Nonprofiteers

Knitting for charity during National Hobby Month

In celebration of National Hobby Month (January) it is worth noting the increasing number of people – men, women and children - who are using the fiber arts for charity. They are knitting, crocheting, quilting, and more for others in need.

The Craft Yarn Councilhttp://www.craftyarncouncil.com/know.html 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, http://www.etsy.com/shop/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.

“We encourage our customers to give back by using their talent to comfort those in need.”

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 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". Bethlehem Haven is a nonprofit organization that provides a continuum of care for homeless women that leads toward self-sufficiency. Spencer added, “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 www.magee.upmc.com 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 journey 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