Using our powers for good

So, I know I've got a lot of knitting on my plate already...but this morning as I browsed my usual blogroll I came across a number of cause-related items that made me want to do more. I've chosen things that I can do in my spare time, with scrap yarn and almost no effort...

• HelpSudan: pencil cases to raise money for (and be used by) children in the Sudan
• KnitOneSaveOne: a Save the Children program collecting hats for low-birthweight babies (which especially hit home because Mia was only 4lbs13oz when she was born and I know how delicate those infants are). I may even sponsor an event in 2009.
  

I just finished working on a 2009 family budget, so I know that I don't have a lot of money. But, compared to 95% of the world? And, I decided that I couldn't NOT sacrifice some of my personal spending for a worthy cause (teach by example, right?).
I've chosen Tricoteuses san Frontieres. Knitters donating to Medecins San Frontieres have raised more than half a million dollars in just a short time. I've been thinking about MSF since last spring when I saw a 60 Minutes show and went to an event raising money to produce "plumpynut," a therapeutic ready-to-use food that's saving lives...a miracle food, really. My $10 a month commitment was made this morning.

Spread the word...crafters are caring people and we CAN make a difference.

Progress is good...

So, I've made progress. The Rogue sleeves are done...

It only took so long because I taught myself how to do something new. The sleeves are set-in and this usually means that the sleeve cap (the part that fits into the shoulder) is shaped using ugly bind-offs. Instead, I used short rows to make a single smooth edge. Yea!

And...I've finished the toddler tunic and started a matching kufi for little Jabril, Yolanda's son.

FO 2009 ... The pressure's on

So, each year I try to set myself a few challenges.

In 2008 I have focused on identifying and purging things I don't need in my life. I wanted to stop working retail in my local yarn store (done). I wanted to weed through my craft supplies and find a way to create a manageable craft space for Mia (I'll be done before the holiday break is over). My car died (sob) and we've managed to carry on anyway. I also moved towards the things that I DO want: teaching classes, working more with young people, teaching myself some new techniques. Mia and I even pulled off a hand-made holiday season!!!

This year of 2009, I'd like to focus on finishing things that I've started. I need to clear the psychic clutter of unfinished projects ... so that I can spend the energy I use feeling guilty to be creative. So, I'm going to publicly make the declaration that the following projects are going to get done and delivered to the intended loved-ones:

• Rogue hoodie - Nikki
• Habitat hat - surprise gift exchange DONE
  
• Des Colores sweater - Mom
• Hey Teach - Nikki ... didn't like the fit; maybe frog and knit a new thing?
  
• Ribbed Lace bolero - Mia
• Woodland Lace bolero - Mia
• Seraphim shawl - Jessica ... or shall I frog and reuse this beautiful red silk-alpaca yarn?
  
• Queen Anne Lace shawl
• Swallowtail shawl

I've also got a bunch of baby gifts in various stages of overdue...some started:

• Toddler Tunic (and kufi)- Yolanda's son DONE
  
• February sweater (and matching cap) - Jacqui's granddaughter DONE
  
• Baby Merry Janes (to go with Daisy hoodie already done) - Gillian's granddaughter
  

And some great excuses to try out new patterns:

• Yyonne's grandson
• Stephen's daughter
• Jenn's son, Willem DONE (a trio of hats)
  
• Amanda's son, Henry
  
• Amy's son
  

To really up the ante, I'm going to try to have the first few things done in January.

Steve the Cat

Steve the Cat
Thanks Nikki for inspiring me to make Steve the Cat!
The kids love him so much i started to make a family. The best part is he made
from old family buttons from grandma, corduroy from an old job and stuffing from an unfinished blanket. Dylan helped to make Steve which is probably why he loves him so much. So thanks for the post you kick started another project. And well you gave me that pattern over a year ago. Wait til you see the new additions. And no, Steve is not a pole dancer!