Raving about Ravelry

Ravelry.com is without a doubt my favorite online knitting resource.  In fact, I just wrote an article on what Ravelry is and why I love it.  Apparently I'm not the only one who loves that site.  Started in May 2007, they welcomed their 1,000,000th member in November 2010!  If you're not familiar with this wonderful social network for knitters and you want to see how it works, visit me at Ravelry.

Knitting Vacations

Okay, so this topic doesn't necessarily have anything to do with charitable knitting, but even knitters need a vacation right?  It's a dream of mine to someday host a soulful knitting cruise, either to Alaska or New England in the fall.  But until then, there's no reason not to combine a knitting theme with your next vacation.  I just posted an article sharing some ideas on knitting-themed vacations.

Eco-friendly knitting

If you're looking for tips on saving money and the environment when you knit, check out my new article at Suite101.

8 Shawls

Today I delivered eight prayer shawls and a signed copy of my book to a woman who works with a local domestic violence shelter.  I am so thankful to have found someone that I can give the prayer shawls to directly, knowing that she will see that they get to women who may be blessed by them.  

New Look

Happy Summer.

I hope you like the new look.  Now that Blogger has some decent template design options, I decided it was time for a change.  But that's not all... Over the next couple of months I'll be updating and expanding my links, rolling out some new material, and making a sincere effort to post more regularly.

I'd love to hear from you.  Feel free to post comments, thoughts, suggestions, useful links or any other knitting-related information you'd like to share.

Blessings!

Me time

Knitting for others is a joy.  Yet every now and then I get the urge to make something for myself.  I used Caron's new eco-yarn that replaced Simply Soft.  It really is wonderful and is supposedly made in part from recycled plastic bottles. 

Knitters of every level of experience can make a difference

Today I came across a wonderful charity that provides "comfort scarves" to women in shelters for abused women.  While most of their donations are in the Southern California area, they are expanding throughout the US and internationally. 

One of the things I like about this type of project is that the scarves (which can be knit or crocheted) can be as simple or as complex as you want to make them, can be completed quickly, and provide an endless variety of options.  If you want to learn more, visit Handmade Especially For You.

Wind Knitting

Just when I thought I'd heard of every possible knitting-related invention, I was shocked today to discover wind knitting.  Some incredibly ingenious person has designed and built a small roof-top machine that knits by wind power.  It knits a circular tube, which is cut periodically and stitched by hand to secure the edges, and viola - you have a scarf!  Don't believe me?  See for yourself!

I just have one thing to say about this... I WANT ONE!!!

Hats for Soldiers

As the proud mother of a daughter serving in the US Army, the story of this knitting project really touched me.  Regardless of your views on our current conflicts, our men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day to support the freedoms we enjoy are to be commended.  They deserve our respect and our gratitude.  Here's a wonderful way to support them.

Tips for buying yarn on e-bay

A "real knitter" never has enough yarn.  A real knitter also knows how expensive our knitting addiction can be. E-bay is a great place to find some wonderful yarn bargains.  Yet it's not hard to be seduced by apparently great prices and end up getting burned.  Trust me, I know.  But there's help. KnittingforCharity.org offers some great tips on buying yarn on e-bay.