Knitting for charity...

This week I decided to join a new group of crafty ladies at a local church.  I'd been missing my old bunch of crafty pal's and needed a kick-start back into crafting.  Had it really been 7 weeks since I'd crafted?!?  All that shifting and grieving had done my head in!

I was a little bit scared to being going cold into the meeting.  I only "knew" one woman there, and that's taking the "knew" a little bit more than what it was.  I'd met her twice!  So, yeah, little old me, who hates meeting new people, took the plunge and was so pleased I did!

This group of women meet every Tuesday at Franklin Baptist Church, here in Pukekohe.  And boy do they have a good laugh and lots of fun crafting up a storm.  I felt very welcome. :)

Every week they have someone teach a specific project, share morning tea and an encouraging word.

At the moment they are knitting for charity.  Some very cute wee jersey's for the "fish 'n' chip" babies of Africa.  Apparently, wee babies are sent home from the hospital wrapped in newspaper for warmth.  So very sad!  And so a group of people in Australia decided to do something about it, by making and sending wee jumpers for the sweet new babies.  Some of which are afflicted with aids.

I decided to give the pattern a bit of a go and am halfway through my second jersey.  Very easy and fun!  Nothing like doing something for others to take your mind off your own worries!

Here is the pattern if you want to try it;

Baby jumper knitting pattern (Knitted all in one)

8 Ply Yarn
Size 5mm needles (tight knitters)
Size 4.5mm needles (loose knitters)

Cast on 44 stitches
Work 18 Rows in K2, P2 rib
Work 30 Rows stocking stitch (1 row plain, 1 row purl)
Cast on 12 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows and at the same time change to K2,P2 (for sleeve)
Rib 22 more rows.
Next row: Rib 21, cast off 26 stitches, rib 21
Next row: Rib 21, cast on 26 stitches, rib 21
Work 22 rows in K2, P2 rib
Cast off 12 stiches at beginning of next 2 rows
Work 30 rows stocking stitch
Work 18 rows, K2, P2 rib
Cast off
Sew up the sides and under arms 


If you're interested in knitting for this cause, I've included the pattern in this post. Keep in mind that the jumpers may never be washed so don't use light colors like baby pink, light blue or white. Use 8 ply wool. Bright (ie. primary colours) and mixed colours are best – one colour or stripes are ok.

D.