The Craft Yarn Council states there are 38 million knitters and crocheters in the US ranging in ages from 18 and up. A resurgence of the needle arts has exploded, and CYC tells us
"For 49% of respondents (to a recent survey), part of their time is spent making charitable items. On average, they participated in knit/crochet charities on 5.5 occasions in 2011. As you might expect, older adults have more time to spend on charitable work but it is important to 35% of younger knitters/crocheters 18–34 years old as well."Erin Bailey Kopp, owner of Fiberolio, a company that makes handspun yarn of any type imaginable (ever hear of yarn made from milk?), has seen a tremendous increase in sales from people who are knitting and crocheting for others.
The seeming increase in natural disasters has inspired needle crafters to do what they do best to help – make scarves, gloves, hats and blankets.
Kyla Quinn, of Knitting For Charity added
"Charity knitting focus can take many forms. It can focus internationally, for people on the other side of the world. It can focus nationally, on people all around your own country. Or, it can focus on a more localized level.
I have long had a love for charity and making a difference, so knitting for charity was a natural fit for me. The more I learned of charities designed to warm, comfort, and even save the lives of those in need, the more I wanted to do everything I could to help. And so here I am -- knitting for charity and always looking for more ways to make the world a better place through yarn and needles!"At knittingforcharity.org, you'll find the answers to just about ALL of your questions about knitting for charity - the variety of projects, how great the need is, what kinds of yarn to use, and more!
"If I do say so myself, I think we're a pretty generous bunch, and the creative ways in which we seek to help those who are suffering are truly inspiring."Sign-up for her newsletter, Knitting Nuggets here for an ongoing list of charities that knit or crochet for others.
Pittsburgh is well known for being a generous city in many ways. Natural Stitches, a yarn shop located in the East End of Pittsburgh, has a group that meets each Sunday called “Sunday Knitting For The Soul”. Manager Yvonne Spencer stated
"We meet to knit scarves and hats and donate them to Bethlehem Haven, a nonprofit that provides a continuum of care for homeless women that leads toward self-sufficiency. We welcome all knitters to come out on Sundays and join us.”Sewickley’s Yarns Unlimited has a different and amazing approach. They have committed to sending UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital preemie caps and chemo caps. They are looking for volunteer knitters and crocheters to make the caps. Yarns Unlimited stands squarely behind their commitment because they will even provide the yarn and supplies needed to needlecrafters.
Begin your charity knitting or crocheting journey to help others by contacting either of these Pittsburgh shops:
Natural Stitches
The Village of East Side
6401 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15206
412 – 441- 4410 Contact Manager Yvonne Spencer
Yarns Unlimited
435 Beaver Street
Sewickley PA 15143
412-741-8894 Contact Cathy
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