Holiday Activities

A few items, originally uploaded by fitknit.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a little knitting machine. The beauty of it is I can crank (literally) out a lovely long scarf in just over an hour. I've made 5 so far. The pink and blue beanie was also made using the machine.

While we were away, I re-discovered the speed of crochet. Three pairs of mittens and a beanie were the result. These will all travel down to the Homeless Connect day which is fast approaching.

The Next Big Thing

Great excitement on the Gold Coast knitting scene with the announcement of a Homeless Connect Day. This will be held in October and involves those in need getting access to health care professionals. They are also able to get clothes from St Vinnies and maybe haircuts as well.

The crafting community gets involved by running a table or two filled with hand knits. This time it is being co-ordinated by the wonderful Knitting for Brisbane's Needy. They have experience having helped at this event in Brisbane.

So, I'm making beanies, scarves and soaps-on-ropes.

Done!

Chemo Caps Done, originally uploaded by fitknit.

I'm delighted to say I reached my target of 26 caps. Actually, it was exceeded due to the Cancer Council not needing children's sizes. Those ones were taken to the Mater Children's Hospital in Brisbane.

With contributions from a number of members, this morning I was able to deliver a total of 44 chemo caps to the Southport office of the Cancer Council. They are most appreciative of all our work and it is a great experience to be able to hand the items over in person,
rather than mailing.

We had a good knit 'n natter yesterday. Plenty of natter anyway! I have another project lined up involving beanies, scarves, mittens, blankets and baby items. Details soon!!

Raindrops on roses..

bedsoxnbeanies, originally uploaded by fitknit.

and bedsocks 'n beanies!

Here's a few more items whipped up by members of the group. The bed socks have been donated to the Gold Coast Homestead Nursing Home in Upper Coomera. Not only do they keep toes toasty, but they also help prevent pressure sores from forming. The pattern comes from Pam's book, The Gift of Giving (link in Patterns section, RHS).

The beanies will be donated to the homeless. These are extra long to cover ears and extra warm to help reduce heatloss via the head. I believe about 25% of body heat is lost through our heads. Mind you, that could be totally incorrect so if you do know, please let me know!

Edit: Now I've done some research and found claims of anywhere between 7% and 90%. All I can say is life is warmer wearing a hat!

I'm still working on chemo caps and have nearly reached my goal of 26. Hope to post a pic soon.

A Few of My Favourite Things

Since embarking on my quest of many caps, I've had numerous, really good, questions about patterns and yarns. So, I'm going to attempt a summary here. Wish me luck...and please feel free to post a comment or question if there's something I haven't covered.

First of all, let me suggest you sign up to Ravelry. This is the most wonderful resource available at your fingertips. And it's free. Sign up, wait for your invite (at the time of writing it is 3 days - I waited 3 months!!) then dive in. You can keep things as private as you like and don't have to participate in any groups/forums etc.

However, you do get access to an enormous database of patterns and yarns. Want to know if your yarn will work with pattern x? Chances are someone has already given it a try and has the answer. You can also find a free pattern for practically everything you could ever wish to make except for a knitted aeroplane - go on, ask how I know :(

Now, here's a few of my fave patterns and books:

The Gift of Giving by Pam Tatt

For easy patterns and a wealth of information on knitting for charity, you cannot get better. Also available for download giving almost instant gratification, this book will answer just about any question on charitable knits.

The Any Yarn Any Size Knit Hat Book by Sarah Bradberry.

More a recipe book than a strict pattern collection. Do a swatch, plug your numbers into a worksheet..bingo..pattern ready. Great for unusual yarns or those you can't find a ready made pattern. Available as a download.

Head Huggers - great website, heaps of practical info. Free patterns.

Odessa - a smart, swirling pattern for a classy cap. This pattern is from the now defunct Magknits so may only be available on Ravelry as a free download.

Robin's EggBlue Hat - unusual design, again a classy cap. Freebie.

Now for a few yarns:

Some of the eyelash/feather type yarns now available are supersoft. Gone are those nasty little quills at the end of the feathers, and they are also more affordable. I've found some lovely specimens at KMart and the Warehouse. Just over one ball can make a chemo cap.

As far as smooth yarns go, I try to aim for softness, then a nice colour, and if possible, machine washable. I've found my local Spotlight now carries a 12ply acrylic that meets all critera. (Vanna's Choice - a Lion Brand Yarn) I'm having fun with that one at the moment and hope to post a few new caps soon.

I also really like Magnum Soft (8ply - KMart) and Paton's Smoothie (8ply - Spotlight).

Obviously who stocks what in your area is likely to differ, but at least it gives food for thought.

Please post any suggestions and ideas in the comments section so we can share even more information.

Miss D's Cap Frenzy

Miss D's Cap Frenzy, originally uploaded by fitknit.

I have a personal challenge this month; to make 26 chemo caps. I'm doing this as part of the Knit 4 Charities remembrance month and to honour the memory of my friend's daughter who died from cancer, aged 26.

So far I'm up to number 11 so I think I'll get there. The lovely Miss D has also been very productive and produced these gems.

Welcome!

Charity of the Month #1, originally uploaded by fitknit.

Welcome to a new blog to inform, entertain and discuss anything to do with knitting for those in need on the Gold Coast, Australia.

The first pic is of the hundreds of items heading off to the Bonnie Babes Foundation. We have blankets, Angel Wraps, Christening Gowns, and Burial Buntings. All beautifully handmade to help give someone a little comfort.