Today I’ll take you on a delightful journey on how when we knit for charity, it not only transforms lives but also fills your heart with joy and contentment.
But before we dive in, I have a fantastic YouTube video that perfectly complements this blog article. It’s packed with great tips, so make sure to watch it.
What Motivates People To Knit For Charity?
Knitting for charity isn’t a new concept. People have been making items to donate for eons. Why, you ask? Well, let me tell you!
Speaking from personal experience, my blanket-making adventure began because I needed something to do in the evenings. Plus, my yarn stash had grown to a ridiculous size. How did I get so much yarn? It all started when I inherited yarn from older relatives who no longer craft and kind strangers who supported my desire to knit for charity.
Another reason I knit? My family’s wardrobe was already bursting with items I made for them. So, I thought, why not spread the love?
Knitting in the company of friends and chatting away adds another layer of fun. Oh, and the best feeling? It feels incredibly rewarding to donate those handcrafted items.
Why Is Giving Back So Important?
I stumbled upon an article on Count On News 2 about a remarkable woman, Roberta Warne. She has spent her life knitting items for charity.
Roberta grew up in England. As a young girl, she and her mother knitted scarves for Russian soldiers during World War II. Today, she knits dolls to comfort children who have experienced traumas like fires or the loss of a loved one.
So why does she do it? Roberta says, “It brings peace and contentment to my heart.” Sometimes, the act of giving is a greater gift to the giver than the recipient.
Thinking about Roberta’s story makes me realize how being able to knit for charity is an incredible way to give back while enriching our own lives.
Why Is Community So Important?
Did you know that volunteering increases self-confidence and provides a sense of purpose? Both of these aspects are blended when we knit or crochet for charity.
When I was making blankets, I discovered Simbi and had a lightbulb moment. Why not engage other people in my charitable efforts?
So, what is Simbi? It’s a community where members exchange services or use credits, known as Simbi Bux, to “pay” for each other’s time. You get to share your skills in an enjoyable way.
Here’s what I did: I set up an offer on Simbi. For every completed blanket, members could pay me a set amount of Simbi Bux. In return, I would write a card indicating that the blanket was knitted by me but donated in their honour. Not only that, I shared a photo of the completed blanket and the handwritten card with the Simbi supporter.
This idea was a hit! I felt amazing, and I involved others who didn’t possess the same knitting skills as me. The heartfelt thanks and comments were overwhelming. Talk about a win-win-win!
If you’re now feeling inspired to start knitting for charity, let me give you a nudge in the right direction. Check out How To Craft For Charity for free patterns and fantastic charities to consider.
So grab that yarn and those knitting needles! There’s no better time to start than now. Perhaps your next blanket or scarf could warm someone’s heart and spread a smile.
In conclusion, to anyone wondering, why should I knit for charity? Well, it’s simple. You’re not just creating a piece of fabric; you’re knitting hope, love, and comfort, stitch by stitch.
This post was originally published on November 4, 2019.
