or crochet. I've donated a few things from my sizable yarn stash and am ready to send some more.
Please check out Comfort Scarves on Facebook or Ravelry. The website -
www.comfortscarves.org is available, but is somewhat out of date (anyone want to volunteer to be web master?) Or refer to
www.handmadeespecially.org to find a partner organization near you. Here are a few of the items I've donated:
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| Chile for the holidays scarf |
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Kid's diamond
puffball scarf |
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| Loopy puff ball scarf |
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| One row cotton scarf |
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| Teal mohair bias scarf |
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| Aqua puff ball scarf |
Saturday night I spontaneously gave away one of my triangular scarves. I was out to dinner with old work friends from out of town for the second night in a row. I wore a different hand knit scarf each evening. My friends commented on them both, but the one last night was particularly colorful and exciting. It was a simple pattern made from a single skein of Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn. It was cold last night and know that Kim, originally from South Carolina, is not a fan of the cold, I thought it might be of good use to her. She loved it and posted a picture of it on Facebook almost immediately. Now that makes a knitter feel good.
Who do you give your knitting to? Do you support any charitable organizations by giving handmade items?
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