Saturday, October 26, 2013

How You Can Do Something For Charity With Crochet And Knitting Supplies

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.

An easy way to use your skills to make life better for others is to make woolen caps or beanies. These are quick to create and you can play around with colors. Children's or old-folks homes will welcome a donation and you can even contact the maternity ward of your local hospital, since beanies for premature babies are often a welcome gift.

As your skills improve, you may want to try your hand at making other types of clothing. Teenage girls will love a finely crafted crochet skirt or top, especially if you consider what these would cost new in a designer boutique. Sweaters will bring warmth to kids in children's homes, to the homeless or even to the night watch at the local school.

A type of item that will really allow you to be creative is to make soft toys. Teddy bears, for example, can bring comfort to children who have to undergo grueling medical procedures or who have been victims of crime. Using bits and pieces of fabric and ribbon is an economical way to personalize each toy and give it a unique character.

With only one pattern you can make items in different sizes. All you need to do is to use a thicker yarn and hook or needles if you want the item to be bigger. If you want it smaller, simply use thinner yarn and tools.

The yarn you use is very important. Pure alpaca or wool may be tempting but aside from their cost, these yarns are scratchy and difficult to wash, making them unsuitable for children's clothing and toys. Instead, experiment with more affordable synthetics and blends that are also much softer to the touch. For soft toys, you'll get wonderful results with the fluffy types of yarn.

If you have friends who share your hobby with you, it's a great idea to work communally on a project, For instance, everyone can create squares of a certain size, which you then stitch together to form colorful patchwork blankets and throws. In this way beginners can become involved too and the finished products will be useful not only to hospitals, retirement homes or orphanages but also to your local animal shelter.

Getting the crochet and knitting supplies you'll need is very easy and doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. For example, you can start a crafts club with friends where you all bring in the yarns that you don't know what to do with and then simply exchange them for someone else's. Another option is to be on the lookout for sales in crafts and needlework shops and then buy stock at lower prices for when inspiration strikes.




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