Hats & Mittens are especially needed by the Innu kids of Natuashish and Sheshasuit in Northern Labrador. We will be helping both communities in this Warm Hands drive, with an end date of January 31, 2011.

Many kids in these communities need hats and mittens to protect them from the bitter cold, but do not have them. The majority of kids are between the ages of 6 and 12, but hats and mittens for kids up to age 16 are very welcome. These items distributed by the Directors of Community Health, who use the items as incentives to get young moms to bring their children into the clinic for checkups.

Please send all finished hats & mittens to:

Wool-Aid
1381 Rocky Creek Court
Belleville, IL 62220

We include guidelines below. Please aim for hats and mittens that will be very warm for the children — remember that we send to children who live in extremely cold conditions!

Guidelines for Hats and Mittens

• Use wool (at least 80% wool/animal fiber).
• Use worsted weight yarn or heavier.
• Mitten and hat sets would be wonderful, but are not required.
• Hats with earflaps or double-layer hats are wonderful and warm (pattern suggestions below).
• Hats will ideally be able to entirely cover the ears. The thicker, the better, so please, no lacy hats.
• Mittens should have generous cuffs — 2-3 inches or so — for extra warmth and protection from wind.
• Head circumference for older kids: about 18 to 22 inches.
• Mitten measurement for older kids, from the base of the palm to the tip of the longest finger: about 7 to 8.5 inches, but allow a bit of extra length for wiggle room.

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.

We have begun a group project to create blankets for distribution through afghans for Afghans. Many Ravelry members are working on Oddball Blankets that are knit collectively. You can knit or crochet … get your local knitting group involved … create a blanket as a family project … complete a blanket on your own or with a friend … be part of our Wool-Aid team in whatever way works best for you! Please follow the guidelines below:

• Minimum dimensions of 40” × 45”.
• Larger afghans should not exceed 50” × 50”.
• Knit or crochet your favorite pattern or try something new. Classic patterns are best.
• Use wool (or other animal fiber) to provide maximum utility in harsh weather.
• Please avoid white and very light colors that soil more easily. Afghans like all colors—bright and cheery palettes! No camo yarn. Use up those wool oddballs.
• Avoid lacy or airy patterns.
• Use textured or geometric designs. Do not incorporate representational images such as faces and animals in your design—Islam prohibits depicting such likenesses.
• Do not incorporate religious or national symbols.

See Wool-Aid’s Guidelines for general information. The end date for this campaign is January May 2011.

Please send all blankets to

Wool-Aid
1381 Rocky Creek Court
Belleville, IL 62220

We will send all blankets as a collective contribution from our Wool-Aid community. This campaign has been extended into May 2011 by afghans for Afghans, so we continue our campaign, too.

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.