Crafting for Charity: An Exemplar

I have been thinking a lot about how to use my crafting for a greater cause other than my procrastination. Deciding to make a few dollars through starting a business is almost necessary to keep up with the price of the materials. I don't think that I can make much of a profit, at least not with the dolls yet. But I know that having the gift of craft and a bit of leisure time (even if most of it's time I should be spending writing for work) makes me more fortunate than most.

So, I'm resolved to make something for charity this year. Will I make dolls? Beanies for preemies? Will I join one of the many craft drives on the net? I haven't quite worked it out. I think I'll talk it over with some of my craft friends and we'll see what we come up with.

Looking for inspiration I came across this blogger's awesome idea for charity crafting in 2011 - http://minimalistknitter.typepad.com/mk/2010/12/2011-the-year-of-the-vest.html

What a great way to give your craft to those in need! What appeals to me most about her goal is that she has reached out to an existing charity organization that is in touch with the needs of the community that they serve and she has joined in their efforts. All to often I think people try to strike out and reinvent the wheel when doing things from charity. Having worked with charities and non-profits for work, one of the things I know to be true is that joining with existing efforts and focusing on who you serve always does more good.


Alas, a thick crochet vest would probably take me weeks.  And I'm not sure a farmer of any gender would want a the hippie vests I know how to make with  hook. Maybe something like this would be better:



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/ccusa-denimVest.html?noImages=0

 I usually don't have any desire to knit, I'm a crocheter at heart, but the prospect of joining in the Minimalist Knitter's Year of the Vest has me reconsidering the two sticks.




Until next time,
~Dee