2010 November » News & Updates

Archive for November, 2010

Report on Mittens and Hats campaign (ended 9/30/10)

Mittens and hats from this campaign, which ended on September 30, 2010, are now on their way to Kazakhstan. This is the second of two shipments for this rolling-deadline campaign. This time we are sending 55 hats and 29 pairs of mittens for the children in orphanages in Akkol and Urupinka, Kazakhstan, where winter temperatures reach 40 below zero!

Thanks to all who made it possible to send such beautiful, warm woolen hats and mittens to the children in Kazakhstan!

November 19, 2010 · Filed under Campaigns, Hats, Mittens, Mittens for Akkol, Report

Knit for Tibet: Vest, Sweaters, Socks (May 31, 2011)

Knit for Tibet is an outreach effort of the Kyegu Relief Fund, established in response to the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the eastern Tibetan town of Kyegu on April 14, 2010. The humanitarian need is ongoing and significant. Approximately 10,000 people were killed, 20,000 people are injured, and 100,000 people have been left homeless and destitute. More than 90% of the buildings were reduced to rubble. Many of the survivors have no family left.

Winters are harsh in Kyegu, and the people are facing desperate conditions. Many are currently living in lightweight tents. They are especially in need of vests, sweaters, and socks. The sizes most needed are for babies and teens, but all sizes are needed and will be appreciated and treasured. We have established an end date of May 31, 2011. However, please send your finished items at your convenience any time between now and the end of May, because we may be able to send items in multiple shipments in order to get warm items to the children more quickly.

Please send all finished vests, sweaters, and socks to

Wool-Aid
1381 Rocky Creek Court
Belleville, IL 62220

We include guidelines and pattern suggestions below. You are not limited to the patterns listed below, but do aim for clothing that will be very warm for the children.

Guidelines for Knit for Tibet Campaign

Use the highest wool content possible (at least 80% wool/animal fiber) — 100% wool is even better.
Use worsted weight yarn or heavier.
All items should be crafted with an emphasis on coverage and warmth.
Vests should close securely.
Sweaters and vests should provide warmth from the neck down.
Socks should be densely knit and with good coverage for the leg as well as the foot.

Pattern Suggestions for Vests

Keep Me Warm Vest
Steppe Ahead Vest (from Sweater Pattern)

Pattern Suggestions for Sweaters

Mystery Sweater
Steppe Sweater
Steppe Ahead Sweater
Lattice Wrap Sweater
Scrap Wrap Sweater

Pattern Suggestions for Socks

Cozy Toes Socks

If you are able, a contribution to help share the cost of shipping expenses would be appreciated. See How to Donate to Wool-Aid for details.

November 15, 2010 · Filed under Active Campaigns, Campaigns, Knit for Tibet, Socks, Sweaters, Vests

Report on Tribute to Warm Woolies Campaign

Wool-Aid members have knit 120 pairs of socks in Tribute to Warm Woolies and Kimberly Turnbow. This is a wonderful way for our Wool-Aid group to have honored the cause that brought us together and the person who was the driving force behind the Warm Woolies organization for so many years. Thank you, Kimberly!

All socks have been sent to Mittens for Akkol for their Sock Challenge 2010, which seeks to provide a warm pair of socks for each of the 530 children who live in orphanages in Akkol and Urupinka, Kazakhstan.