Autumn already!

The cold weather is creeping up and the need for warm hats, scarves, socks and gloves in this part of the world is here. Just as well autumn is also a time when staying in and crafting in the evenings is a welcoming thought.  Here is an extract from Lily (Love in the Language of Yarn) 's Facebook page.

'Last Wednesday I packed up:
900 blankets,
5,000 hats,
4,000 cardigans/sweaters,
3,000 pairs of gloves/mittens.
3,000 scarves,
2,000 pairs slippers/booties,
and 8,000 pairs socks.
An amazing amount!
I wanted to send these to the Kurdish Syrians that have recently fled the fighting in Kobane, Syria. Many of the 170,000 have not as yet even got a tent to live in. The nights are getting colder and it pains me to think of the conditions they are living in. 

  The figures show why they need every single blanket square they can get.  900 blankets is a lot but then try to imagine 170,000 people needing warmth - and that's just in this one district.

That is why we are so glad to have received two wonderful donations from friends and family of group members this month - the beautifully knitted stripey blanket squares and baby sweaters with matching hats (see the last two photos below).  Thank you for your kindness in helping families in real need.

What sort of craft things are needed for the charities we currently support?  Cosy clothes, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, soft toys, summer dresses and shorts and 20cm/8inch blanket squares.  Blanket squares are always needed. Here are some examples of items we have made to go in our October parcel to Lily (Love in the Language of Yarn)

Children's hats and hand puppets in jolly colours ...

 cosy joggers - so practical for boys and girls in the winter cold ...

some trendy baby and children's aviator hats with ear flaps to keep out cold winds ...

hats for adults too ...

a baby poncho made from just two simple rectangles - an easy project if you're looking for a change from squares ...

a practical and pretty wrap around baby dress in denim that will add warmth and glamour over a jumpsuit ...

and these beautiful donations of twelve baby sweaters with matching hats - cute, warm and just gorgeous ...

 as well as these beautifully knitted squares with super stripes.

 This is a case where every square and every item of clothing does help.  If you want to join us in Craft Tea for Charity, or just to pop in and say hello one week, contact us on craftteaforcharity@btinternet.com or use the contact form on the top right of this page.  We meet every Wednesday afternoon from 2.30 - 4.30pm in Leo's Beanery and would love to welcome you. Can't make Wednesdays but want to craft something?  We'd love to hear from you. You can join us on Facebook too Craft Tea for Charity

Happy crafting this month, everyone!