Knit, Crochet and Sew for Charity

OMG – Where has the time gone!  I can’t believe we are already at the end of another challenge – although the piles of parcels in my hallway waiting to be opened should have been a clue ;0)
I am sitting here typing up these challenges and I feel so unprepared this time – although I have been busy making phone calls and checking up on needs and wants in preparation for this day ;0)

Right – this last quarter has been a sad time for all of us so hopefully the spring coming in will herald a time of new beginnings and happiness for everyone – including our charities.

My main challenge this time is one that you will all relate to I hope – simple quick and easy to do but I imagine with a few tears along the way – right I will get started and tell you what I have in mind ……….

Challenge number one is in memory of our dear Mayflower who sadly passed away in December.  As those of you who have been members for a while will know, Angie was a wonderful member and a dear friend to us all – her legacy to us were the patterns she wrote and gave to us to use for our work.  There is actually a ‘Mayflower’ pattern section in our Loving Hands Patterns on the forum (access is only available if you are registered as a full member and are signed into forum using your username and password at the time).  I had quite a few of you asking if we could include these in this challenge so here we go – I would love to collect 1000 of Mayflower’s items to send out to the hospitals we support – I have added the Angel Claire Bodywarmer pattern and another of Angie’s designs to this post and there are lots more to choose from on the forum pattern section.  I feel sure that you will all be happy with this choice xxx

Mayflower’s Angel Claire Bodywarmer
Claire asked me for this pattern which is based on the Ray of Hope Angel Gown. Unfortunately I sent her the wrong instructions first time round and she ended up with a rather odd shaped garment. So here is the correct pattern named after her (with apologies to Thomas Hardy).

4PLY WILL GIVE YOU A TINY PREEMIE GARMENT
DK RESULTS IN A PREEMIE SIZE
CHOOSE YOUR NEEDLE SIZE RECOMMENDED ON THE BALL OF THE YARN YOU ARE USING

Begin at the neck edge and cast on 27 stitches loosely.


Rows 1 and 2 : Knit.
Row 3: K2 yfwd K 2tog(for buttonhole) K to end
Row 4: Knit
Row 5: K4, (k2, yfwd) 8 times, k7. (35 sts)
Row 6: K4, purl to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 7: K4, (k3, yfwd) 8 times, k7. (43 sts)
Row 8: K4, purl to last 4 sts, k4.
Keeping the 4 stitches at each end of each row in garter st, continue in stocking stitch, increasing as set, until there are 75 stitches. The last increase row will be:
Row 15: K4, (k7, yfwd) 8 times, k7. (75 sts)
Row 16: Knit.
Row 17: Knit.
Row 18: Knit
Row 19: K11, cast off 15, k22, cast off 15, k10. (45 sts)
Row 20: K4, purl to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 21: ,K2 yfwd K2 tog(for buttonhole) m1, by picking up the loop between the last and next stitches and knitting into the back of it, (K1, m1, K2,m1) to last 5 sts, K1, m1, k4. (71 sts)
Row 22: K4, purl to last 4 sts, k4.
Continue in st st with garter st borders for a further 16 rows
Work 6 rows rib with a garter stitch border.
(Make buttonhole in third row)
Cast off.

MAYFLOWER’S LAZY WEEKEND JACKET AND BOOTEES

NB Choose your needles according to the thickness of yarn you are using – generally OLD FASHIONED SIZES 10s and 8s, 9s and 7s or 8s and 6s (some DK will take these larger needles and results in a lighter garment which isn’t too restricting).
JACKET
Begin with the Sleeves (work 2!)
With finer needles cast on 23
Work 6 rows rib
Change to larger needles
Work 12 rows in stocking stitch (increase each end of 3rd and 7th rows = 27 stitches)
13th row – Cast off 3, work to last 3 stitches, cast off 3
Leave these 21 stitches on a spare needle.

Work the Main Part

With larger needles cast on 73
Work a 6 rows garter stitch

Work 24 rows in pattern as follows
1st pattern row – K8 *P1,K3 rep from * to last 5 sts K5
2nd pattern row – K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4

25th Row – Work 18 stitches, cast off 6, work 25 stitches, cast off 6, work to end
26th Row – Work 18 stitches, work across 21stitches from first sleeve, 25 stitches from back, 21 stitches from second sleeve, 18 stitches from left front (103 stitches)

Work the Yoke

1st Row – Work 51 stitches, K2tog, work to end
2nd and alternate rows – Knit to end
3rd Row – K2 yfwd k2tog (for buttonhole), (K2, K2tog) to last 4 stitches, K4
5th Row - Work 38 stitches, K2tog, work to end
7th Row - K4, (K2, K2tog) to last 4 stitches, K4
9th Row – K4, K2tog, K24, K2tog, work to last 6 stitches K2tog, K 4
11th Row - K4, (K2, K2tog) to last 4 stitches, K4

Change to finer needles
Work 5 rows for the neckband
Make a button hole at the beginning of the 2nd neckband row

Cast off

Join sleeve and underarm seams

BOOTEES

With larger needles cast on 28
Work 10 rows in pattern as follows
1st pattern row – *P1,K3 rep from * to end
2nd pattern row – purl to end

11th row – K12, K2tog, K2tog, K12
12th row – purl to end
13th row – K11, K2tog, K2tog, K11
14th row – Purl to end
15th row – K10, K2tog, K2tog, K1
16th row – K1 *yfwd K2tog rep from * to last stitch K1
Work 5 rows garter stitch
Cast off

Join seam
Using 5.50 hook and double yarn make 70 chain
Thread chain through eyelets

Part 2 of this challenge is aimed mainly at our stitchers – I have been inspired by the wonderful work done by Julia and her mum on Shetland and also by suggestions made in the past by our lovely Fee and Bonnie Jean.  As many of you will know Altzheimer’s patients often harm themselves by picking at their arms etc as they fidget about  they will pick at their clothing causing damage and often undress themselves – this is mainly caused by boredom – to help alleviate this problem they can be given ‘fidget’ or activity aprons  (or mats that can go on the table in front of them)

http://www.activitiestoshare.co.uk/p/13/activity-mat-cream
http://www.activitiestoshare.co.uk/p/10/activity-aprons
These links give some ideas of what these are – I am sure you can all think of lots of different things to add to these bearing in mind safety at all times.  They would also need to be washable as well.  We can expand on this theme by making mats or quilts in the same vein to be used by mentally or sensory impaired individuals – we have a deaf and blind home here in Kelty and they use items to stimulate senses that their patients do have to keep them occupied while awake.  Julia was making a sensory quilt for her neice which was what gave me the idea to add quilts and mats to this part of thechallenge.

Part three of this challenge will be our old favourite – quick and easy to do but always needed – let me have 1000 knitted or crocheted boobs please  - with so many baby shows coming up in the next few months I have a feeling Nikki will be needing every single one of them.  No need to stick to boring flesh tones either – we all know how the midwives snap up the lovely brightly coloured ones!  These can be sent in unstuffed to save on postage ;0)

Double knitting wool – 1 ball (choose your flesh colour!)
similar but darker colour - 1 ball
Pair of 3 ¼ mm needles/UK size 10

Cast on 6 stitches for base of breast
1st row. Knit
2nd row K1 (m1 k1) to end. 11 st
3rd and every alt row to 15th row Purl
4th row K1 (m1 k1) to end. (21 st)
6th row K1 (m1 k2) to end. (31 st)
8th row k1 (m1 k3) to end. (41 st)
10th row K1 (m1 k4) to end. (51 st)
12th row K1 (m1 K5) to end. (61 st)
14th row K1 (m1 K6) to end (71 st)
15th row Knit
16th row Knit
17th row purl

Work, starting with a knit row, st st for 20 rows

38th row: K1, *K2 tog, K5, rep from * to end
39th and alternate rows: Purl
40th row: K1, *K2 tog, K4, rep from * to end
Continue to decrease in this way and after 3rd decrease change to darker wool to
make the areola.
Continue decreasing until the K1, *K2 tog, from * to end has been worked.
Nipple: st st 4 rows (see below for amendments).

Break yarn, thread through rem stitches, draw up and fasten off.
With work inside out, sew sides together but leave a gap for stuffing. Gather round cast on sts and sew seam.

In darker wool on the wrong side of work, make a draw-string stitch around the
base of the nipple, draw up and fasten off. If this stitch is drawn tightly it makes a
“Page 3” nipple. Drawing up less tightly makes a less prominent nipple.
Experiment to get the type you want. (Wish it were this easy in real life!) NB It is
good to have a variety of shapes and sizes, just as women do (very flat, very
small/large, inverted etc), so they can see that all can work!

Turn right side out and stuff. Close seam.


Different sizes of breast can be made by amending the
pattern, and different firmness achieved by amount of stuffing.

NB colours are not important but flesh colour is more realistic.

Part four will be another recurring one – Sands blankets – we all know how these are always so desperately needed – made in white or cream they are used to go into the treasured memory boxes given to parents who have lost their tiny angels.  It would be wonderful to be able to send in 200 of these this challenge ;0)

This lace border makes the easy blanket, very special. Use the lace all around for a shawl, or on the top edge only for a crib or pram blanket. The blanket is our basic pattern. This pattern knits to approx. a 24" square. It will always come square.
250gm of Double Knit Wool in white or cream and size 8 (UK) - 4 mm needles

BASIC BLANKET

Cast on 1 stitch
Next row :- Make the one stitch into two stitches.
Next row :- Knit 1, into the next stitch make another,3 stitches on needle.
Continue to knit, ALWAYS knit the first stitch and into the 2nd stitch make another.
Only increase this way at the BEGINNING of a row
Continue until you have worked 20 inches if you are putting border all the way round, 22 inches if you are just putting borders top and bottom or 24 inches if it is to go just on the top edge or no border at all (this should ensure you can complete the blanket with your 250 grms).
Knit 1 row plain.
Next row:- Knit 1, Knit 2 together, Knit to end of row. Continue this way, always knit the 1st stitch then decrease into the next stitch by knitting 2 together until 1 stitch remains. You should now have a neat square.

LACE EDGING

Using Double Knit and size 8 (UK) needles Cast on 8 stitches
Row 1 ( Wrong side) Slip 1, Knit 1,(Yarn fwd knit 2 tog)twice, Yarn fwd Knit 2 (9sts)
Rows 2, 4, and 6. Slip 1 Knit to the end.
Row 3. Slip 1, knit 2 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog) twice. Yarn fwd Knit 2 (10sts)
Row 5. Slip 1, knit 3 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog) twice. Yarn fwd Knit 2 (11sts)
Row 7. Slip 1, knit 4 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog)twice . Yarn fwd Knit 2 (12sts)
Row 8. Slip 1, Knit 11 sts
Row 9. Slip 1 Knit 11 sts Row 10 cast off 4 Sts Knit to the end ( 8sts) These 10 rows form the pattern. Continue in pattern until it is long enough to fit one edge, or all around, as you wish. Sew onto the blanket

WINTER  CHALLENGES
23/10/11 TO 29/1/11

I cant believe we are here again already!!!!  Where have the last few months gone to???  Choosing these new challenges has been very difficult - I have had suggestions from members which have been great and I have had suggestions that sound good but when we look at them they do not fit our ethos (we do not provide things to be sold and only give items to charities and groups that deliver them directly to the people or animals who need them most).
Having thought long and hard about it I have finally come up with the following - deep breath here - hope I have chosen wisely ;0)

1.  I have had contact from Alison (the lady who brought us baby cardies for Sri Lanka and Uniforms for Springs of Life School).  Alison has had a request to help girls in Africa who have suffered the horrendous effects of Fistulas following childbirth/rape/abuse/genital mutilation.  These girls suffer these terrible afflictions.  In the case of obstetric fistulas these are most commonly where a fistula or hole develops between either the rectum and vagina or the bladder and the vagina.  The result of these is leakage from the rectum or bladder causing unpleasant smells and leakage.  In their villages these girls are often outcasts - classed as 'unclean' and shunned by those around them.  Because of ignorance and lack of proper education they do not realise that the problem is fixable.,  Alison’s friend is involved with a charity that carries out the necessary proceedures to correct these conditions and give these girls back their diginity and quality of life.

She has told Alison that they are in desperate need of underwear for these girls - brand new ladies pants to give out to these girls after their surgery.  They also need our wonderful stitchers to get their heads down over their sewing machines and make them sets of washables (patterns for these are available in our pattern central area on the forum) we make sets of washable pads, covers and pretty bags to store them in so that each girl will have the means of keeping clean and odour free.

2.  Again for Alison - we are trying to help Springs of Life school to keep going so we are aiming to help them to kit out the kids with uniforms again - we have been collecting lots of uniform items over the year as they have been sent in - lots of you have been wonderful sending in packs of  school shirts, socks and pants etc over the year so we do have a head start there ;0)  The uniforms consist of  Burgundy V neck jumpers and beanie hats (knitted or crocheted by our lovely members), or burgundy sweatshirts, white short sleeved school shirts/blouses, black school trousers (girls and boys), black gym shoes, black school shoes, black shorts, yellow or red gym t shirts,  white long socks, underpants any colour, burgundy or black gym bags.  All of these for ages 3 to 8 years - there are now 250 pupils in the school (last year it was just 96) so the need is growing all the time.  We did kit them out completely last year with some to spare so we did them proud.

3.  This year instead of hats for sailors  we are going to help the homeless here at home.  Our aim is to provide hats, scarves, gloves, mitts, jumpers, blankets to The Salvation Army and Crisis here in the UK to be distributed to those sleeping rough.  It is totally beyond my comprehension how awful it must be to have to sleep out of doors in the winter months.  I don’t really see it here but I know from looking online and watching things on tv that around our cities it is still a very serious issue. With a dreadful winter forecast this year I felt it was more important than ever that we do what we can to help.

4.  Our animal lovers will really laugh at this one - I want you to help me create some blankets for  orphaned baby elephants in Kenya ;0)  The cold nights are not the only worry - they also need to be shielded from the sun by day to stop them getting sunstroke.  The blankets they get are very precious to them and they appreciate every one.  I am awaiting confirmation of the normal dimensions of these blankets but I think if we make 12 inch squares for these we should find it easier to assemble them.

Well I hope I have done enough to get your attention.  Obviously those who do not want to take part in challenges - as always - keep on going making your favourites - we always need everything on our wish lists so if you prefer making baby clothes, boobs, sands blankets etc - keep on going - we need every stitch.

Right - I will let you get on with it  and wait for the comments ;0)

The Gaffer xxx


***************************************************************************************************************************

LOVING HANDS

Autumn Challenges Sun 24/7  to Sat 22/10

Here we go folks it is that time again ;0)  Cant believe where the time has gone to this challenge - it seems like just yesterday I was sitting here typing the last one ;)

The parcels are flowing in thick and fast this week and it looks like we are going to have a wonderful collection again - our charities will be delighted!  I just posted 100 parcel lists and photos in the donations section and have a whole office full ready and waiting for Kelly and I to unpack them on Tuesday (LOL - I say Kelly and I - she does the opening, sorting and photographing while I sit here with my pen and paper and laptop and catalogue everything ;0)  THANK YOU darling daughter for all your hard work - I couldn’t keep going without you ;0)  And THANK YOU Roxy too for keeping the kids amused and doing housework etc so we can concentrate on the parcels ;0)

So - I hope you are all ready for the coffee morning - I will be signed on at 10am all ready to chat - make sure all you dieters have weighed in before you sign on so you can report all your wonderful losses ;0)

Here we go then - what has your Gaffer got planned for you all this time??????
I am thinking small and portable projects - I have been hoping we might get an Indian Summer this year to make up for all the awful weather we have had so far.  I thought it would be good if we had challenges that are easy to take out with you if you are on holiday or having a day in the park or at the beach so small and easy to carry were what was on my mind.  

Number 1.  We could use a massive BOOB injection so could we maybe get on and make a pile of these?
Nikki has now taken over from Avril at Tommee Tippee and is going round the baby shows again and we also get direct requests from hospitals and health boards to supply them by the hundred so they are always in great demand.  Remember we do not need to stick to realistic ’flesh’ tones - the midwives say the nice colourful ones go down a treat - our Christmas and Easter ones were a great hit!  Remember you can send them in ‘flat’ and Kelly will stuff and finish them off here ;0)  I am hoping to get 500 of these ;0)

Number 2.   Our list of requests for prem baby and burial items is growing all the time. Cuddles, Sands and lots of hospitals and pathology labs and morticians are in need. It would be great to be able to respond to every request straight away so if we could have ;-  burial gowns and bonnets, hooded wraps, tiny blankets 10 or 12 inches, sleeping bags, tiny hats, pairs of tiny teddies or other toys, Sands blankets, prem cardies from 10 inches to 16 inches chest, prem hats vent bonnets, angel pockets (sewn preferably for these because of absorbency problems), prem blankets from 16 to 24 inches and cribs.  If we could aim for 100 Sands blankets and as many of the others as we can ;0)

Number 3.  For our furry friends we have had enquiries from a few dog and cat homes (Battersea included) for cat toys - the link to the page with patterns at Battersea website is here - http://www.battersea.org.uk/about_us/whats_new/cat_knitting.html  Perry likes to make cat toys for us a lot and she uses cat nip to make them even more appealing to the pussy cats.  Apparently  they get a huge influx of cats, having kittens every year and they like to have toys to keep them amused ;0)

Number 4.  Shoe box time again as well - we will collect the usual items, hats/scarves/gloves/mitts/socks/glove puppets etc, toiletries, writing pads, pens, colouring books, pencils, toiletries, razors, etc, etc.  No food except sweets and they have to be wrapped in packets with a sell by date of March 2012 or later.  Items for all ages they do boxes for categories boy/girl 3 to 7, boy/girl 8 to 12, teenage boy/girl, man or woman and elderly woman.

Number 5.  Portsmouth group have been asked for 500 teddies for tragedy with their bags for a charity down there.  I have offered to ask you all to help out with this.  When you make them send them in here to HQ as Molly and Lynn do not have storage room to keep them ;0)  I will send them direct to the collection point as we fill boxes ;0)  As always if you do not want to stuff them and put on faces - send them in ’flat’ and faceless and Kelly will work her magic on them. If we can get 250 of these it would go a long way to help these groups out ;0)

So there you go - no great surprises this time and mostly very small and portable projects to keep you interested.  Hope you are all happy with my choices - if not don’t forget we always have the wish lists and I have now pinned the post to the top of the Important Read this First part of the forum so it should always be first on the list ;0)  Easier to find that way ;0)

SPRING CHALLENGES 2011
Sun 29/1 to Sat 30/4

Here we go then - the new Spring Challenges for 2011. I am on the ball this time (no choice in the matter as we are having our online coffee morning to help the postage funds this morning too! Wouldn't be a lot of help having a chat to iron out any questions re the challenges if I hadn't even posted it up yet!).

I did want to include our troops in this challenge but so far have not found the necessary details to do so - rest assured I am working on this and should include them in one of our later challenges once I know if there is a need and will they accept our items. If any of you have a contact with one of these agencies and I can be assured they meet our criteria it would be perfect.

Now - what do I have up my sleeve for you all this time!

Once again there will be two main challenges to this one.

1/ I had a lovely letter from Blythswood thanking us for all the great donations of knitting etc we have given them this year. The lady went on to say that they are desperately trying to get more aid off to Romania. Seems the temperatures there are dropping to minus 30 and there is such great need for all types of assistance there. She told me of a grandmother with 10 grandkids living in a shack with a leaky roof and no heating in these sub zero conditions!

So - I would like you to make anything warm for these poor people - you have loads of scope here - all age groups from babies and toddlers right up to OAPs - hats, scarves, gloves, mitts, neck warmers, lap rugs, blankets, jumpers, cardigans - anything you like that will bring some warmth and comfort into the lives of these people.

2/ Help the animals;- There will be two sections to this one - the first part is to make dog coats, pet beds and blankets - I know a lot of you love to help our furry friends - when I dropped of some bags of blankets at the SSPCA centre on Friday the girls were delighted - apparently they have had desperate requests from some of the staff at the shelters for more items to keep the rescued dogs and cats warm in the terrible winter we have been having. Suzanne has been turning old duvets into pet beds recently using old duvet covers to make covers for them - I think she said she gets about 6 out of one double duvet and stitches the covers onto them to make comfy sleeping pads. I am sure there are lots of great ideas out there in Loving Hands Land for quick and easy ways to help our animal friends!

The other part of our animal challenge is a special one for our stitchers - WSPA the animal charity are desperate for fluffy nosebands for equines! Here you go! http://www.wspa.org.uk/Images/NosebandProtectorsneeded_tcm9-10368.pdf

These bands are needed because poor donkeys and horses in places like Bethlehem and Palestine are suffering because of the materials used to make their halters rubbing on their noses and causing cuts and sores. These nosebands are very easy to make using thick soft fabric (fun fur is best) and sew on Velcro. It is simply a case of cutting your fabric out in 11 inch by 4 inch pieces - stitch one bit of the Velcro along the inside edge of the 11 inch side of the fabric and then stitch the other part of the Velcro along the outside edge of the other long side of the fabric (stitch it on - do not use glue as this quickly disintegrates). Roll the fabric into a tube by attaching the two bits of Velcro together and you have a very simple but effective way of saving these poor creatures from lots of pain and discomfort!

For anyone looking for extra work this quarter Gemma is in need of another 20 pairs of tiny toys for the memory boxes and - as always we could use more boobs for Tommee Tippee.

OK - there you go - hopefully there is something there for everyone again.

This challenge ends two weeks before the knitting only show in Perth so if any of you are coming to the show you can bring along your donations then to save postage - I get regular opportunities to put our donations on the Blythswood lorries so can ship our monthly for this one ;0)

******************************************************************************
LOVING HANDS

AUTUMN CHALLENGES

25^TH July to 23^rd October 2010

 Here we are then girlies - so sorry for the delay - I have been in zombie land all day today because of the new tablets the doctor gave me to help me sleep. She did warn me that they would knock out a horse ……… I am now officially a horse ………….

Right I won’t mess about but get on with the new challenges - I will post the results of the last challenges later as I know I am in grave danger from the lynch mob heading for Kelty as I type ;0)

I have decided that this will be a 3 part challenge this time - hopefully you will all approve of what I have found ;0)

This challenge will run from now until the 23rd October with the winter challenges hitting the board on Sunday 24th October ;0)

1. The first part of this challenge will be thanks to our dear Dot. A couple of months back I was reading a great book - one of those true story paperbacks that make you cry all the way through. It was called ‘Street Kid’ and was by a lady called Judy Westwater. The morning after I finished reading it I got a parcel from Dot and in it was a note with a newspaper cutting from the Inverness paper. It was an article about an Inverness lady knitting jumpers for children in Africa - these items were being taken to Africa and being distributed by …….. Judy Westwater - the author of the book I had just finished reading. This had to be an omen - Judy has set up a trust for street kids in Africa called the Pegasus Trust - I contacted her and here is her reply …….

Hello Lou,

Thank you so much for contacting me and thank you also for reading my book. (Which I assume was 'Street Kid' my first book?) I am hopeful that by the sale of my books they will bring about a far greater worldwide awareness as to the desperate plight all our street children continue to face on a daily basis.

Thank you for offering to help our children with delightful knitted goodies. Our children are always so delighted to receive knitted goodies and to know that they have been made especially for them, new and warm thrills them no end.

We take care of children from birth onward. We have shelters for kiddies from birth to six years, and then from six to eighteen, and then from eighteen to twenty four years old. So a huge range of sizes. For our under six shelter all goodies that you have mentioned would be amazing as they do love soft toys, blankets or any item you are happy to make everything would be totally embraced by them. They have never had anything new and they cannot believe that someone from so far away would care enough about them to make something especially for them.

Our kids from six years to eighteen would be thrilled with school jerseys and cardigans in school colours. For a child in South Africa they cannot attend school unless they have the full uniform and many times during winter they do not have warm clothing. They would love anything to wear that is knitted, crocheted or sewn. South African kids love knitwear. The older kids would be the same, for them socks would be fabulous as well as jerseys.

Hope I have given you an insight. But believe me it would not matter what you sent for this every item would be so very much appreciated.

Thank you for your very kind offer. Should you wish to see our clips from my latest visit to South Africa please type in Judy Westwater S.T.V.News and see the latest Scottish news broadcast.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Till then do take care

Very best wishes

Judy Westwater

I think you will all agree that this is a very worthwhile charity for us to help and as Judy has said these kids will be happy with anything we make for them - the great thing on our side also is that Judy lives in Inverness now so I will have a great excuse to meet up with Dot and Ron when I go up to deliver our end of challenge items to Judy ;0) For this I think we can make clothing for all ages, toys, blankets, school jumpers and cardies etc. If any of you have good quality school skirts, shirts, trousers or shorts we could put those in too - lots to choose from! Our stitchers can make kids clothing , toys, quilts etc as well to add to the mix.

2. The second part of our challenge is all thanks to our friend Tricia who runs the Teddies for Tragedies site. She has been in touch asking for our help to get 1,200 teddies complete with bags to help out her causes. She needs 1000 for street kids in Cambodia and 200 for Orphans in Uganda. Once again the addresses for us to get them to are in the UK so no overseas postage for us. Knitters and Crocheters can make the bears and the stitchers can make the bags - patterns etc are here ;0)

Teddies for Tragedies Knitting Pattern

You will need: double knitting wool

main colour for head and paws

trouser colour

jumper colour

scarf colour

Size 10 (3 1/4) needles

Cast on10 stitches in main colour. Knit 10 rows.

Change to trouser colour and knit 30 rows.

Measure the length of the leg if it’s 3 1/2 “ then

you’ll knit a perfect teddy if it’s more/less adjust

your needle size.

Knit another leg Then knit across all 20 stitches

and work a further 15 rows.

Change to jumper colour and knit 24 rows.

Change to main colour and stocking stitch (one

row knit one row purl) for 5 1/2 “ (14 cm)

Change to jumper colour and continue to knit in

the reverse order.

Stitch down the sides of the head

Make arms: with jumper colour pick up 8

stitches each side of the neck join (16 stitches).

Knit 20 rows then change to main colour and

knit 10 rows for paws, repeat for the other arm.

Scarf: Cast on 75 stitches, knit 4 rows. Cast off

loosely.

Weave in all loose ends and sew up the teddy

leaving an opening in the crotch for stuffing.

Sew across the top corners of the head to make

ears before stuffing. Stuff your teddy with clean,

new polyester stuffing (BS1425 or BS5852).

Run a thread through the knitting to make a neck

and draw it in, knot the ends and weave the in

the excess. Embroider a smiley face. Use small

stitches, (back-stitch and stem-stitch) and ensure

all the ends are firmly finished.

Sew the scarf to the back of the neck of the teddy

so it won’t get lost, but only at the back to

increase the possibilities for play.

Make a simple drawstring bag

The bag should be big enough for a teddy (12 - 13” long and 9 - 10” wide).

Turn over and stitch a casing at the top leaving a gap at the side, for the drawstring.

Use only one drawstring. Instructions for making twisted yarn drawstrings from oddments of yarn can be

found on the website: www.teddiesfortragedies.org.uk

Check List

1. Teddies should be approximately 10” tall. To check tension, measure the first leg, if it’s 3 1/2”

then teddy will be the right size, if not, adjust your needle size.

2. Please adhere to the pattern, as we do like the teddies to be the same to avoid jealousy, i.e. no

added hat, skirts, bags etc. Stripes are OK particularly when using up duller colours.

3. When drawing in the neck please weave wool though the knitting, starting at the centre back.

Knot the ends together. Do not wind surplus wool round the neck as a child could put their fingers

underneath it and break it and perhaps pull the wool out and chew it.

4. Leave the scarf free at the front so child can tie and untie it. Do not use ribbon round the neck.

5. Please embroider mouth in stem stitch or backstitch so that the child cannot pull it out.

6. Stuff fairly firmly. With the amount of play the teddy gets, if there is not enough stuffing, it could

be shaken down to one end.

7. Don’t put teddy in the bag, all teddies have to be checked and this saves time.

CROCHET TEDDY – Updated Pattern 2010

You will need

NEW double knitting yarn and a size 4.00 crochet hook

Main colour yarn for paws and head, one colour for trousers, one for jumper and one for scarf, black

yarn for eyes, nose and mouth.

One completed Teddy (unstuffed) weighs approx 35g.

Non-allergic stuffing to BS1425 / BS5852

Measurements are approximate – your stuffed Teddy will be about 25/26 cm (9.5”/10”) high.

Abbreviations: ch = chain, dc = double crochet.

First Leg (20 rows: 6 for paw, 14 for trousers)

With Paw yarn, make 10 ch

Row 1: 1dc into 2nd ch from hook. Dc to end of row (9dc). 1ch to turn.

Row 2: 1dc into each dc, 1ch, turn.

Work 4 more rows of dc as per row 2 (approx 2.5cm) omitting turning ch at the end of the last row.

Cut paw yarn, hook Trouser yarn through loop on hook. 1ch to turn. (Join all new colours this way)

Work 14 rows of dc (6.5 cm) for trouser leg.

Teddy’s leg should be 9cm or 3.5” long for the perfect finished size.

Fasten off and cut yarn, leaving a long end for sewing up.

Second Leg

Repeat as for first leg but do not fasten off. 1ch to turn.

Trouser Top (8 rows)

Row 1: Work another row of dc across second leg, joining on and crocheting across the first leg to

join both together (18dc). 1ch to turn.

Work 7 more rows of dc (4 cm).

Jumper (14 rows)

Cut trouser yarn (leave a long end for sewing up), hook jumper yarn through loop on hook.

1ch to turn.

Work 14 rows of dc (6.5 cm) for jumper.

(To make 2 stripes on the jumper, work these on rows 7 & 8, and 11 & 12, using trouser or scarf

colour)

Head (28 rows)

Cut jumper yarn, hook head yarn through loop on hook. 1ch to turn.

Work 28 rows of dc (13 cm) for head.

Jumper

Cut head yarn (leave a long end for sewing up), hook jumper yarn through loop on hook.

1 ch to turn.

Work 14 rows of dc for jumper.

Trouser Top

Cut jumper yarn (leave a long end for sewing up), hook trouser yarn through loop on hook.

1ch to turn.

Work 8 rows of dc for trouser top.

First Leg

Row 1: 9dc, 1ch, turn

Work across these 9dc for a total of 14 rows

Cut trouser yarn (leave a long end for sewing up), hook Paw yarn through loop on hook (leave a long

end for sewing up).

1ch to turn.

Work 6 rows of dc for paw and fasten off.

Second Leg

Re-join yarn to middle of last long row and repeat the above to make the second leg.

(leave a long end when you start the paw, for sewing up)

Sew up the Head

Fold Teddy in half and over-sew the sides of the head, starting at the jumper end. Create the ears by

stitching diagonally across about 4 stitches at the top of the head on each corner.

Arms (16 rows: 10 for jumper, 6 for paw)

From where the head joins the jumper, count down 8 holes (about half way down the jumper).

Row 1: With Jumper colour and right side facing, pick up and work 8dc into these holes up to the

head and then 8dc down the other side towards the waist. 1 ch to turn.

Row 2: 1dc into each dc, 1ch, turn

Work 10 rows in total as per row 2, omitting turning ch at end of last row.

Cut jumper yarn (leave a long end for sewing up), hook Paw yarn through loop on hook (leave a long

end for sewing up).

1 ch to turn.

Work 6 rows of dc for paw and fasten off.

Sewing up the Body

Ensure all ends are woven in firmly.

Using appropriate colours of yarn and the long ends you have left, oversew all seams leaving an

opening at the crotch for stuffing.

Stuff Teddy and then sew up the opening.

Finishing Off

Thread a piece of teddy yarn around the neck, pull up to create the neck/head and tie firmly, weaving

in the ends.

Embroider eyes, nose and smiley mouth in black yarn.

Scarf (4 rows)

In a contrasting colour make 70ch

1dc into 2nd chain from hook, dc to end, 1ch to turn.

Work 3 more rows, fasten off.

Weave in ends, tie around Teddy’s neck and stitch very firmly across back of neck

Make a bag

When choosing material for bags, remember the brighter the fabric the better. Children always go for the bright colours and thinner fabric is less bulky, so there'll be room for more teddies.

        The Bag Make a bag big enough for a teddy - 30 x 22.5cm (12-13" x 8-9").

There are few rules, but bags are important and need to be made to last as long as the teddies.

Use pinking shears, or make up using French (double seams) if the material is likely to fray.

Turn over a casing on the inside and stitch, leaving a small gap to take the drawstring.

Use only one drawstring long enough to allow the bag to fully open, plus a couple of inches. If you'd need to buy cord or ribbon try making them. All you need is some small oddments of wool or crochet cotton.

The instructions on how to make drawstrings are by popular request.

When giving teddies to a collector leave the teddies out of the bags. All teddies and bags are checked and it does save time.   Making Drawstrings Measure approximately 3 metres of yarn(3 times nose to outstretched hand).

Knot the ends and hook the loop over e.g. a door handle. Put a pencil through the loop and keeping the cord tight turn the pencil (an empty cotton real threaded onto the cord, makes it much easier to turn the pencil, though care must be taken removing it at the end).

Occasionally release the tension a fraction, if the cord immediately twists back on itself it's ready. Don't be tempted to stop too soon a loose cord will unravel. With cord tight again hang a heavy object (most can-openers are good for this) in the centre and bring the ends together maintaining the tension. Holding the 2 ends, lower the weight and watch it spin! Don't let it start untwisting, just drop the weight to the floor, remove it and knot both ends of the cord.

Check that the length of your first one is correct for your bags, the finished length will depend on the yarn you use and the length of your arms!

Remember - if you can knit the teddies with their scarves but don’t want to be sewing up and finishing them off then do keep making them and send them in unfinished and Kelly will do the honours here for you ;0)

3. Part three of the challenge will be for our shoeboxes for Blythswood Care - the usual items and fillings for these. I have been keeping all of the shoeboxes that come in here this year so the attic is stuffed with them ready to be wrapped and filled again for this winter. The age groups and suggested contents are as follows ;-

Shoe Box Appeal 2010

In 2009 Blythswood gathered 128,000 filled shoeboxes that were sent too many countries in eastern Europe as well as to India and Pakistan.

Girl 3-7 d

Girl 8-12 d

Teenage Girl d

Woman d

Elderly Woman d

Boy 3-7 s

Boy 8-12 s

Teenage Boy s

Man s

PLEASE CIRCLE WHO THE BOX IS FOR

CHECKLIST 2010

Please tick items included and firmly secure

this list on your shoebox lid.

Suggested items (all items must be new):

Please do add the essential items listed in red

Find a shoebox. Decide who to fill it for;

a child, a teenager, a man or a woman 1

Secure the lid with rubber bands.

Custom regulations require Blythswood Care

to check the contents of your box.

Deliver your box to your local collection point.L

3 Gather the items and pack them into the box.

Remember that any goods disallowed by

customs will be removed. No foods are

permitted apart from sweets (but no loose

sweets or lollies are allowed or individually

purchased sweets made up into little bags).

* ‘Best Before’ date no earlier than March 2011

4

On the Checklist, tick the items you have put

in your shoebox and note any that are not on

the list.

5

Secure the ticked checklist to the outside of

the shoebox lid using sticky tape.

Detach the donation envelope as instructed and

place with your donation inside your shoebox.

6

For Christmas delivery your shoebox should be

9 at your collection point by FRIDAY 5 NOVEMBER.

INSTRUCTIONS Tear along the perforation to detach this panel and secure to the outside of your shoebox

Wrap your box and lid separately so that the

lid can be removed without tearing the paper

(see diagram).

2 Toiletries (NO TALCUM POWDER)

Soap/Shampoo

(max 250ml) ...................

Face cloth/ Moist

wipes ................................

Deodorant........................

Moisturising Cream.........

Comb/Brush....................

Sanitary Products............

Shaving foam/Razors......

Toothbrush and

Toothpaste...................

Clothes

Underwear

Socks/Tights....................

Hat/Scarf....................

Gloves........................

Miscellaneous

New Make-up.................

Sewing Equipment ........

Household Candles........

Screwdrivers/Pliers.........

Kitchen Utensils..............

Stationery

Pens/Pencils/

Sharpener.......................

Notepads/

Colouring books...............

Rulers/Rubbers...............

Small Toy.........................

Sweets (No chocolate or any

other food)

ʻBest Before' date

March 2011 ....................

No loose sweets, lollies or

undated bags of sweets.

Other Items

(T-Shirts/Pyjamas/

Jumpers/Shirts) etc

...................................................

...................................................

...................................................

...................................................

...................................................

...................................................

...................................................

Christian care for body and soul

Please specify

the age of child

you have filled

this box for

..............................

Hopefully I have included something for everyone again and I will not have a lynch mob outside my door in the morning.

Of course if anyone is unhappy with the above then please feel free to join in with my alternative challenge - 1 or 2ply heirloom shawls for babies - I am half way through mine at the moment ;0) (only kidding!)

Happy crafting!!!!!!

Lou

Your Gaffer Twinnie xxxxxx

LOVING HANDS
Summer challenges
25/4 to 24/7 2010
Here we go again then girls. I didn’t want to be too cruel and keep you waiting all day this time (although the Pooter Gremlins have been making it hard to get onto the forum this morning so I can imagine you are all sitting screaming at the screens by now ;0)

I have been racking my brains trying hard to think of some different things to give you this time so hopefully I have managed to cover the bases and found you some challenges to both keep you busy and make you smile! ;0)

 1. You will all remember the Funsani Blanket project from Winter 2008. We made blankets for Kathy and Brian Henry to take over to Zambia for the Funsani Orphanage and managed to present them with 200 lovely bright blankets to help keep the children warm. Kathy and Brian are heading over there again this year so I asked her to find out if there was anything we could do to help out this time. Here is her reply -

 'have spoken with Apakombwele about your offer. She thanks you for the offer and says that although what we could take out would be limited, she has plans for other things to go out and that knitted teddies / toys or jumpers for ages up to 15 boy or girl would be most welcome.'

With this request in mind I would like you to make Apakombwele lots of teddies, toys and children’s jumpers (up to 15 yrs) . Our stitchers might also like to try making pillowcase dresses for these kiddies - lots of links on the internet and instruction videos etc showing how to make these.

2. SANDS - I know some of you will be groaning at the very mention of SANDS blankets but I have had the following email from Sue and I knew you would all want to help out again:-

'Dear Lou,

I hope that things are well with you. Thank you ever so much for the support from Loving Hands for our ‘Always Loved, Never Forgotten’ memory boxes. The blankets you have sent through have been really beautifully knitted.

I know that Catherine, who works with me, contacted you a while ago to say that we had sufficient blankets for the time being, but we have had an overwhelming number of hospitals contacting us recently for boxes and out stocks of blankets are running low.

Would it be at possible for you to support us again?

With very grateful thanks

Sue Hale

Group Services Manager

Sands' 

A lot of you do enjoy making these blankets and they really do make such a difference to the parents who are given the boxes so if some of you can make SANDS memory blankets white or cream DK using the pattern attached that would be great!

200gm of Double Knit Wool and size 8 (UK) needles

BASIC BLANKET
Cast on 1 stitch
Next row :- Make the one stitch into two stitches.
Next row :- Knit 1, into the next stitch make another,3 stitches on needle.
Continue to knit, ALWAYS knit the first stitch and into the 2nd stitch make another.
Only increase this way at the BEGINNING of a row
Continue until you have almost come to the end of the 100gm ball. Knit 1 row plain.
Next row:- Knit 1, Knit 2 together, Knit to end of row. Continue this way, always knit the 1st stitch then decrease into the next stitch by knitting 2 together until 1 stitch remains. You should now have a neat square.

LACE EDGING
Using Double Knit and size 8 (UK) needles Cast on 8 stitches
Row 1 ( Wrong side) Slip 1, Knit 1,(Yarn fwd knit 2 tog)twice, Yarn fwd Knit 2 (9sts)
Rows 2, 4, and 6. Slip 1 Knit to the end.
Row 3. Slip 1, knit 2 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog) twice. Yarn fwd Knit 2 (10sts)
Row 5. Slip 1, knit 3 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog) twice. Yarn fwd Knit 2 (11sts)
Row 7. Slip 1, knit 4 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog)twice . Yarn fwd Knit 2 (12sts)
Row 8. Slip 1, Knit 11 sts
Row 9. Slip 1 Knit 11 sts Row 10 cast off 4 Sts Knit to the end ( 8sts) These 10 rows form the pattern. Continue in pattern until it is long enough to fit one edge, or all around, as you wish. Sew onto the blanket

Remember you can make them plain with no edgings (basic blanket would measure 24 inches), with just one edging along top (basic blanket would be 22 inches) or with border all the way round (basic blanket would be 20 inches) so they are suitable for knitters of all skill levels. Some of our crocheters even adapted the pattern for crochet - I believe the pattern is in our patterns section on the forum ;0)

3. Help the elderly and wheelchair bound - Following on from recent discussions on the forum about the lovely wheelchair wraps made by Barbara and the amazing zimmer bags made by out Portsmouth group I thought it would be nice to help the elderly and disabled this time. I thought we could have a combined challenge in this category. We could make;-

Wheelchair wraps

Shoulder Capes

Bags for Zimmers or Wheelchairs

Lap Rugs

Slippers

Hot Water Bottle Covers

These could be used both here in the UK and for our overseas charities.

4. This one will make you all smile ;0) I wanted to help our animal friends again and after some of the recent comments by our members this again will be a combined challenge ;0)

Coats for Chooks ;0) There is a demand for both sewn and knitted jackets for rescued battery hens - I have attached patterns for both versions here for you ;0)

http://littlehenrescue.co.uk/jumpers.aspx

Knitted Donkeys - I know a lot of you love donkeys so we will make some of the knitted donkeys to help the donkey sanctuary. I have asked for the patterns for both large and small donkeys to be given to us for this project and will post them as soon as I get them (or if any of you already have them you could put them on the patterns page for the others if you like ).

Knitted/crocheted or sewn toys for the SSPCA / Cats Protection - it would also be nice if you have patterns for other animals to make some of those too and they can be donated to the other animal charities to help with fundraising. Cows, Sheep, Pigs, Horses, Hamsters - I am sure we all have a pattern or two for a cute animal we would like to make!

We also always need dog / kitten coats and pet beds so if you don’t like making toys then there is still something you can do for our animal friends ;0)

Phew - I am always ever so nervous when I do this - I never know if I have made the right choices and always worry I will upset or offend someone. Hopefully there is something there for everyone to have a go at and don’t forget that the red, white and blue challenge for our Heroes will be continuing on till June when the tour begins - Em and Ally will need loads of red, white and blue items, poppies and cupcakes to take with them on this tour ;0)

Off you go and get to work now - I have parcels to open !

Lou xx
****************************************************************************************************************************
LOVING HANDS SPRING CHALLENGES
31ST JAN  2010 - 24TH APRIL 2010

So here we are - time to launch our new challenges to run from today (19^th July) through to Saturday 17^th October. I have had some lovely feedback from the last challenges and requests for our next ones so it has been hard to choose again what we will ask you to do but here goes - hope you all approve of my choices :0)

This challenge will once again be in four parts - feel free to do any or all of them or even just continue with items from our wish lists - there is no pressure to do the challenge items if you don’t like challenges :0)
Part 1. We felt that the gents miss out a lot when we are making things - there are not as many patterns for mens garments and we tend to make ladies tops etc so I thought it would be nice to make the men folk our priority for Blythswood this challenge. You could make anything from hats, gloves and socks to jumpers, waistcoats and cardigans. There are lots of nice slipover patterns and I am sure a lot of you are dedicated sock knitters and would love a chance to show us what you can do. I got the idea for this one from our own dear Granny Do who has made some lovely waistcoats which are lined in beautiful silky lining fabric - they are ever so good Do and I know you are going to share your pattern with Suzanne so she can make some too. Stitchers could make waistcoats like Do or maybe fleece fabric could be turned into warm scarves or hats. As you have done so well in this challenge I think you can easily manage 500 items for men in this challenge :0)

Part 2. An old chestnut again but we are sending them out as fast as we get them in these days - we need more boobs girls! As well as keeping Tommee Tippee going for the baby shows and raising lots of money for cancer research we get lots of requests from individual midwives and hospitals as well so this is an ideal chance for the new members to get involved in a ‘boob job’ - you may have seen the amazing fair isle ones done by the St Mary’s Church group the other day so you will see as far as colours are concerned - anything goes. You can still send them in ready to be stuffed and Kelly will happily finish them off at this end. I would love to have 500 of these as well - they are quick and easy to do and with so many new members I am sure we will reach this target no problem :0)

Part 3. Blythswood’s Shoe Boxes. The reason we do the shoe boxes for Blythswood is because they make them for all ages from babies to old folk so nobody misses out. I am not expecting anyone to fill an entire shoebox themselves but if you are sending in other items you could maybe pop in an item or two to be included in the boxes. The ages range from babies, children, teens, men, young woman, older woman. Scotia Aid tell me that Blythswood kindly transport their items to Serbia in exchange for the Scotia Aid team checking their shoe boxes every year. Last year Frances tells me she checked over 2000 boxes and that the age group that were very low in numbers were teenage boys. Hopefully we will manage to fill quite a few for teenage boys this year to help with those targets. The check list of suggested items is below:-

Toiletries (no talcum powder)
Soap
Shampoo
Face cloths
Wipes
Deodorant
Moisturising Cream
Comb/brush
Sanitary Products
Shaving Foam/razors
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Clothes
Underwear/socks/tights
Hat/scarf
Gloves/mitts
T shirts/jumpers/pyjamas/shirts etc
Miscellaneous
New Make Up
Sewing Equipment
Household Candles
Screwdrivers/Pliers
Kitchen Utensils
Stationery
Pens/pencils/sharpeners
Notepads/colouring books
Rulers/rubbers
Small toys
Sweets (no chocolate or any other food - no loose sweets, lollies or undated bags of sweets). Best before date no earlier than March 2010.
Age range. Baby boy/girl
3-7 “ “
8-12 “ “
Teen “ “
Woman
Elderly Woman
Man
We will be collecting boxes here and wrapping them in Christmas paper ready to have a packing day closer to the time for collection.
Part 4. Emma at Algerian Action tells me that a lot of children over there have to spend months at a time in hospital and away from their families. Most childrens wards have very little in the way of toys so Emma would like to give them boxes of toys for each ward. She has asked if members could maybe knit, crochet or sew toys for the children to play with. I had a thought that as a team effort we could also make some of the Noahs Ark or Farmyard sets that are available. I know I have the Alan Dart Noahs Ark pattern here and have just ordered the Knitted Farmyard book - we could each make one or two bits from each of these and get a few ready that way. Other ideas could be topsy turvy dolls, juggling balls, skittles, dolls with clothes you can change etc. Of course there is nothing wrong with a good old fashioned rag doll or teddy bear either. :0) Again I won’t put a number on these - just let us try to give Emma a good selection of toys for the children to play with while they are away from their families.

We also have a wee extra challenge - Pat our Silver Surfer has asked us to make wee christmas hats for the babies in her loical hospital - they need a mixture of prem and newborn sizes done in red/green/white - newborn to be fiished as normal , prem ones to be either tea cosy style or super stretchy with a gap about 2 inches long left in the side seam for access with equipment.  I am sure we will get lots more rhan 50 so any extra ones we will pass on to other hospitals as well.

So there you are girls and guys - your new challenges. I hope none of you are disappointed and that I have given you plenty of choice here. Looking forward to hearing what you all think of these choices.
Get those needles clicking and lets make this challenge as good as the last :0)
Lou
Loving Hands Charity Knitting Group
**************************************************************************************************************************
Update on the Spring Challenge 2009

 Now we have the launch of the Summer 2009 Challenges
OK - It is that time again - I know you have all been waiting for the announcement of the Summer challenges for 2009.  These will run from 12th April right through to 18th July and we will then announce the Autumn challenges on the 19th July.  :0)

 This time we are looking for four sections again with items to suit all of your talents whether you knit, crochet or sew for us I am sure you will all find something to get you working like fury - if not then by all means feel free to continue with your favourite items from our wish lists - as you all know already we can always find places for everything we receive at HQ :0)

 First off we would like you to help our furry friends - we are looking for Dog Coats, Pet beds and Animal Blankets - these can be knitted, crocheted or stitched - we need all sizes from pussy cats and puppies right up to Great Danes - we would love to get 200 of these if possible xx

 We have been approached by SANDS the UK charity that supports bereaved parents - they have launched an appeal for blankets for their precious memory boxes - these blankets need to be made in white (they will also accept cream) DK yarn and 4mm (size 8) pins.  Here is the pattern to use:-

 200gm of Double Knit Wool and size 8 (UK) needles

BASIC BLANKET
Cast on 1 stitch
Next row :- Make the one stitch into two stitches.
Next row :- Knit 1, into the next stitch make another,3 stitches on needle.
Continue to knit, ALWAYS knit the first stitch and into the 2nd stitch make another.
Only increase this way at the BEGINNING of a row
Continue until you have almost come to the end of the 100gm ball. Knit 1 row plain.
Next row:- Knit 1, Knit 2 together, Knit to end of row. Continue this way, always knit the 1st stitch then decrease into the next stitch by knitting 2 together until 1 stitch remains. You should now have a neat square.

LACE EDGING
Using Double Knit and size 8 (UK) needles Cast on 8 stitches
Row 1 ( Wrong side) Slip 1, Knit 1,(Yarn fwd knit 2 tog)twice, Yarn fwd Knit 2 (9sts)
Rows 2, 4, and 6. Slip 1 Knit to the end.
Row 3. Slip 1, knit 2 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog) twice. Yarn fwd Knit 2 (10sts)
Row 5. Slip 1, knit 3 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog) twice. Yarn fwd Knit 2 (11sts)
Row 7. Slip 1, knit 4 (yarn fwd knit 2 tog)twice . Yarn fwd Knit 2 (12sts)
Row 8. Slip 1, Knit 11 sts
Row 9. Slip 1 Knit 11 sts Row 10 cast off 4 Sts Knit to the end ( 8sts) These 10 rows form the pattern. Continue in pattern until it is long enough to fit one edge, or all around, as you wish. Sew onto the blanket

We are hoping to be abe to give them 200 to help out with such a very worthwhile cause which I know is very close to a lot of our members hearts :0)

Part 3 of our challenge is for summer items for children - for our knitters this could be cardigans, tank tops, summer tops, dresses etc. Our stitchers could make pretty dresses, shirts, shorts, trousers etc.  These items will be divided equally between our two childrens charities - Linda MacDonald and Algerian Action so we would love to be able to send them 200 items each - that means we need 400 childrens summer items xx

and finally Part 4 - this one is the pet project of our lovely Suzanne and she has already had a trial run which is off to the charity for approval so she can then help any of our stitchers who want to take part - Algerian Action is looking for sanitary towels for girls in their catchement area who are desperately needing them.  You can read all about it in the 'washables' section on the Algerian Action website.  Apparently some of these poor girls have been reduced to using plastic bags as they do not have the money to buy towels - in this day and age this is appalling and easily remedied by providing each girl with a set of washable towels in a handy drawstring bag - there are instructions on Algerian Action for the wayh Lynne has been making them or Suzanne has devised a way to make alternatives.  We will not put a set target on these but would like to help as many girls as we possibly can to have a bit of dignity and comfort back in their lives.

So there you have it folks - another challenge launched - I hope none of you are disappointed and that we have managed to give you something for everyone to get involved in again.

Good Luck (although I am sure you won't need it - you will hammer these targets as always xx)

Hopefully everyone will be happy with these :0)  I am shattered after all the counting, packing etc but ecstatic with the totals - aren't they all wonderful - I am so proud of you all xxx
Don't work too hard!
Thank you!

Lou
Loving Hands Charity Knitting Group

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
OK girls - I have kept you all waiting long enough - can we have a drum roll please

The Winter Challenge totals as of today 14th January, 2009!!!

Teddies 140 (19 of them are sitting here beside me waiting to be stuffed and finished off before I pop them into their box to post off to Alice tomorrow).

Teddy Bags 80

Blankets 158 - these have been Vacuum packed ready to be handed over to Kathy Henry and her hubby tomorrow afternoon - Kathy's church group will be taking the blankets over to Zambia for Aids Orphans there.



Sailor's Hats 302 - all boxed and ready to take to the post office tomorrow morning before I go to meet Kathy at the other side of the Forth Road Bridge,



It is a rather large box - glad I have Kelly here to help me move it and get it into the post office

Pyjamas and Nightdresses - sadly this was a bit of a non starter as we still haven't found a source of materials yet. We have had 14 pairs of pyjamas and 8 nightdresses made so far - hopefully we will be lcky and find a supplier willing to donate some material for these later and can revisit this challenge then - we have increased our pile of items for Linda McDonald over this quarter - she is sooooo delighted with all you do for her and has mentioned us in her newest newsletter

There are still more to be added to the above totals so I will wait about a week and then add the late items on - well done everyone - I will post up the new Spring Challenges in the morning so watch this space........
_________________

Update on the Autumn Challenges 2008
Here you go girls the totals you have all been waiting for!!!
In the Autumn Challenge I set you back before I had my accident I asked you for 200 boobs for Tommee Tippeee - our total to date is 120 - a bit short of the target but Barbie, Kate and I will continue making them to make sure Avril doens't go short.
I asked you for 300 scarves for Blythswood and we have made it - 309 to date - well done!
I also asked for 500 items for Linda McDonald and we now have - wait for it - drum roll please!!!! 736 items - all bagged and waiting for Lida to send over the lovely Barry with his landrover to collect them! Fantastic effort girls :0)
Stella has helped me also to count and bag up hats for Paul O Gradies Save the Children challenge and we had 1,600 hats which we bagged up in 8 parcels each containing 200 hats! Didn't we do well :0)

You should all be ever so pleased with yourselves.

Update on Summer Challenge 2008
Hello Everyone!
Here we are again with the latest update from Loving Hands Headquarters! You all did amazingly well with the last round of challenges - we asked you to make us 200 of each of the challenge items and (as always) you did us proud and have smashed all the totals!
Final figures were:-
Baby Hats 1103
Baby Cardigans 367
Blankets 280
Jumpers and Cardis for children 273

Fantastic! I am so proud of you all - what a great job!

Hope you are all ready for the next round now! This one will run from now to the 28^th September - keep you all out of mischief for a while!

The competition will end on the 14th September and entry forms will be sent out to all who wish to take part!
We thought this was enough to be going on with as we are still making Teddies for Tragedy and Bags for them for the next three weeks anyway. (For those of you who have been out of the loop through not having internet access - we have been churning out Teddies for Tragedy and the stitched bags to put them in for the Singing Children of Africa to take back with them at the end of their tour here (end of July they leave us). Obviously these teddies are great for Linda MacDonald and Blythswood as well so they will be great for ongoing projects too.

Hope you all like these challenges and we smash these targets as well as we did the last ones!

Remember if you need anything at all give me a shout!

Keep up the great work - you are all stars! (By the way we now have 251 members - woo hoo - we are growing!).