40 Days for Others...

That's what I've decided to call the knitalong.  And I've come up with a more cohesive definition of the thing, thankyouverymuch.

What I have in mind is:  From March 1 to April 9, more than half of my knitting will be for others.  For me it will be to benefit the outreach my church does with immigrants, refugees through the St. Louis International Institute and for the elderly and homebound in our urban parish.  If you want to participate, choose your own charity or send your knitting to me and I'll give it to the Institute and Sr. Paulette (our St. Pius liaison).  I'll knit mostly kids stuff -- booties, hats, mittens, blankets -- but there are elderly needy too, so knit what you want.  The dates aren't arbitrary -- they coincide with Lent -- this year I'm not "giving up" for Lent.  I'm doing extra.  Knitting that is. (for the long story see my Feb. 15th post)  But you don't have to be observing Lent to participate -- you just have to want to give some of your spring knitting to others less fortunate.   Participants are listed in the side bar.

Here is a feeble button-attempt.  I'm not so facile with the photo software we installed...And we'll be way past crocus and daffodil time when we're done,  maybe dogwood?

Edited to add:  I realized that, technically, 40 days ends April 9th -- Palm Sunday -- which is the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. I've changed the dates accordingly.  I'll give the items to the charity by Easter.  How about that?

Edited again to add:  Sheesh.  I'm a bad Catholic.  Really bad with liturgical stuff.  I just don't keep it in my head.  For good reason -- there's too much of it.  Case in point:  for Catholics Lent runs from Ash Wednesday until some murky point during Holy Week because, get this, we get Sundays off...So, again, I say, I'll give my items to the various charities sometime before Easter and call it a day.  For Protestant religions, I believe the count is different -- let me know...Who knew counting 40 days could be so cumbersome?!

Comments

[Lucia]

What a fantastic idea, Ann! I'm in. I'll probably choose Dulaan -- does that count, or does it have to be a recognized charity here in the US?

Your church sounds great. Can a semi-lapsed pagan become a Catholic?

[margene]

It is a very nice button and a fabulous idea!

[Pat K]

I do like the button. And I'll probably send you hats, or whatever. Out here with as warm as it is, someone in the midwest will probably get more use of them.

[Ruth]

I'll join you ... I've fallen behind on my Dulaan knitting, and this would be a great way to get a jump start.

[Laura]

I'm in with ya Ann and I love the button - very pretty. I'll figure out what to knit and will be sending it to you. Thanks for encouraging us to donate to whatever charity we want to!

[Laura]

Put me down for St. Pius - what are the dates now? I can't find them. :)

[Jocele]

I'll send you stuff for St. Pius as well. I added the button last night. Hopefully it will help. For some reason my hit count has taken a significant jump. Are there any specific things that you want or need? Otherwise, I think I'll make a few hats/scarves.

[Zarah]

Hi Annie, I just found your blog from a link on Margene's blog (Zeneedle). It was a nice way to discovery a fellow Missouri knit-blogger. I am going to join your knitalong too. I've been a very selfish knitter lately (do I really need more socks?) so it sounds great. I think I'm going to focus on making baby stuff, since it will probably start getting warm by the time Easter hits St. Louis.

[Birdsong]

I saw Margene's write-up and think this is a great way to look at Lent... I'm not sure I will be able to keep an accurate measure as far as more than half going to charity, but will certainly make several small items, probably hats, and spread the word.

[Lana]

This is a super idea and I love the button! I'm a Catholic mom down here in Springfield, MO. I need to get some Dulaan knitting done. Margene always knows the best blogs to visit:D

[Lana]

Hi Ann,
Yes it IS fun to find others in our great state who knit and do kind things! I have been wishing the same thing about a button. I think the arch and dogwood should definitely be a part of the look. Thanks for the nice comment about the hats. they're a quick knit and are soooo appreciated. Feel free to put me in the sidebar. I hope you get a few more joiners too, it's a super idea!
Lana

[Chris Pokorny]

Ann --
Wonderful idea! Count me in! My items will go to the North Park Friendship Center in Chicago, IL -- a food pantry-clothing depository that serves the neediest of the needy on the northwest side of Chicago. And all of my knitting during this time will be for the Friendship Center!
Peace,
Rev. Chris Pokorny

[DebbieB]

I'll knit for Dulaan like I usually do, but I'm adding CIC courtesy of Marguerite. What a thoughtful, caring thing for you to do, Ann. Thanks! - DebbieB

[Beth]

Great idea! I'm in, and my knitting will be for my church knitting group - Grace Church Knit-Wits. We knit and sell items, profits funding scholarships for Camden, NJ high school graduates who are continuing their education. We also provide hats, mittens and assorted warm stuff to the students at a Camden elementary school.

I enjoyed your post on your faith. My impression is that (in general, which I know is a dangerous thing) the knit-blog community is non-religous. Kind, generous, spiritual - but not religious. As I get older I find my faith growing in importance, and being part of a faith community is enriching in so many ways.

[Amanda]

Hi Annie-
I am currently trying to make 23 blankets before the years end for my choosen charity Warm the World and would love to participate in your KAL.

Amanda :)