After making that baby blanket for my sister, I didn’t crochet much for years. Then we got the internet. I discovered there were thousands of people out there who crochet, knit, and sew for charities. My Grandma would have loved it — all those babies!
The first charity that caught my eye made items for preemies. That interested me because I was a premature baby. Some of the things they asked for were little 12″ square blankets, hats that would fit a lemon, (!) tiny cardigans and booties. Sadly, they also provided burial outfits for the little ones who did not survive.
Other charities gave things full term babies. Did you know there are places in the USA where the nurses wrap the newborns in NEWSPAPERS because the family doesn’t have enough clothing or blankets to keep the baby warm on the way home from the hospital?
I also found groups that give out “lapghans” and toys to children in hospitals, and others who work with traumatized children or those being put in emergency foster care. In scary situations, a little love can make a huge difference to a child.
I got quite busy crocheting for these charities. I joined some email lists and other groups. Then I taught myself to knit. For some reason I find knitting to be more relaxing than crochet. It’s easier on my wrists, too. I like being able to do both.
In my next post I will tell about a message sent through one charity email list that changed my life.
The Nocturnal Sparrow 