I am a knitter. I might not be an advanced knitter capable of weaving my yarns into stunning sweaters. The mere thought of knitting socks scares the crap out of me and I don’t think I’ll ever figure out gloves, but it is something I love to do. It has occurred to me many times that much of my knitted handiwork never gets finished because I lose my inspiration.
My kindness this week is twofold. The first part is selfish. I am going to take 30 minutes every night this week and do nothing but knit. Just for me. Knitting centers me, it makes me focus and relax. That is showing myself a true kindness. However, I have to knit SOMETHING so I am back on the infant hat bandwagon! I lost focus in November when I started knitting my little caps, but I’m back on now! I will knit my little hats and send them off to Knit One, Save one. That is my kindness to others for this week – keeping a few little newborn heads warm! I have ten done so far and hope to get another few done by the end of the month!
Do you knit? There are tons of charities out there that accept hand knit or crocheted goods:
Warm Up America – You can make whole afghans or, if you have lots of random bits of yarn, make 7×9 inch patches that they will sew together into an afghan for people in need.
Knit One, Save One – Save the Children’s campaign to keep children alive and safe from many diseases. They have several infant hat patterns for knitters and crocheters on their site.
Project Linus – This group provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
There are dozens more organizations out there, find one that you feel passionate about and get those needles clicking!
You can also donate your knit or crocheted afghans and lap blankets to a local nursing home. I have a friend who knits CONSTANTLY. She never keeps any of the afghans she makes, she donates them all to one of the retirement homes in our neighborhood.
So, pick up your needles or your hooks and do something kind. For yourself – the sense of calm and relaxation. For someone else – something wamr and snuggly to tuck themselves into when it’s cold outside.
Happy Tuesday! Don’t forget to visit our other participants at Simply Kind Tuesdays.
I can’t believe how many people I have met are knitters. I used to know how to do it but never made anything. I no longer remember what to do with those needles. So my answer would have to be NO I do not knit. I hope you enjoy your 30 minutes of knitting to yourself a day.
Good for you taking 30 minutes a day to yourself, you definitely deserve it and more! I don’t knit, I can’t bring myself to try it. I tried crochet as a kid, but didn’t have the patience. And I hated it when my grandmother would rip out rows upon rows because of one mistake;(
I would be a raving lunatic were it not for knitting. There is something Nirvanic about the feel of a luscious fiber in my hands, and watching the stitches grow, one at a time, into something knit with love for someone.
Now, if you really want to take the plunge – try spinning your own yarn… omg, now there is true heaven!
xoxoxo.
I shall knit in unison with you this week!!
I was just thinking about the infant caps and wondering what the website was. Timely post! I am going to knit a cap this week.
I really want to learn to knit. Unfortunately, I know NO ONE that lives near me that knows how to do it! Kindness to ones self is just as important as kindness to others hon!
What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing these resources. I have items that I finished AFTER the child grew out of the size (sigh.). I’ll check this out!
Great post!
I hope you post the pictures of the finished products.
I don’t knit. I pretended to when I had to in some class in high school, but my cousin and my mom did it for me. I’d rather assemble furniture or program VCR… heh…
Anyways, bravo for kindness towards yourself that gives!
I don’t knit — I’m a knit-wit. BAHAHAHA!
However, what you’re doing for yourself may very well save mankind. OK, maybe not mankind, but in essence your sense of calm will be beneficial for those around you
I look forward to seeing finished projects! Pics or they didn’t happen.