Hi there - I've just realised that I haven't introduced myself on the forum despite having joined Loving Hands some time ago!

I have been knitting since I was around five years old (many summers ago) having been taught by my lovely Mum. I am soon going to be returning the favour by teaching her to crochet! She is not online but I have given her the 'forum' name of
LilyMay.

I am involved with The Wooligans (from moneysavingexpert.com) mentioned here by other members, and we have been busy making squares for blankets (three for grown-ups and three for children) and, through our research, have found Loving Hands which is a fantastic site. Well done to Lou for all your hard work and all the other members for such excellent, committed and dedicated knitting. At the moment we are making baby hats and other baby items, little hats for the next Innocent Smoothie campaign run by Sainsbury's (date yet to be announced) and Teddies for Tragedies and I cannot believe how well we are doing.

I am really enjoying all the knitting especially knowing that all items are going to those with so much less than ourselves.

I am married with two grown-up sons (one aged 36 with two children aged 8 and five, and one aged 26 - due to get married in August) and live in Hampshire.

An official "hi" to you Miolere. Been seeing you joining in the chats and somehow thought you had introduced yourself as a Wooligan? Maybe I'm getting confused. Don't mind me...glad you're with us and thanks for the bit of background.

Sounds like you're doing really well. Look forward to hearing how you're getting on...particularly the Innocent Smoothie - once you get the details, maybe you should put it to the vote as to whether this is one of the "bonus" campaigns we wish to support.....especially as we seem terrific on baby hats.

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Hi Lorraine and thanks for the welcome; I must have introduced myself earlier, then - age is addling my brain!

Lou - I quite agree with you about the Innocent Smoothie campaign and would not place it in the same category as the items that are knitted for Loving Hands' charities where everything goes directly to the good causes. By the way, thanks for the Pram Stars pattern you kindly emailed me this morning!

Lou - thanks for explaining the concept of the Innocent Smoothies - didn't realise this was a commercial venture. Now that I'm in full possession of the facts, I think LH decision of last year was right. We are forking out for our own wool, postage, other costs etc. so the items we make should go directly to the needy ones. So this one does not fit our "category".

Thanks also for your support and opinion on this Moliere.

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I am a newbie and I joined loving hands as I just loved the way Lou gave such scope for knitting. Every stitch goes into something that will eventually end up with the person it is intended for and that certainly give you the drive to keep the needles clacking. A good feeling.

I have knitted for other organisations but they are very prescriptive and I personally felt very restricted - but with loving hands the diversity is brilliant. From finger puppets to lap blankets / from bootees to bedsocks. I feel I can exress myself and therefore it is all very enjoyable and rewarding.

Lou works so very hard keeping it all together - I admire her greatly.

Lesley x

My view is to be a bit careful of the comercial enterprises. I would feel happier knowing that our things were going to the people who really need and appreciate them. Also the national campaigns always get a lot of support. Maybe I'm suspicous but I wonder just who is benefitting most, the company or help the aged?

Before I was involved with Loving hands I knitted the little hats for the Innocent Smoothie venture. The money that goes to Age Concern is invaluable as they are a charity and not Government funded as many people think. My husband works as a volunteer Information Officer for Age Concern and this centre helps many frightened, lonely or worried old people. The centre is under the axe for closure as money is so tight. The monies raised from the little hats is so important. I wonder if it might be possible to ask each of our members to make just one little hat each (About one hour's work at the most) That way we could perhaps find a compromise and there would be an awful lot of hats! Worth a thought, maybe.
Maureen

Glad to know that they really do benefit from the campaign, thanks for letting us know that. I think the idea of knitting one or two hats each is a good one. As you say it wouldn't take long and we could help without it taking away from our regular charities

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LH is the only charity I have ever knitted for and I am happy to go along with the majority I suppose there are always two sides to every story and finding the happy medium is sometimes difficult. However, Lou I think I agree that if we do what you suggest and as we did with the POG hats just make one or two each then maybe everyone will be smiling. So look forward to our Autumn Challenges Dot

Hi Lou

I am happy to go along with what everyone wants. There are so many deserving causes and I am sure it is quite hard to decide whcih to support but I will follow your lead.

Molly