Benevolent Wool Brigade

Normally I’m not one to loudly champion causes in an overtly activist fashion. Lately though, here at the shop, we’re turning our attention towards the whole notion of crafty activism (aka charity knitting and crocheting). Recently the whole Craftivism movement is going strong.  For me personally I like the whole notion of slowing down, making something with my own hands and connecting with people locally to make a difference globally. When we work together to empower others, we also empower ourselves. It’s kinda like a quiet form of craftivism. I like it!

“Knitting for Peace: Stitching to Save the World” by Betty Christiansen

Of all the various books out there about craftivism…I think this is a good one.  It highlights a variety of charities, along with patterns to inspire. The author believes we can “work powerful magic” when we create something for others. Bingo! My thoughts exactly. Here’s a couple of other books to check out:

Craft Activism  and Knitting for Good

Knit Your Bit Movement

As always, I’ve turned to history for inspiration on how to translate this into reality via our shop?  I’ve discovered a wealth of historical info about benevolent crafting efforts (I just love google)! I had no idea what a rich history it is!



There were “wool brigades” during the World Wars but didn’t realize the extent of organization that existed behind the whole “philanthropic handmade movement.” The American Red Cross created the Knit Your Bit campaign and it quickly grew.

“The movement was quick to be noticed by the American public, and launched a full-on nationwide knitting frenzy. Those looking to get involved went to their local Red Cross chapter and purchased 10 cent pamphlet tutorials — complete with knitting patterns, and instructions on how to obtain yarn and package knitware for shipment abroad.”

Okay I’m all for anything that creates a “full-on nationwide knitting frenzy!” But it gets even better….

“Knit-ins and “Knitting Teas” became the trendy social past time for fashionable social butterflies. These crafty gatherings were hardcore. Guests dressed in red, white and blue, with matching decorations and decor… Often, the events would involve competitions, where women would scramble to knit patterns in a half hour or less.”

(quotes from Hello Craft’s “Historical Craftivism: Knit Your Bit article; “wool brigades” from "Patriotic Knitting Bags and Tools of the World Wars" by Karen Ballard, Piecework, Mar/Apr 2012.)

Wow! I love the idea of Knit-ins and Knitting Teas. Right up my alley that’s for sure. Not to mention the healthy competitive spirit this movement inspired. In light of my whole Ravelympics/Ravellenic Games doings…this notion of taking a fun event + philanthropic aims + community gatherings is what Meg & I have been contemplating.

Drum roll please…

Our Benevolent Wool Brigade is born!

We’ve talked about launching a charitable program for a while now. Last year it turned into the Joplin Library Book Drive. This year we want to start our own Knit Your Bit effort. Especially now, after learning about those cool Knit-Ins and Knitting Teas! (I promise not to make anyone dress up though…but love idea of races and friendly games!) And though we may say “knit your bit,” we also mean crochet too.

A dear family friends, Hal and Mary Lou Humber are very involved in sending care packages to the troops. They’ve kindly offered to include any items we make in their shipments. The next big shipment push is for October, just in time for return of winter weather and the holidays – a perfect time to provide a big boost to morale for those overseas.

What to make? Watch caps and lap afghans are perfect. Dark colors (browns, navy, greens…no brights). Scarves, cowls are also good. Winter nights are cold and soldiers on night duty can use all these items to keep warm. Plus we can send other items too: hard candies, baby wipes, tissue, gum, books, face wash… (see this list of often requested items). Personal notes are encouraged too. Troops love to hear from those sending things. Especially during the holiday season.

Need supplies? We’re giving a 15% discount for any supplies purchased. Then bring in any items by Sep 25th and we’ll get them shipped out as care packages for the holidays.



Pattern Links:

Watch Cap Pattern

Easy Hat Pattern

Turn a Square Hat

American Red Cross Historic Knit Your Bit Patterns

National WW2 Museum’s Scarf Patterns

Operation Toasty Toes Patterns

Crochet & Knit Watch Caps

Other Interesting Links:

National WWII Museum New Orleans: Knit Your Bit Scarf Project

Knit Your Bit

girlprinter blog article about her grandmother’s knitting her bit

WW2 Patterns

Top 4 Knitting Charities profiled

Richard Rutt Digital Collection

Stitching a Protest article

 

Current Doings in the Shop

Ravellenics & Olympics (Jul 27 – Aug 12)

Friday is the start of Olympics and that means the start of the Ravellenic Games too. Mass cast on is 1pm PDT Jul 27th! Better get busy prepping my projects….or at least unburying my endless pile of WIPs (works in progress) to enter into the WIPs Wrestling event. It’s going to be exciting. Just discovered you can watch live streaming video of all the Olympics. Check to see if you can too. If not drop by the shop and we’ll knit and watch it together.

Berroco Trunk Show: Big Kids

We’ve got the Big Kids show up in the shop. It’s a great pattern book for anyone with kids in mind, sizes 2T to 12 (35 patterns for $8.25 so also excellent value). It’s here for at least another week and a great chance to see the garments up close and personal.

New Amazing Sugar Cane Yarn

Ruca by Araucania finally arrived. 100% sugar cane (rayon from the sugar cane plant) with jaw-dropping silkiness and drape. Comes in gorgeous solids and variegated colors (some shown below) It’s perfect for summer projects since it’s cool to the touch and feels sinfully wonderful against the skin.



I’m working on a Summer Flies Shawlette for the shop to show how luscious it works up. But I really want to make myself a gorgeous cardigan out of this stuff.  Maybe I’ll be totally crazy and cast on a sweater for the Ravellenics! (yes…I’m crazy unrealistic…but I could do the Cast On Trap Shoot…then I only have to just start it, not actually finish it! hehehe)

Happy Summer Everyone!

Kim and Megan

 

In Loving Memory of Hal Humber (1924 – 2012)

A great patriot and a wonderful man.