Project Craftivism

Made this little guy for a friend as a going away mini-present! Talk about biology geeks, hehehe I think I will make these for all my lab mates! B-day presents?!

Reducing your consumerism is the craftivist way, and handmade carries so much more thought and care behind it. Who wouldn’t love a handmade pressie :D

Shroom pattern from Ravelry.

One inch left to go on my knitted nest for wildlife babies in rescues/wildlife hospitals. They are really easy to make. I plan to fill a box with a few of these before mailing them off to wildlife rescues that use them to take care of baby wildlife in need. I think it just has taken me longer to finish one because they are knitted really tightly and I don’t have all that much experience with DPNs. Either way, they are definitely good stash busters too.

I did not use 5 US (3.75mm) sized needles because they don’t exist here ( been trying to track down a set for months now!!), so I used 4.5 US sized ones. Yarn - mixed #3 & 4 weight.

If you’d like to make some, search my blog for the patterns or go on Ravelry. There are patterns for both knitted and crocheted nests

My friend, Sam, made me these awesome drawstring baggies to carry my yarn/needles for trips and for KIPing (one of my fave things to do!). I love them all! She made 4 different sizes in patterns that I have had stashed since my college art project days (not that long ago but lets just say a little over half a decade lol). Anyway, I think that the fact that they are handmade just for me (not mass produced) and in patterns that I really like makes me appreciate them that much more. Thanks, Sam!!

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” –Theodore Roosevelt

Finished booties that I made for a coworker. I wanted to wait until I gave them to her before posting. This pattern is called Sweet Baby Booties and can be found on Ravelry.

I love making things for others. It puts a huge smile on my face to pick the colors and pattern with that person in mind. Whether for a human or non-human recipient

I’ve encountered a few individuals that insist that making things for people in need makes no difference, doesn’t change anything, or help anyone. They tell me that donating sums of money does.

Well, I (still) beg to differ. I received the following letter from the shelter where I donated the knitted and crocheted items I collected last fall for a homeless project drive. I donated all the items to my local shelter. I’m sharing because I want to make sure that everyone involved reads it and also, to hopefully inspire you…

Donating sums of money is perfectly valid for some, but it is also valid to reach out to the forgotten individuals in our community and let them know we care through our craft.

Even though it may be a small gesture, individuals are touched through the fact that someone out there cared enough to try to help them/make them something without expecting anything in return.

January 29th, 2012, Switzerland (they speak French in this region; I want to point out that a Gentleman also took part in this project, so please ignore the “ladies” bit! I didn’t want to (and did not) edit the letter at all…)

“It is of all my heart that I wish to express you my gratitude for all the beautiful socks, hat which you knit for the persons of Marmotte.

On December 24th, during our Christmas celebration, the “Father Christmas” came to distribute to each of the users on of your Knitting. The users were extremely happy to be able to choose the Knitting they wanted. They were also very touched that we knit them clothes since the United States, Canada and Switzerland.

Ladies, I am very touched by your movement, which testifies of your spirit of solidarity to the most deprived and the trust that you have to the Salvation Army.

By your support, you contribute to the improvement of the everyday life of the persons who stay in our shelter.

While repeating my thanks, I send to you, Ladies my kind regards and a happy New Year 2012.”

I’m hoping to take part in this…anyone else want to join in?

counter-craft:

via Hanne Bang:
Be a part of this art projekt:
“I am going to find women from all over the world. Many women from each country. I would like to invite you to embroider/sew the text “In a war someone has to die” on a handkerchief. The text has to be in your own language. You may supplement…

Today’s plan: wrapping the donated warm items that I have received so far for the homeless in my community! I’m using green and red raffia string tied off with a cute greeting card with the message, “Handmade just for you. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.” in French, of course! Let’s see how they turn out… :)

Anyone have a charity project they are working on?  

No problem!

You can still support craftivists in places such as Etsy, AND while you are at it, support small, local business owners.

Click HERE for ideas of organizations, causes, and charities that you can help through your purchases of handmade, unique goods.

Buttons added & sweater now finished <3

The rescued hen that gets this sweater will be extra cozy this winter :)

For details/te get involved to help rescued abused farm hens, visit: http://littlehenrescue.co.uk/jumpers.aspx

**See my previous posts for edited/easier to read pattern and more**