Tuesday, October 29, 2013

How To Use Your Crochet And Knitting Supplies To Spread The Love

By Rachael Gutierrez


Crocheting and knitting are addictive. In fact, many people who try to quit smoking take up these handicrafts as a substitute for cigarettes. The problem with this type of addiction is that you soon have a closet filled to the brim with scarves, hats, sweaters, even bed socks that you'd never have worn if you hadn't created them yourself. If you can't stop making things, one solution is to use your crochet and knitting supplies to do your bit for charity.

Warm beanies and caps are not only fun to make but are the type of item that many different charities can use. An obvious choice is your nearest shelter or soup kitchen for the homeless. Chemotherapy patients may be happy with some kind of head covering too and even the hospital's maternity ward can use beanies to help tiny premature babies warm.

When you want something a little more challenging, you may try other types of clothing too. Cozy sweaters, for instance, are always a handy item for needy children. An underprivileged teenage girl in your community may feel like a queen when you present her with a beautiful, lacy crochet top.

If you want to be really creative, you may want to create some teddy bears and other soft toys. Each one you make can have its own unique personality simply through your use of fabric off-cuts. These toys are great for children who need comfort, such as those who are in hospital, those who have been crime victims and those who are living with their mother in a shelter for abused women.

Most clothing items and toys are made according to a specific pattern. This pattern tells you what size hook or needles and the type of yarn you should use. However, if you use tools and yarn in different thicknesses, you'll have larger or smaller final products, so with a single pattern it's perfectly possible to make a huge variety of things.

When you knit or crochet for charity, you need to carefully consider the yarn to use for your project. Pure wool may look beautiful but isn't the best choice for items aimed at children, since it can be scratchy and is difficult to clean. Instead, rather go for blends that are softer to the touch, won't shrink in the wash and are often much more economical. For toys, knitting usually produces a better result, especially if you use a fluffy yarn.

If you're just learning how to crochet or knit, you don't have to feel left out. Simply make many squares in different colors. Once you have enough, stitch them together and you'll have a blanket or a throw. Retirement homes and hospitals are some of the places that will welcome these but don't forget about the animal shelter either.

If you make items for charity, you probably don't want to spend too much money. This doesn't mean you only have to go for the ugliest, cheapest yarn in the store's bargain bin. When you see crochet and knitting supplies on sale, buy some that you can use at a later stage. You may also swap with friends who share your hobby and get them involved in charity projects too, so that you can all work together to spread the love.




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