Can I Suggest Another Charity?

Anonymous · Guest

I know we already make for the Baby Pack which is based in Africa but I wondered about Feed The Children?

They Take Knitted/Crocheted blankets and also Knitted sweaters and cardigans for babies to about 8 year old sizes?!

I will try to add a link (fingers crossed this works Rolling Eyes

):

http://feedthechildren.org.uk/pages/resources_knitting.shtml

One really good thing is that you post the stuff to a UK address and not all the way to Africa so that should save postage money!

And unlike UK charities which sometimes don't want you to you yarns/wool with a high wool content (unless the yarns state they guarantee they are machine washable and/or can be tumble dried) Feed The Children likes wool content and the items are handwashed so it lets people use up older yarns! Very Happy

Best Wishes, Lindsay Very Happy

Lou · Site Admin Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 1112 Location: Fife

I like the idea Lindsay - what do others think? I have had a look at their website and they have a basic pattern for a jumper that you can download and they sell a booklet of patterns too if people want them. They seem to want jerseys and cardigans for preemies up to 26 " chest. People don't do for Oxfam any more as they stopped sending the knitted items overseas but now sell them in their charity shops - most charity knitters want their work to be for the end user not to sell for a pittance in a shop in this country :0( I will put the question out with the Christmas update and see if members would be happy to add Feed the Children to our list of nominated charities.

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Anonymous · Guest

I like the idea - already downloaded the pattern. But sadly the booklet is currently out of print so will have to wait for it to come back in.

slackstitches · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 41 Location: Portknockie, Moray

In my previous life I was a nurse and an old lady was admitted complete with knitting bag and partially knitted stripey jersey. When I asked what she was knitting she said " we knit them in the church for the black babies". Being in her 80's then, she wasn't bothered about political correctness. Sadly she never finished it as she thought being in a home she had to stop these things. Sad.
Anyway, my point is I think it was this very jumper she was knitting and it is a worthwhile cause.

stitchinpix · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 119

I'm a bit late on this one as I've just seen it but I'm happy to knit for any baby/children charities and I'd really like to help this one too Very Happy

Lou · Site Admin Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 1112 Location: Fife

Twould be great Sian - Thanks for the parcel that arrived this morning too by the way - everything you made is lovely!

I have downloaded copies of the Feed the children pattern for anyone who needs them - you can download from their website if you want it too. The idea is simple jumpers in nice cheery colours 18 to 26 inches are the sizes asked for - they also like to have 3' to 4' blankets for the children too so that might be where we will utilise all our squares when we get our army of square knitters in motion! Might also be a good project for our crocheters as well!

Right I have some finishing off to do before I post this challenge so better get back to it! Laughing

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Anonymous · Guest

We actually got a copy of their pattern before it went out of print and it is really good some nice patterns for knitting for charity but some lovely patterns that could be used for making gifts. It had great passages throughout about all the work they do in different countries too. They also do a kniting e-mail newsletter for their knitters! Very Happy

Babycham · Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 128 Location: Suffolk

I have just started a baby jumper for 'Feed the Children' not sure what size it will knit up as, as it was a pattern I had copied from the 'Baby Bear Project' that no longer exists, but if it is not suitable for 'FTC' it will be ok for the 'Baby Pack Project', anyway when it is finished and sent to Lou, she can decide which charity it is best suited for.

Teresa

Lou · Site Admin Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 1112 Location: Fife

Anything from 18" to 26" is suitable for FTC so don't you worry Teresa - I am sure it will be perfect! :0) Laughing

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Anonymous · Guest

I found a pattern among our donations for an Oxfam jumper - thought I might give it a go as there's only 2 pieces to it and it looks like it might knit up quite quickly. I'll post it on here when I've finished it.

Lou · Site Admin Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 1112 Location: Fife

Think I had that one somewhere in the dim distant past - it is very easy to do if I remember correctly - maybe we could copy the pattern onto the site as well for the girls to use Laughing

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Anonymous · Guest

I started the Oxfam pattern this pm and it's knitting up quickly. There are 3 versions - one knitted in 2 pieces, one in 4 as the sleeves are separate and another for knitting machines.

Lou · Site Admin Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 1112 Location: Fife

That sounds great Meg - we will have to see about getting it copied and onto the site for the girls to use as well. I was really amazed at how many Feed The Children garments we had here already - when I am finished tidying up I am going to count them and then box them up so I can get them in the post this weekend. Very Happy

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Anonymous · Guest

I would like to have a copy of the Oxfam pattern from anyone who has it as I need something simple with my eyes and if it is the old t shaped pattern they used to stock in the shops it might be just the ticket. I thought I could knit it in chunky and it would make up into a jumper for an older child?! Very Happy

Anonymous · Guest

Lindsay, I'll photocopy the Oxfam pattern for you and give it to Lou to send to you tomorrow. It is the T shaped pattern and knits up so quickly - I did one side yesterday while I sat watching the craft on QVC and my busy needles meant I wasn't tempted to buy anything!