Got Gauge: Calling All Knitters!

I did it again. I cast on for a new project. In the midst of all this finishing and frogging, I couldn't help myself. I mean really, would you have been able to resist?

Yesterday I was visiting The Bay Window in Irvington, VA. I had a wonderful day with Mary, Candy and Nancy. They were even so kind as to share home-made soup Candy made for lunch. I noticed a large basket with about 20 knitted Bears in it. I complimented them on the wonderful display. Turns out it's not really a display, it's the start of a collection. (See where I'm going with this? Calling All Knitters!)

Mary's son, Will, works for the Peace Corp in Jamaica. Mary plans to visit in mid-March and is taking the bears to orphanges and schools. The Bay Window provides the pattern and their customers knit the bears. If you are in that area they meet on Friday from 1 to 3 PM.

Mary explained to me that these children have NOTHING. NOTHING. As difficult as it can be to adopt a child from another country, from Jamaica, it's nearly impossible. The Ladies at The Bay Window went on to explain a few other details about the environment. I have my make-up on for the day and can not type all the details without having to do a "re-do." You understand.

I took a copy of the pattern with me, thinking if I had the time I'd knit a bear. On my drive home, I almost pulled over to start knitting. I thought about how important my favorite stuffed animal is and how many times just having it nearby provided me comfort. For as long as I can remember my Curious George went with me everywhere, from hospital visits as 7 year old, to shuttling between my Mom and Dad's house as a teenager, to college with me, to moving into my first apartment. Everywhere. And with all the love and things I have in my life. Still this little stuffed item was a great comfort to me. I can only imagine how important and comforting it would have been if I had nothing else. NOTHING. So here I am last night after dinner casting on for another project.

It's a very quick knit. I'm almost finished with the entire body in just a couple hours time. And that was with watching Figure Skating and paying attention to the Family who haven't seen me in a week. This one is Purple Bear. It's being knit with leftover yarn from a scarf and a wrap I knitted for two friends who both really needed a HUG. This yarn has really good mojo. I have plans for the other two as well. I'll post pictures of them all!

It doesn't take a great deal of time or yarn. These knitted Bears will provide a great deal of comfort to a child. Do you have time and yarn? Would you please consider making one for the Bear Collection? The pattern is from the WWII era and knits up a unique one-of-a-kind precious bear. Here is the pattern: Download bear.doc

You can send your Bears directly to The Bay Window at 4265 Irvington Road, Irvington VA 22480. Or if you are in the Northern VA area, email me and I will arrange to send them on March 18th.

Mary is going on her trip in just a couple of weeks, so send them soon! Perhaps if you are an Olympic Knitter this could be your Closing Ceremonies Knit? Or it you have a knitting group, do a charity knit at the next meeting? Really, it's that quick of a knit.

Beware the Ides Of March
Another sweater is no more. My 5 fabulous skeins of Magallenes originally intended for the Antique Sweater are ready and waiting for another pattern. What was I thinking? I run hot, all the time. A wool turtleneck? It's good to stay on track with a little help from another knitter! A little each day, after I finish my bears.

Comments

We just read phyl.typepad.com and we are very overwhelmed. We had a wonderful meeting with Phyllis last week (she is a yarn rep. for us.
She was interested in our bear project and put it on her blog. Thanks to all of you who are taking time out to make bears for for the orphans in Jamaica. We are sure the bears will be part of the children's lives for a very long time. Each bear has a unique personality that represents it's knitter and this, in turn, will bring joy to each child. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Mary leaves April 1.

Posted by: Mary, Candy & Mary | March 02, 2006 at 03:05 PM