the warm hands network - finding forty gathering knitting

Thanks Erica

2009-11-30T10:27:00.003-05:00

This a picture of the lovely and talented Erica Bregman. She started a project, through Jewish Family Services to collect warm coats and boots for the Innu and Metis in Northern Labrador. Read about it here.

So we called Erica and said, "hey, can we slip some boxes into your shipment? "Sure!" she said, and our stuff made it! 40 pounds of your hand-knit mittens, hats, blankets and sweaters will be distributed through the Labrador Friendship Centre to Innu and Metis in need. It is already on trucks and on its way. Thanks, guys. What a great Christmas present!

Other news: since we were able to get a shipment off so quickly, we are postponing our next shipping deadline to January 31st. Happy knitting!

Damn that flu

2009-11-07T19:14:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to post a note and let you know that I talked to the community this morning. The boxes have been opened and partially distributed. One of the ladies tells me that one woman came in with 6 of her 14 (!!?!) children and they fitted her kiddies up well for the cooold winter.

Right now, they are distributing items as kids come into the public health clinic, however they have been a bit delayed because they’ve been hit by H1N1 and are undertaking a mass immunization over the next couple of weeks. I’ll let you know when I hear more.

In the meantime, we’re talking to an Inuit community organization here in town. They are very interested in having us ship some stuff to their northern kids, however we’re trying to figure out how the shipping might work. They’re going to see if they can work out the shipping themselves and get back to us. Cross your fingers…

Hope you're all still healthy!

Back to Montreal

2009-10-07T21:18:00.011-04:00

Yet another picture. We still look like we're wearing comfortable shoes, sigh. I swear we've got stilletto's on - you just can't see them. Okay, this is us tonight in box-packing mode. Its all hands on deck for this one. The blankets you see on the left and the bottom are beautiful crochet by Carlene of Carp (carleneruns) - Carlene, we so loved your crochet stuff - soft like anything. Can you post on the hat pattern?

And we keep on packin'. I packed everything, then Amy opened the boxes and repacked, and was able to squish in even more stuff. We squished and we squeeeeeezed, and we taped then taped again to make sure that we could get as much as we could in. See the boots on the bottom? There are 30 pairs stuffed with socks and mittens and hats, and wrapped inside blankets and sweaters and vests...

The last box that came in the mail this week was from - believe it or not - Happy Valley Labrador! Kelly, aka hoodlumknits, put together some sweet little things. We love Kelly because she's always posting and giving us the skinny on the weather and conditions in Labrador. Thanks, hoodlum for being our connection in the 'hood.

And big boxes in Amy's van. Now that we're on our way, I can let you in on our little soap opera. Two weeks ago, I called Morris, our star at Air Labrador. The conversation went like this:

Anita: "Morris, we're ready to ship to Labrador. Same deal as always?"

Morris: "Sure. Where are you going to ship from?"

Anita: "Montreal, same as usual".

Morris: "That's great, and we'll take the stuff from Goose Bay on, but how is it getting to Goose Bay?"

Anita: "Morris, my geography is bad. When I say Labrador, I mean Goose Bay."

Morris: "Yeah, I know. How is the stuff getting to Goose Bay?".

Anita: "Who's on first?".

Bottom line: Air Labrador no longer ships from Quebec to Labrador. The good news is that Ed Fude of Provincial Airlines has stepped in on this shipment. Guess how much stuff they are shipping.

An unbelieveable 200 pounds. That's how much those four boxes weigh.

So tomorrow afternoon, we drive Ottawa-Montreal, drop off the shipment, and drive back - home by dinner, I hope.

As for the December shipment - we've got lots of coals in the fire - we're just working on the best approach to get the stuff to the northern communities. Do you want to hear the dramatic play by play, or just the outcome once its all resolved?

Guys, from our hearts to yours - thank you so so much for taking the time out of your lives to put together all of the beautiful things that are going to the Innu kids - you're warming them, and letting know that they matter. What a gift.

Patricia of Toronto

2009-10-04T19:27:00.003-04:00

Here are some great socks that Patricia sent in. I did a close-up of my favorite pair. Patricia, we are packing like crazy and will get these in the boxes.

Thanks!

Anita

Boots and Canadian Knitters

2009-09-27T21:30:00.018-04:00

Before we get down to business, I wanted to show you this beautiful blanket that Lynn Walma of Scarborough sent in. Lynn, its as soft as it is beautiful.

My boy took this quick snap of a pile-up of the new boots we got to go along with the gorgeous knitties that you made.

Okay, Shirl the purl (Shirley Thomson of London) was one of our first Ravelry supporters - she's the one who taught me how to use it - okay Shirley, do I blame you for my Ravelcrack addiction? She made a bunch of fleece baby blankets, with a little crochet around them - I took a closeup of the baseball one because its so cute. Check out the rest of her stuff below:

Cute blankie, huh?

The socks above, and the tiny intarsia one are from the lovely Sheri Roy of Liverpool. Check out her blog to see more of these socks.

Below is Allison of Mount Pearl, who sent in 10 gorgeous pairs of mittens - read about her adventures in knitting here.

Above is a close-up of another one of Lynn's sweet blankets. Lynn, can you tell me how to get this pattern, because its crazy beautiful.

And here's another Lynn creation, below.

Finalement, voici les mignons mittaines et chaussures de la fabuleuse Danielle Tanguay. Merci, Danielle!

Kansas, Texas, Jeanine, Suzanne and Alexis

2009-09-20T11:58:00.020-04:00

Heyyyy! I can see we're getting close to our first deadline, because we're getting lots of stuff. Just as an aside, we also managed to raise $1000 for new boots to go with those lovely warm knitties that you make. Each pair costs about $29.00 pre-shipping - its amazing how many people say, "yeah, I'll give you $29 for a pair of boots. So here's to you guys. Roll credits:

These come from the lovely Alexis Layton. She sent in 3 hats and 6 (!) blankets. Its hard to see here, but the blankets are kind of a half-circle design.

Suzanne Atkinson is a wonderful supporter - if you want to meet her, Wabisabi in Ottawa, is holding a charity knit-in for us and she is going to try to make it - we'd love to see you there in person. More details on the dates (some time this fall) soon.

Its the Ravelry blanket! For those of you not in the know, we have a very very very active ravelry group. You can see them here. We love our little gang, especially since we've got some easterners in there who post on the weather and what's happening in Labrador. Suzanne asked ravellers to send in squares, which she neatly assembled into a blanket. Lotsa love in those squares...

And here's some more from Suzanne. Suzanne, I do a patchwork blanket too, by knitting blocks together, but I think your assembly is alot neater than mine, by casting on the long side then garter stitching. I'm going to do that next time.

Anne Kahle, love your blankies. Very thick and warm. But girl, you're our first from Kansas and I just can't resist the Dorothy cliches. I will try to stop myself, but I can't promise anything.

Here's Jeannine Turcotte, the sheep-lady. I have always loved her stuff. J, since you asked, the sizes that you did for the hats, mitts and socks are perfect. We're targetting alot of 7 to 14 year olds this time, so these work well. Blankets, will, as usual, go to the clinic, so that works well too.

Jeannine, I love this little sweater. The details on it are amazing, and the zip front is very very cute. Innu kids are born on the biggish side, so I think it will fit a 2 year old.

Did you know that Carrollton, Texas is the home of Vanilla Ice Ice Baby? But much more importantly, its the home of the amazing Kelly Craven, who made these four blankets. Kelly, we have the same taste, because I love the gemtone colour choices.

And last but not least, its the wonderful May Chow of the 31 hats. May, you will warm many a head this winter.

Guys, we love getting your stuff, and you're all entered in the Oceanwinds draw. Whether you send in one thing or many, every little piece is much appreciated. Your hears are huge!

Anita

Janet, Kathleen and Ms. Minnesota

2009-08-10T20:37:00.004-04:00

So we're renovating the kitchen, which means 5 guys yelling at each-other downstairs at 5am each morning, while Anita, half-naked (and not my good half), yells at the kids upstairs each morning. Let me just say, that your little parcels are keeping me from killing somebody. That's kind of nice, eh? You warm and Innu and you keep Anita from committing electrician-homicide. You guys just keep on giving...

First, we have Knitter of StPaul Minnesota. Knitter, I'm putting you in the draw - the hats are incredibly detailed and beautiful. My daughter modeled the green one for me - love it, and I'm guessing that you folks know cold, too.

The next two are from sweet Janet of Fredricton. Janet, I did a close-up of these little mittens because I loved the yarn, but I have to say, thank you for knitting into the larger sizes. Apparently, the kids will wear the socks you knit to bed to keep their tootsies warm at night, so they are much appreciated! I will put you in the raffle 14-fold.

Kathleen of Bedford, Nova Scotia knit the two sweaters below and (wait for it) 17 more items. You got your socks, your hats, your mittens...its all great. Thank you so much!

The Draw this Year - Oceanwind Knits

2009-07-13T20:24:00.012-04:00

We're having another raffle! This year, we're raffling a kit from Oceanwind Knits. It came in the mail today and its beautiful and knittable and hand-dyed but I'm not giving away the store. So it could be this:

Or like this:

Or maybe this:

And maybe you could make this with it:

So the rules are the same this year: Knit something, send it to us along with your name or ravelcrack link, and we'll put you in the draw. Knit 2 things and you get 2 entries in the draw. We'll draw in March and one lucky winner will get it. But you're all winners - you know that.

The Knit Cafe

2009-06-04T21:06:00.005-04:00

Okay, I just wanted to write a little bit about our first LYS in Toronto - the Knit Cafe is owned by the lovely and talented Iwona - say hi when you go in. It was amazing from the very start - the first time I called, they let me blather on for 10 minutes, then said calmly "no problem" to being our first drop off point.

The store is adorable - have a cupcake during Sunday high team.

The yarn is great though: they carry fleece artist, and you know I love me some fleece artist.

Here's what the store looks like inside:

You need more reasons? How about Lorna's Lace, Peace Fleece and Cascade Yarns?

Get yourself over there - and tell them you've got warm hands!

Anita.

PS We did a presentation to the Rotary Club - looks like we might be shipping some boots to go with those hand-knit socks for Labrador, so keep 'em coming.

Take care,

Wool 'N' Things is In

2009-05-10T11:03:00.002-04:00

Just a quick note this time,

Gisele at Wool 'n' Things in Orleans (or Orléans, depending on whether you can find the "é" on your keyboard) has joined our little Warm Hands family.

You can drop off your stuff at their store on Youville drive any time. I'm going to try to get down there myself, and take some pictures of the store ASAP.

Glorious Knitting!

2009-04-27T21:51:00.011-04:00

I mentioned how great the Ottawa Knitting Guild is on Ravelry, but I can't help saying it again. even on that cold, damp night last week, the room was buzzing with conversation and I was very kindly welcomed as a guest. The show and tell was great, too. I missed Joyce showing off my son's elephant sweater (a labour of love if there ever was one!) the previous meeting. The knitting this month was great - some gifts ready for shipping, some great shawls and more.

Nice to meet you, and thank you. First, thanks to Suzanne for her great presentation about charity knitting. I learned a lot and we appreciate your kind words. It was also a great chance for me to put faces to names. Names I have been seeing on tags tucked in with wonderful knitting. Like these:

Daphne's mittens. I am glad you are feeling better, and I know these will warm many hands. I have several balls of washable merino if you'd like them! I was impressed to learn that you just knit these, without a pattern!

These are also some very overdue photos from May's last drop off. We love your sweaters, too, and they got a bit of a goodbye pat from these models as we packed them into a box to ship off. The owl is modelling a lovely doll hat that was tucked in with these other lovely hats. The owl is not leaving the house, its owner clearly informed me. (why do some little boy voices carry so well?!!)

And last, but not least, a surprise sweater donated by Joyce. She says it is easy, but I am a bit wary of having to line anything up. A classic with ladybug buttons for a lucky child!

A few other recent donations are a few scarves, and this sweet granny square rose.

Thanks again, Ottawa! Amy

Alix, Maria, Jeanine, Daphne, Julia, May and Peggy

2009-04-21T20:10:00.022-04:00

Hellooooooo,

Look at all the fab stuff I picked up in Ottawa and from Canada Post (May, we'll have pictures of your stuff up here shortly!).

From Alix in Toronto. Alix, you didn't give me your address, but I got your email so I'll put you in the next draw.

Okay, next from Maria Koulis, the felting queen - Queen Maria, every time I look at one of the felt hats, I try to figure out how you did it - I'm trying to make a felted painting and I can't get the colours to blend. What's the secret? My plan is to sell it for two THOUSAND dollars (said a la Dr. Evil) and buy the boots for the Innu kids. I may have to come up with a Plan B - still looking for ideas....

Jeanine Turcotte is the sheep-lady - she used to raise sheep, but now she just raises sweaters. Jeanine, I took a close up of this particular sweater, because the buttons on it are going to make some little boy very happy - planes and horses - what more could you want?

Right here is Daphne Edmunds work from the Ottawa Knitting Guild. Amy tells me she just picked up 20 more pairs of mittens from Daphne this week - thanks for being on our team, Daphne (I heart my librarian ;)

And over here, its Julia Yeung of the OKG who makes these very cute creations (I'm thinking for the 3-7 age set).

And finally, Peggy Holton of the OKG - cute stripes!

I can't go without mentioning sweet Suzanne who did a chat about us at the Guild meeting this week. Suzanne was one of the first ladies who put her hands up two years ago and said, "I'm in - Amy and Anita are having their mid-life crisis, and I will knit hats for them!". Thanks S for everything you do. To see Suzanne's princess hat pattern, link up here.

Okay, if I've missed out on anyone, its not from lack of love. Send me an email and I will see if I can dig through and find a note or a label or something with your name on it.

This is what the new poster looks like - keep your eyes open in the LYS for it!

2009-04-18T16:11:00.004-04:00

This store is a Warm Hands Network Drop-Off Site

What: We gather your hand-knit socks, mittens, baby blankets and hats. Wool is preferred, and no scarves please.

Where: Then we box them up and ship them to two Innu communities in Northern Labrador. The women in the community distribute them to kids in need.

When: Our drop-off deadlines are September 30th and December 31st 2009.

Why: Check out our blog at: http://www.findingfortygatheringknitting.blogspot.com/ for that info.

Knit us stuff, include your name and we will post a photo on our web-site. Check out the details on our draw!

And the Winner Is....

2009-04-03T14:58:00.008-04:00

Kara Lefevre of Quebec City! Congrats, Kalyle, I will be sending you your lovely Fleece Artist yarn soon. Thanks to everyone for submitting your name, address and info for the draw.

Should we do another one?

We got a package today from Teri of Englewood, Florida. Teri, I have to say that I love the fact that you addressed the envelope to "The Warm Hands Network, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada", and it got to us. Canada Post, this Bud's for you! I have to also say that you know what little girls like, because my own girl's eyes opened wide when she saw the hats and mittens you sent in. Everything has a girly touch to it, with the little sparkly trim and pom poms. My photo doesn't do them justice, but these are my favorites.

Okay, to answer the questions of some of our readers, the items for the next Innu shipment can basically be any size, though the community would really like stuff for the age 5 to 17 crew.

They'd also like blankets for the babies again - those are a huge help, because there are many many young new mothers in the community. Scarves: we don't really ship 'em. We've got a limited budget and we want to spend shipping dollars on those items that will be used the most, and that the community requested.

In terms of materials: wool is best. For both Mongolia and the Innu, we're looking for warmth over washability (is that a word?).

Okay, finally, in other news, Wabi Sabi is a funkster of a store in Ottawa. Its more than just yarn (though the yarn is absolutely incredible - wierd stuff that I have never seen before, and absolutely beautiful). They also carry rovings, and little kits (my daughter and I just made the cutest little felted flower from a kit there - they are kind of like this one from Feltwerker at etsy:

), and these incredible handmade, uncolored silk things (they call them hankies but they are bigger than any hankies I've ever seen), that you kind of hand-paint yourself. I'm going to try to post pics of the store at some point, because you have to see it. Its the store I would have, if I had a million dollars.

Sometimes I get a bit off topic, but I do have a point, and here it is: Wabi-sabi is going to be our newest partner. So you can drop off your stuff there (I'm going to put up a poster with them).

Stay tuned, because they are going to run a charity knitting workshop soon, and guess who the featured charity will be?

Cool, eh?

Aexis of London, Barbara of Kizugawa City (seriously)

2009-03-31T08:06:00.012-04:00

News news news - I'm not sure where to start, so I'll start with the photos:

These are hats made by Alexis of London. Alexis, I love the pattern. Care to share??

Barbara, an expat Canadian living in Japan, made 25 of these little numbers for Mongolia. I love the reversibility of them! My boy said he didn't want to take it off, and why can't we keep the stuff that people send?

This is the same hat turned inside out. This is his expression, when I say, "because we can't".

A photo of all 25 numbers together (all reversible, I might add!).

Okay, other bits and pieces:

1. I've got a box waiting for me at the post office. As soon as I pick it up, log it in and take photo's, we'll have the fabulous draw for the fleece artist yarn.

2. Here's the biggest news:

I talked to Lorraine in the biggest of the two Innu communities. Guess what? All the items were distributed and are warming hands, and toes and heads right now! I think the folks up there have been really surprised by your generosity. I asked whether they want us to continue and the answer is a resounding yes. So here are the new requests from Lorraine:

The community gets its first big snow by the end of October, so they are wondering if we can send the stuff in sooner. I think maybe we need to start thinking about split shipments

They asked for (in order of priority):

1. socks

2. mittens

3. baby blankets (all the blankets you made have already gone out to new babies, but they have 35-40 new babies each year, and they'd like to make sure that every child has a blanket).

4. hats

They also need boots for the kids, and that's what we've got to put our brains to next. They need about 100 pairs of boots for kids between the ages of 7 and 11. If anyone knows an organization that can donate boots, pass me the lead, and I'll do something about it.

I just wanted to drop you that little note because I thought it was incredible - each one of you that contributed to that shipment has already had a direct impact on a kid, 'cause they are wearing your stuff already.

Let that thought keep you warm tonight!

Pleased to meet you!

2009-03-29T19:40:00.002-04:00

My mother in law (joycejamestours.com) took me to a great book launch the other day, for Mother-Daughter Knits by Sally Melville and Caddy Melville Ledbetter. The event was fun, and I am excited about the projects in the book as well. For an amateur like me who doesn't like a project that can't be put down a million times to tend to children, and now the puppy, or ignored for weeks during a busy time at work, this book has many great options. And one of my daughters is tackling the headband project.

More to the point, there were many people from the Ottawa Knitters Guild in attendance at the book launch (at the Workshop, but more about that great store another time). It was a pleasure to meet some of the very kind and generous women who have been knitting up a storm for those in need. Thank you again, and again!

The Draw is Coming!!!

2009-03-25T06:06:00.001-04:00

March 31st is rolling around, and I've managed to keep my hands off the Fleece Artist yarn that we are raffling off.

Can't wait to see who wins!

Great knitting, May

2009-03-07T20:54:00.002-05:00

I was at Yarn Forward this afternoon, getting things for my latest knitting swap on Ravelry, and there was a great bag of knitting from May. Thank you! I'll pass the note to Anita.

These items, and a box of things that arrived from Japan (no, I am not kidding - these will be well-travelled items), will be sent to Mongolia.

Our deadline for the next shipment is March 31.

roadtrip!

2009-02-15T22:56:00.002-05:00

So, we got up early, got some coffee and we were off! Air Labrador was just wonderful, everything was ready and they were expecting us, and the boxes went the next day! Yay! Thank you, Morris and the rest of the gang at Air Labrador!

We did listen to some great tunes en route, and it was a nice way to get caught up without children talking at the same time! My CD burner didn't cooperate, but here's the list I wanted to bring. One of these days, I will figure out how to post it on iTunes.

Perfectly Good Guitar - John Hiatt
Light Of A Clear Blue Morning - Allison Moorer
Lipstick Sunset - John Hiatt
While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Jeff Healey Band
California Stars - Billy Bragg & Wilco
AngelEyes - The Jeff Healey Band
Have a Little Faith in Me - John Hiatt
Summer Side Of Life - Blue Rodeo
Drive South - John Hiatt
Where Do the Children Play? Cat Stevens
Tracks of My Tears - Billy Bragg
Landslide - Dixie Chicks
My Baby Don't Tolerate - Lyle Lovett
Cute As a Bug - Lyle Lovett
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Better Together - Jack Johnson
You Can Talk To Me- Beatles
Teach Your Children - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Holes to Heaven (Acoustic)- Jack Johnson

So, what happened to us?!!

2009-02-04T21:45:00.003-05:00

Hello, fellow knitters. So, there is still plenty of winter left in Labrador, really! There are waiting hands to recieve and distribute, through the health centre and the Next Generation Guardians. So, thank you again for your great knitting, generosity and kindness in helping these communities be warmer this winter.
All the best, and may your generosity be returned tenfold!
Amy (one of the ABs)

I am going to work out a playlist for the trip to the airport now and will share the list later. Any suggestions? We are both fans of John Hyatt and Lyle Lovett, so those two will be on the list for sure, and lots of other acoustic and singer/songwriter type stuff.

Natuashish

2009-02-03T06:50:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick update: the boxes were packed and ready to go, but unfortunately the communities shut down early for Christmas! The offices are back open this week, so Amy and I are loading up the car and trekking to Montreal.

The CBC had a great story on Natuashish. This is definitely a community working to heal and help itself. Thanks to all of you for showing you care.

Anita

The Count

2008-12-29T11:49:00.004-05:00

In the midst of the Christmas crazies, I just wanted to post a note: the boxes are packed and here are our totals for the Innu kiddies and families:

Socks 44
Hats 151
Mitts and Gloves 141
Blankets 19
Sweaters 20

Yay!

I pulled out all of the little tags and things with names on them, so you're all in the draw.

Thanks so much for participating in the project - I know how busy it is this time of year, and yet each one of you made time to make something and slip it in an envelope or box or bag and drop it off or mail it. You've got warm hands and warm hearts!

Anita and Amy

Roll Credits 3: Linda, Louise, Jeannine and Kara

2008-12-21T12:58:00.003-05:00

In the past week, we've had some fabulous contributions. I wanted to grab pix of the ones where you knitters provided us with an id, but there are so many that I've split them into three posts - if you don't see your stuff here, then check out the two other posts entitled "Roll Credits". If they aren't there, then post us a note.

So we got so much stuff from the OKG and the Toronto crew that we are going to have to open the boxes and start packing and unpacking. Okay if you're cool and 40+, as soon as you see packing and unpacking, you're humming "town to town, up and down the dial". Feed us the next line of the song in a comment, and you will be immortalized forever in the ledger of cooldom.

But I digress.

This hat was made by Kara of Quebec city (kalyle on Ravelry). I had to take a picture of it alone because its too cute.

These are all Kara's too:

The Ottawa Knitting Guild is at it again! The hats below were by our own sheep-lady Jeannine Turcott, and by Louise Moore.

Linda Williams of the OKG made these winners:

Roll Credits 2: Theresa and the OKG

2008-12-21T12:47:00.005-05:00

Nancy, we love you for two reasons: you've been a great promoter of the project through the Ottawa Knitting Guild. Reason # 2 is that you knit with the hugs and kisses pattern (see the hats below), which is our very own, donated by Mags Kandis of Mission Falls. The hat on the bottom right is by Healther Albett:

Julia Yeung of the Ottawa Knitting Guild put together these juicy tidbits:

Deirdre Spann of the Ottawa Knitting Guild made pairs of mittens to go with each of these hats:

Daphne is one of our big-volume producers- she pops off a pair of mittens per day. Here's a sample of her work:

These beautifu hats are from Theresa Ladouceur who lives right down the street from me:

Roll Credits 1: Auriol and Rhea

2008-12-21T12:38:00.004-05:00

The sweater below is from Auriol Rapin of Ottawa:

Angela Kiss sent us a wack of premie hats and booties:

Mittens, mittens mittens!

These three blankets, layered on top of eachother are from Rhea Hoare - beatiful and thick: