Winter Warmth

Summer is definitely over here in the Northwest. The leaves are changing colors, the rain is starting up, and we're dipping into the 40's and 50's at night. It doesn't get super cold here in the winter, but I know I definitely wouldn't want to spend the night out in the dampness, especially not without a scarf, hat, or gloves to ward off the chill.

We've been stockpiling all the hats, scarves, socks, and mittens you've seen featured in our catalogs, and yesterday we dropped them off, along with some men's sweaters, at Operation Nightwatch, a local group that "offers respect, dignity, and friendship to to the street population of downtown Portland".

We hope that the hand knits help keep someone in need a little warmer this winter.

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Comment by rlaba51 on October 26, 2009 at 11:35pm: When I was first learning to knit I made what seemed like a gazillion scarves and matching hats (no pattern, just straight garter stitch). All in all I did something like 17 or 18 sets. But I don't have that many friends and family, so I sort of apologetically called the Salvation Army Women's shelter, asking them if they could use a few of these sets for their residents. You would think I was giving them gold!! They were so excited and when my DH and I dropped them off, the staff thanked us over and over again for the wonderful gift. I felt so cool and yet so guilty. Here I was sort of dumping these rather crappy scarves and hats on other people, yet they were so appreciative that it made me feel pretty good about myself and my willingness to be generous.

Then and there I decided to try to do at least one charity project every fall for an organization, be it Salvation Army, "Christmas at Sea," the local children's hospital nursery, etc. Every town has somewhere that is in need, especially with so many families struggling to stay warm this winter. I am so blessed to have a roof over my head; I've been homeless and I know what it's like to be really cold and fear freezing to death. A warm hat, scarf, mittens, or blanket will make a huge difference in people struggling with despair.

Sorry for preaching...this is just a personally special subject for me.

Comment by Croby on October 25, 2009 at 1:38pm: How brilliant. One of the best things about being able to knit, crochet, and sew is thatnot only can I make special gifts for people that I know, but that my skills enable me to gift to those I don't know. If any one is interested in looking for opportunities to donate handcrafted items (especiallly hats, gloves and scarves), please check out the Charity Knitting group on Ravelry.

Comment by thepinksheep on October 24, 2009 at 3:56am: I love that y'all donated the items used in the catalog.

Comment by Peggy Stuart on October 22, 2009 at 7:17pm: Angela: That's so wonderful! I carry a plastic bag in my car with a can opener, some shelf-stable food, some sanitizing wipes and a list of all the homeless shelters in Salt Lake City. This time of year, I add a "space blanket" available from WalMart for about $2. Sometimes I have a toothbrush and toothpaste from the dentist, and that goes in, too. I've given a number of these away, and I've always received expressions of gratitude in return. --P

Comment by funtocreate on October 22, 2009 at 5:27pm: Acts of kindness like this are just more reasons to love and respect the people at KnitPicks. You all are a great group. Keep up the good work.

Comment by Susan the Blue Lake Knitter on October 22, 2009 at 3:35pm: Wonder practice! Our fiber guild is making donations of food, clothing, etc. to two local groups. One group helps victims of domestic violence and the other provides food for people less fortunate. We decided to assist both groups, as all of us are blessed to have a roof over our heads and shelter from the cold. We are doing this inlieu of doing a Christmas gift exchange!

Comment by banklady6 on October 22, 2009 at 3:19pm: what a wonderful idea! I'm thinking there's probably somwhere by me that I could donate some things too...I'll have to check it out!