Project Craftivism

This is for a refuge in Spain that needs help. Read about their plea to knitters & crocheters, here (their volunteer page).

Click on the title of this post for the sweater pattern :)

For the crochet version, see the volunteer page for the refuge.

Finished wildlife rescue knitted nest!! :D
Such a sweet and quite helpful project.
To get involved, search for the pattern on my blog or search Ravelry for both knitted and crocheted nest patterns.

Contact me for where to send or again, search this blog for the info. The wildlife rescue hospitals I contacted (in the USA) said they use these nests every single day, so they always welcome more.

Happy crafting for wildlife!

Help those that are still suffering with Leprosy by making bandages for them. The DOVE Fund Bandage Brigade is collecting bandages for their next shipment. Instructions for crocheters & knitters here: 

http://leprosybandages.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-crocheted-or-knitted-leprosy.html

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.”

“Use what you do to help.”

Crafts/art come in many forms, such as this one. Consider how you can use what you do/make to create change, awareness, or help an individual in your community or abroad on your own or with the help of your fellow crafters.

Just some thoughts…

“Albert Schweitzer, one of the world’s great humanitarians, said, “Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.”

First off, you must visit this link to look at some actual (and adorable) penguins in their sweaters. It will melt your heart (a little sweetness amongst the uglyness of the whole situation to pump you up).

Second, they have enough BUT will take sweaters in case of future spills, so they have a ready stash. See my prev posts for pattern. Where to send is on this link <3

I’m working on scarves for homeless humans (Nov/Dec project), so as soon as i’m done, i’ll post about my next project, which will also melt your heart…here’s a clue: spring babies!!!! (not the human kind)….Stay tuned :)

NEW OIL SPILL OFF NZ - Sweaters are a staple during oil spill penguin rescue operations. This is the actual pattern…They have collected enough sweaters at the moment, but you can keep tabs on whether more are needed on the link mentioned below. It’s so sad that there are so many oils spills and wildlife are always the ones affected by these. I’ll probably make one of these to keep on hand should they be needed…as I am pretty sure this won’t be the last oil spill :(

http://felt.co.nz/blog/2011/10/knitting-for-penguins-caught-in-rena-oil-spill/

Knitting for penguins caught in Rena oil spill

“Off the coast of Tauranga, the oil spill from the Rena is having a disastrous effect on wildlife and the environment. A number of little blue penguins have already been caught in the oil and there are growing fears that more will be affected.” 

They ”are rallying the crafty troops to help with the penguin rescue effort by knitting penguin jumpers, which help protect the birds and prevent them from preening their feathers and ingesting the toxic oil.”

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**

Edward Everett Hale