This is charity knitting and crocheting month. We have spent untold months doing projects for gift giving. Now is our chance to do something for those who aren't in our family.
I kind of disagree with this though. I kind of understand it, but disagree. Let me explain.
In spring we are preparing for vacations that might be upcoming. We are planning our gardens and getting the beds ready for planting. We are cleaning up from winter. We might even be preparing for a late snowstorm or early deluge.
Come summer, kids are getting out of school which changes our schedules. We are in full swing with gardening. We are going on vacations. It's hot. I can understand why there is little knitting or crocheting in summer. In late summer, we have the go back to school shopping to do. We have the back to school flurry of activities.
In October, the northern reaches of the northern hemisphere are hitting cold temps and need the things we work so diligently to make. October is also thanksgiving for Canada. Not knowing how much prep work there is for a Canadian thanksgiving, I will assume it's the same as for the US thanksgiving in November. Some of us do a lot. Some of us not so much. We all have our family's own traditions.
November brings colder temps lower in the landmasses of the northern hemisphere. Bitter cold in the mountainous regions comes along now. November is also the time when people start ramping up for Christmas.
December brings us Christmas. There are parties to attend. There is a myriad of decorating to do. Special dishes and special baking done only at this time of year are making claims on our time. There are concerts, pageants and plays to attend if we have children in school or grandchildren for that matter. Gift creation has to finish up to be ready to go in the mail or under the tree.
So really I can see why January was chosen. BUT, I still disagree with it. The weather is cold for most of the northern hemisphere, whatever that means to your locale. I understand California considers 40s and 50s cold. This is not a knock on California. They consider temperatures hotter than I can stand to be normal. Most of the celebrations are over. Football is done. Basketball hasn't quite gotten into the time of the season when it "really matters", just like football in August and September.
But here are some links for things that can be used for charity. Remember to use the fibers called for by your chosen charity. If you don't, they won't take your contribution and you are left with things you might not want.
http://warmupamerica.org/ Knit and Crochet patterns suitable for a blanket
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns, http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns are just two locations to find patterns for anything. If you can imagine it, someone probably needs it.
http://www.warmupamerica.org/current-needs
https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities.html
Hurricane relief, help for the poorest of the poor, preemie needs, earthquake relief, Warm up America receives requests, as does the Red Cross. Check with your local clothing bank, homeless shelter, police department, fire department, elementary school, middle school, humane society. Blankets, hats, mittens, scarves all in neutral colors or whatever is popular in your location as well as darker colors for men are always in need.
So truly I can see why January was picked, but I want to relax in January and be a little selfish with my talents. I will continue sneaking in blanket squares and small things all year long.
Enjoy the links above. Take time to explore. Most are simple patterns that can be easily memorized and take little time to complete.
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