This weekend, I devoted part of my knitting time to getting my Knit Unto Others projects lined up for the next two weeks (and beyond, since I always think I can accomplish more than actually happens).
My first project is also my November UFO Resurrection (don't you just love how I can multi-task?!). I started this blanket back a year ago, when I found Lion Boucle at the Dollar Tree for a $1 a ball...
One of my friends who runs the North San Juan Family Resource Center where I offer Adult Ed GED Prep classes each week had decided to try and start a handwork group, with Project Linus as one possible recipient of the efforts... however, she and I were the only people to turn up and we weren't able to keep up our spirits, or the schedule she originally chose, and my blanket languished. Then, this fall I met the director of a very special program here in my area, called the Kare Crisis Nursery, that offers round-the-clock, drop-in respite care for parents in emergencies or crisis. She and one of the many volunteers who make this program possible were enrolled in the infant/toddler development class I and a co-worker both needed to take this fall... turns out, he has also volunteered there, doing carpentry work for them during his summer off from directing our Headstart preschool program. I decided to finish my blanket for them during KUTO... and as you can see, I am about halfway there. I am aiming for a 40-inch square blanket, and making great progress. The blanket may end up bigger, or I may divide my ten skeins into two, depending on the yardage I get.
Margene and Carole have picked 'little things' as their focus this year, so I am also making sure that I have several small squares ready to mail by the end of the Thanksgiving weekend for Oliver's American Blanket. Most of you already know that Kay of Mason-Dixon fame has offered to be the American hostess/seamstress for squares added to this raffle.
These little four inch squares make up quickly from leftover sock yarn, and though the ones I am making this week will be mailed off to Kay, I had the inspiration this afternoon to keep on making squares, with some help from my friends. You see, though the Kare Crisis Nursery said they would happily accept knitted blankets, but what they really want is quilts. So, having a background in both arts, I have decided that my primary knitting for peace endeavor for 2008 will be to continue making squares and to arrange them in quilt patterns based on the four-inch square. This is where I need some help from my friends... I would love your left-over sock yarn (if it is superwash wool) and would welcome your help.
My four-inch squares are based on the basic warshrag pattern (same as the directions for Oliver's raffle). I am also leaving a long tail at the start and end to help with the sewing-up, which I will do (see, Allison, I really DO love the mattress stitch now). Many of you who are contributing to Kay's efforts will be tired of squares (for a while), but keep in mind that I will be doing this indefinitely. Just leave a comment or email me (burrobird AT gmail DOT com).
There is a third knitting for peace project that will not even get off the ground until after KUTO is through, and that is a group blanket, made from superwash worsted weight squares that Stephanie has initiated, for all of our Knit Night group to join together in producing. We will be finding a local charity for that as well.
I did spend some time on personal knitting as well, but will show you what I am working on for myself later in the week, as I am really trying to be less selfish and give a little this week... our fiber guild is also working hard to get items together to donate to the Nevada County foster care program by our annual Christmas party in mid-December and I do have two items already set aside for that, but will be trying to make a few more hats by then.
I have not been keeping you all up-to-date on my Ravelry progress... I became a group moderator a few weeks ago for a fun forum our shop is sponsoring; you may have already gotten my invite to our 'fibers grass valley' group, but if not, drop on by and invite yourself! This week's conversation has been trying to find out which knitting magazines REALLY help and inspire you, and I would love to have your responses!
