I love to knit. It relaxes me and I enjoy trying new patterns. Probably the biggest reason I knit, though, is because there are so many people in need.
I knit slippers because I was told that many homeless people have only one pair of socks so if that pair gets wet, or they want to wash them out in the sink at the shelter, they have to go barefoot until they dry. But with a nice pair of slippers they can keep their feet warm.
One of my clients was a teenaged girl in foster care who had received a donated afghan (not one of mine). She told me that when she moved from foster home to foster home, the afghan was one of the few things that was hers and hers alone to take with her and she always slept with it on her bed.
I've had some pain in my wrist lately so I've slowed down, but when I think about people with cold feet or hands or lonely kids in foster care, it inspires me to want to do more and more.
Here are photos of some of the items I've donated.
These are round afghans folded in half. They probably aren't the most practical but they were fun to make. And a good way to use up scraps. 
I was tempted to keep this one because it's so cheerful
Some of these items are cotton wash clothes. I made a pocket in them to hold soap and other personal care items.
Here is an assortment of slippers (and a balaclava) that I made.
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I used to knit but haven't in ages. Do you have the book Stitch and Bitch? That was what I used to learn and have made some gorgeous things and more not so gorgeous things! I still have a pair of fingerless mittens I love. Knitting for the homeless is a great idea. My MIL does it - makes beautiful things just like yours and the story if the afghan is beautiful. I may come to you with questions if I dig out my knitting needles...
ReplyDeleteI do have that book! Love it! Fingerless gloves are awesome and a great gift for people who spend a lot of time on the computer.
DeleteFeel free to send me any questions if you dig out your needles.
These are beautiful! My daughter knits, her seventh grade teacher taught the whole class. She has made me several scarf and she's learning to do more. I love the reason for your knitting too.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I've read some articles about the benefits of teaching kids to knit...helps w/math skills (figuring out stitches per inch etc) and also helps to calm and focus their minds.
DeleteThese are beautiful Celeste, you are talented. Unfortunately, I am hopeless when it comes to art and crafts. I think it is wonderful that you knit to help those in need :)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Roz
Thanks Roz. I'm not really very "crafty" other than knitting and some crochet. And I also don't do anything very fancy or detailed. But, I still like to do it.
DeleteI can crochet a little, but I cannot knit. I love your slippers.
ReplyDeleteThe slippers are nice, even if I do say so myself. I've gone through several pairs.
DeleteI love your work and love that you are filling a need. I've tried knitting and apparently it's not a gene I've received.
ReplyDeleteIt might be genetic. Both my grandmothers crocheted and knitted. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteOh those delightfully warm slippers!!! Love them! You are a very talented lady. It is wonderful how you do for those people who have so little and benefit so much from your gift!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like I'm really generous to donate stuff, but the truth is, I just like to knit and I'm grateful to have a place that will take my stuff. My family can only use so many hats/scarves/slippers/afghans.
DeleteThe sad thing is that I have contacted several local shelters and said that I had new items to donate and no one ever returns my calls. I do have a place that is grateful for my donations and makes sure they go to several different shelters. Based on comments from others who donate there, they have had similar experiences with local shelters not being interested. So, that means I spend almost as much on postage as I do on yarn. Ah well.
I'm a little late to this letter, but I had to chime in. I think it's incredibly admirable for you to knit for charity. I am certain that the recipients of your fine work are grateful to have a little comfort. As you know, I recently learned to knit. I'm not very good at it (my tension needs work -- it's different from crocheting), but someday I hope to be able to do fabulous charity projects like yours. For now, I'll have to stick to crocheted chemo-caps. Love your letter K, Celeste!
ReplyDeleteThanks Trish! I've been knitting for...well, a long time. It does take a bit to get the tension right. Holding the yarn and needles properly is the tricky part, I think.
DeleteChemo caps are a great idea. There are so many different needs out there.
I adore you even more! I never tried to knit but I did try to crochet and that was impossible. Such beautiful items!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Addy! :)
DeleteWow, I am so impressed with all your knitted creations! I need to pick up knitting again, and work on yarn tension and binding off. I need to practice more, but the weather is so nice these days. I should consider knitting outdoors. =)
ReplyDeleteWhen it's hot, holding yarn in your hands or an afghan over your lap while you work is not very comfortable. Enjoy the outdoors and pick up your needles on rainy days!
DeleteI love these!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!!
So... I want to knit a skirt.
Mind helping talk me through it some time?
:)
Loved all the colors!!!
A skirt? Sounds interesting. I'm happy to help if I can.
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