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flicka
Gabber Extraordinaire
  
392 Posts |
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rather be knitting
Seriously Hooked
   
USA
954 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2009 : 10:47:46 AM
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I am so glad AforA was able to arrange for the shipping. I think a lot of prayers have been answered. I'm hoping to send a blanket (i'll use bulky wool for warmth and to get it done in time) and maybe a couple of smaller items. I know that sounds overly ambitious, but these children are very much in need and i want to do as much as i can. Every single item will be put to good use and make a huge difference in the lives of these children who have already lost so much. Happy knitting! claire |
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NastiJ
Permanent Resident
    
1100 Posts |
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mkfromKansas
Chatty Knitter
 
297 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 09:44:28 AM
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| I was looking for a place to send my knit blankets BUT I have hit a roadblock. How come these needy people only want wool blankets? I can't afford to knit with $5 skein wool and like to work with acrylic. Besides, how can people with limited electricity/wash machines, etc. handle wool that shrinks like crazy. Granted wool is warmer, but acrylic is warm too and a heck of a lot more durable. So...does anyone know of a charity that takes acrylic? |
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PBELKNAP
Seriously Hooked
   
USA
862 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 10:04:48 AM
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quote: Originally posted by mkfromKansas
I was looking for a place to send my knit blankets BUT I have hit a roadblock. How come these needy people only want wool blankets? I can't afford to knit with $5 skein wool and like to work with acrylic. Besides, how can people with limited electricity/wash machines, etc. handle wool that shrinks like crazy. Granted wool is warmer, but acrylic is warm too and a heck of a lot more durable. So...does anyone know of a charity that takes acrylic?
Project Linus takes acrylic blankets, as does Warm Up America. Also, hospitals will take them for newborns and preemies.
************************* PAM
WIP = Hourglass Sweater (knit), Socks (knit), Victorian Christmas Rug (crochet), Knit Your Bit WWII Museum Scarf (crochet). YTD: Shadow Jacket (crochet), Snowflake Sweater (knit), Round Ripple (crochet), Socks (knit - 3 pairs), Cot'n Corn Eyelet Rib Top (knit), Crochet Hook Bag (Double Crochet), Charity Squares (knit), Armenius Sweater (knit), Brown Sweater (knit), Entrelac Scarf (tunisian crochet), DROPS Crochet Cardigan (crochet)
Twitter Name = WildKnitter
If I could only do this for a living... |
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Gelliott
Seriously Hooked
   
USA
878 Posts |
Posted - 10/24/2009 : 8:42:26 PM
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The A4A project uses only wool items because acrylic is really not warm enough for the very harsh winters over there. The sweater you make for one of these children may be his (or her) only cold-weather garment for years, and most likely it will be his nicest possession in the world! Knowing this, i don't mind spending some money on wool for occasional projects--and when I see colorful wool on sale, I stock up. (Smileys had $1 skeins a couple of weeks ago.)
Washability is not an issue because most of these garments and blankets will never even get close to a washing machine, warm water, or detergent.
There are plenty of charities who will love acrylic items (and prefer them to wool), so it's just a matter of matching up appropriate gifts to recipients. Whether one can afford to give an item made of expensive yarn or not, the time and care that goes into its construction is the true gift.
Gelliott |
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TricotAnne
New Pal
USA
20 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2010 : 9:54:18 PM
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| I just found this topic and I would really like to make some items to be included in next year's shipment. I have missed this boat (literally) this time. I will follow this link and see if I can have some things ready to go next time. Wonderful idea. I have a lot of wool....i can get busy with a project or two. I weave also, so I could do a blanket on the loom...probably faster than I can even knit one. |
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susan14_23
Gabber Extraordinaire
  
USA
515 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 12:53:59 PM
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I knit for Afghans for Afghans too. Right now I have the first of a pair of socks on the needles, and since the next due date is in May I hope I can make another item or two before then. It's such a good cause.
Tricot Ann, before you make something on a loom please check their website for restrictions. There were a few things they don't take (like ponchos and scarves), and I think I remember reading they don't take loomed items either. Too bad, that would certainly be faster!
Hee hee, I know what Cate Blanchett was thinking: "Gee, I've had this old granny square afghan my dear old aunt made sitting on my couch for years. I'm sure tired of it. But I can't give it away or she'll never forgive me, what can I do with it? Oh, I know!!!"
Susan |
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rather be knitting
Seriously Hooked
   
USA
954 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2010 : 12:11:54 PM
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Just want to echo every word that Gelliott said.
a4A is doing a followup to the March 1 deadline -- same items needed, with an early May deadline (probably May 1).
To those with acrylic blankets to donate, some good ideas here. I know that Warm Woolies also collected acrylic blankets for distribution on Native American reservations. Now that WW has ended, does anyone know of a group that has taken on that distribution?
Knit On!!! claire |
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eldergirl
Permanent Resident
    
USA
1153 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2010 : 4:15:35 PM
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This is such a great charity, and they are so careful to be sure our hand knits get delivered properly!
You can check out their blog, and their website for pictures of little kids trying on hats (very cute), and the archives for the recent shawl givaway to the women serving in the Afghan Parliament.
One more note about the wool only requirement, is that you can use wool blends with animal fibers like alpaca, etc. But the women know how to deal with wool, it is all they have ever dealt with, and maybe yes some things do get washed but it will be probably in a stream or river bank, very carefully.
Anyway it is a pleasure to knit with wool. Just ask Clara!
Anna |
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