CRAFTIVISM: warm hands network

Instead of a day at the spa, for her 40th birthday Anita Barewal decided to fund shipments of hand-knit items to Afghanistan. The project took off and has evolved into the Warm Hands Network, who are responding to a call from an Innu community in Northern Labrador for hand-knit items for kids. They have also become the Canadian link for the Dulaan Project, shipping knit stuff for kids in Mongolia.

Anita contacted the TCA in the hopes of spreading the word about these projects and getting a bunch of you (especially speedier knitters/crocheters) to drop off knitted items at The Knit Cafe, Knit-o-matic, or nathalie-roze & co. Or bring a handmade sweater or blanket to the Creativ Festival and get in free. All ages are welcome to participate.

Read on for all the details...

YOU KNIT, WE SHIP!

Calling all Toronto knitters! How about dedicating some of your stash to an outstanding project? Yarn Forward and the Toronto community are teaming up for this worthy cause.

Next Generation Guardians is a group of Innu women in Northern Labrador working to help the next generation learn life skills and preserve and protect their Innu language and culture, in a community. They would be very grateful to receive warm clothing, hats, socks, sweaters or blankets, for children up to 12 years old. There is a particular need for items for children 4-5 years old.

The Dulaan Project - Warming Mongolia is a cooperative effort that seeks to inspire the generosity of the knitting community. Mongolia’s winter is extreme, and to survive many of the homeless live in the heating ducts below the nation’s cities. Warm, well-made clothing can allow a child to go to school or an adult to go to work; restore a sense of dignity; and maybe save a life.

Helpful Hints

*Knit or crochet your favorite patterns or try something new. Check out our web-site for patterns.
*Avoid white or very light colors. Feel free to mix a bright and cheery palate from your yarn collection! Wool or wool-blend items only, please.
*Please assume standard garment sizes. And, remember, warmth is very important – Labrador and Mongolia have very cold winters – just like here! Hats need to cover ears, sleeves need to go the wrist and torsos need to be long.
*No used items please.

Where? When?

You can drop off your projects at the Knit Café, 1050 Queen St West, Nathalie-Roze & co, 1015 Queen Street East, or Knitomatic, 1378 Bathurst St. Our deadline for Labrador is November 20th, and our deadline for Mongolia is December 31st.

Or, come see us at Creativ, October 26, 27 & 28th, 2007 at the Toronto Metro
Convention Centre. Drop off a newly knit sweater or blanket and get free admission.

What is the Warm Hands Network? We will ship your charity knitting to our partners. We love knitting, and know there are children out there in need of a warm hat or blanket, pair of mittens or socks.

“We cannot do great things, only small things with great love.” Join us!

Questions? Contact anita.barewal@rogers.com

Check out our web-site: www.Findingfortygatheringknitting.blogspot.com