The crafts of crocheting and knitting have shaken off their only-for-little-old-ladies image and more and more young people are learning how to work with a crochet hook or knitting needles. Once you get into it, it becomes very difficult to stop, though, and before you know it you have more scarves than a dictator's wife has shoes. One way to spread the love not only for the craft but also for others is to put your crochet and knitting supplies to good use and make things 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.
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.
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.
Patterns usually specify the type of yarn and the size of the hook or needles you need to use. However, this is only if you want to make something to a specific size. By varying the thickness of the yarn and the tools, your end results will vary in size, so with one pattern it's possible to create, for instance, an entire family of teddy bears.
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.
Crafting for charity doesn't need to be a solo activity. Get others involved too. Even children who are just learning can help. For instance, let them make squares in all the bright colors they want. You then only need to sew these together and you'll have a blanket. Make a few of these and take them to the animal shelter to give some warmth to the abandoned pets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patterns usually specify the type of yarn and the size of the hook or needles you need to use. However, this is only if you want to make something to a specific size. By varying the thickness of the yarn and the tools, your end results will vary in size, so with one pattern it's possible to create, for instance, an entire family of teddy bears.
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.
Crafting for charity doesn't need to be a solo activity. Get others involved too. Even children who are just learning can help. For instance, let them make squares in all the bright colors they want. You then only need to sew these together and you'll have a blanket. Make a few of these and take them to the animal shelter to give some warmth to the abandoned pets.
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.
About the Author:
When you shop for Crochet and Knitting Supplies take a look at www.shabbysheepandewe.com. To view products from Shabby Sheep & Ewe, come to our home on the Web today at http://www.shabbysheepandewe.com.
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