Charities for Fibre Artists and FREE YARN!
That’s right, kids. I said FREE YARN! As the Ikea commercial would say… “START THE CAR!!! START THE CAR!!!”. Check out this amazing opportunity, valid until December 31, 2018.
I was recently directed to a link from Yarn Canada with an opportunity for free yarn for those who do charitable knit/crochet items. Making for charity is always an amazing gift, and something I would like to do more of. I mean, it doesn’t take much time to make a hat for a preemie, am I right?
Contest Details
Here is the link to the contest: https://www.yarncanada.ca/for-good
Here’s the yarn they’ll be giving away:
- 1 x $500 of yarn to a Canadian group who knits or crochets for a good cause
- 1 x $500 of yarn to an American group who knits or crochets for a good cause
- 10 x $100 of yarn to Canadian or American individuals or groups who knit or crochet for a good cause
All you need to do is link your blog/photos and tell your story. And trust me, if you’re making goods for charity, you have a great story, if it it’s simply something like “I like to make stuff and I have spare time so I’m giving my time to those in need.” Charitable givers are the best of the best!
In the spirit of this post, I thought I’d also highlight a few charitable projects that I’ve eyed up over the years. Note: I borrowed these photos from the Internet, they’re not mine and I don’t claim them to be!
Newborn Hats – Local Hospitals
First of all, when I had my babies, each new baby is given a handmade hat at birth at our local hospital. It was hilarious that I never thought of bringing a baby hat even though I make all the things. But when you’re in labour, and when you’re nesting beforehand, you just may not think of these things! Needless to say, there are usually 10+ babies born per day at our hospital. That’s a lot of baby hats to go through! So make a bunch of newborn-sized hats and bring them to the maternity ward at your local hospital. (Tip – avoid wool as some babies may get irritated skin from it, stick to cotton or acrylic!)
Picture above, Golden Pear hat, pattern free from Ravelry. (made by me)
Blankets – Project Linus
I assume this is a global thing but I know it from Canada, so here’s the Canadian Link: http://projectlinuscanada.org/
These folks accept handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to ill and traumatized children. The website has guides for sizing, materials, patterns, etc and you can find local chapters to donate to directly. It’s a great way to help the local community, and blankets are such a fun way to pass the time when crafting as well. There’s something soothing about the large repeating patterns, they become almost mindless and are very good for your own mental health to work on.
Picture above, Raspberry Road blanket, pattern free from Ravelry. (made by me)
Preemie Octopus – Local Hospitals
I know, right? An octopus? You may have seen lots of these around on Ravelry, Instagram, etc. They’re super cute and apparently great for preemies. Check out this great blog about it here: https://www.crochet365knittoo.com/crochet-octopus-preemies/ Again, you would need to contact your local hospital (with a NICU – neo-natal ICU) to see what’s permitted. Especially ask about requirements for the filling/stuffing and if safety eyes are permitted. I love making curly crochet!
Knitted Knockers – Breast Cancer Survivors
Seriously, this is the best idea ever. If you haven’t heard of this charity, check it out now: https://www.knittedknockers.org/ Here, you can make and donate a knitted breast prosthetic for a survivor of breast cancer, to fill out their bra while going through breast reconstruction. If you or someone you know is a breast cancer survivor, you can request a free “knocker” through the site as well. What an amazing thing to do for these strong women.
Happy Crafting my friends… and if you are doing charitable crafting, bless you for your gift of your talent and your time!