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?!
I'll be knitting along with you. After the Knitting Olympics I told myself "no more deadlines," but I can do 40 days of self-giving. I will give away everything I knit during Lent.
Posted by: shelley | February 28, 2006 at 09:08 AM
Annie - what a wonderful idea! I have a bunch of people helping me with something special for a sick brother, so I would like to participate in this KAL. I would like to contribute to the Dulaan Project. Please add me to the list.........
Posted by: christine | March 01, 2006 at 11:27 AM
May I add myself to the list? My dates are a bit different--I'm an Orthodox Christian, so Lent for me runs from March 6 to April 16, plus Holy Week, so I plan to finish around April 23 (Orthodox Easter). I'll be knitting for Dulaan.
Posted by: Kirsten | March 01, 2006 at 03:59 PM
I'm in. I just got an email from Afghans for Afghans saying they need 100 newborn hats and booties for a midwife project, so I'll be knitting a few of those in the next few weeks. Also, I need the Yarma! xox Kay
Posted by: Kay | March 02, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Oops - I replied to the wrong post!
If anyone is looking for an outlet, I'm actually having a contest to support the knitting project at Interim House, over on my blog. Not so much knitting for others, but giving them the tools to learn and do it themselves.
http://crazycatladymel.livejournal.com/209696.html
I'm knitting for Dulaan and Ocoze Huyaku*, in addition to sending Interim House periodic packages.
*http://www.kneedeepinfibers.blog-city.com/warm_hearts_on_the_pine_ridge_reservation.htm
Posted by: Mel | March 03, 2006 at 08:23 AM
What a great idea. I am also an Orthodox Christian observing Lent this year and this is a perfect way to spend this period. Please add me! =) Thanks
Posted by: Katie | March 04, 2006 at 05:16 PM
Annie ~ I happened upon your blog for the first time today (and have since bookmarked it to visit more often :-) ). I know it’s late in the game perhaps, but I would like to join you in your knit along for charity for this Lenten season. I am Catholic, as well (actually a convert to the Church just a few years ago), and this is a great opportunity for me to give something back. Thanks for being so open to sharing your joy for knitting and giving to others. Many blessings!
Posted by: Sue | March 06, 2006 at 08:28 AM
Thank you for giving me time to get over myself about joining this KAL - I'm now actively admitting that I'm part of this group (Hi, my name is Tracy and I joined a KAL....).
Here's the 'out-of-the-closet' post on my blog:
http://fiberbabble.blogspot.com/2006/03/hats-hats-hats.html
Let the good times roll!
Posted by: Tracy | March 07, 2006 at 01:19 PM
What a fantastic idea. I belong to St. Pius Parish (in North Vancouver, Canada) and I'm sure there is somewhere here that would welcome hand knitted socks, guantlets or hats. Count me in.
Posted by: Maureen | March 08, 2006 at 02:40 PM