Warm Up America

Today I drug the children to a "knit in" for Warm Up America. I had no sitter and dh was working so that is that. They were bored stiff. Our knitting guild's outreach partner came to speak to us and brought us pictures of the recipiants of our afghans, hats and scarves. I can't even tell you how many things we've knitted and crocheted. It's a great group and it's such a great feeling to know that the area homeless are so greatful and touched that we *MADE* them something. Each time we meet, we make at least one heavy blanket. Our first blanket went to a woman who was a prostitute, a drug addict and had many health issues. She was so touched that someone took the time to make her something so she wouldn't be cold. She has since gotten into a half way house, she's off the streets, she's out of rehab, on her meds, looking for an apartment, and wants to learn to knit so she can give a blanket to someone who needs it. Now I'm not saying that it was our blanket that turned her life around, the love of God did that, but that blanket didn't hurt! This is such a simple thing and there is such a need. If you knit or crochet, please consider making a square for Warm Up America. Most of your local craft stores have drop off boxes and joining parties. If you don't knit or crochet, consider helping at a joining party, all you have to do is a "whip stitch" to join and it is such a big help! Check out this site, WARM UP AMERICA for patterns. Here's my favorite "stash bustin" quicky pattern. You can make 3 or 4 of these in a few hours!

4 skeins of worsted weight acrylic yarn (4 strands will be held tog. throughout)
Size 17 needles

CO 14
K plain 3 rows
K 2, P10, K2
K 14
Repeat last 2 rows until peice measures about 8inches
K plain 3 rows
Bind off.

Easy eh? I made 4 of these today at the knit in. They don't knit up like a rug like you'd think. They are still pretty soft but the goal here is HEAVY. These people are sleeping under the bridge and on the river bank where it's 20degrees colder. Asthetics are nice but warm is better.