I mentioned recently that I had got back into knitting and that I wanted to knit for a charity. So I found one, Knit One Give One, or kogo for short.
I wanted to find a charity that I could knit things for that would potentially go to homeless people. Though, with us going into our winter I know there are a lot of disadvantage people out there now, especially after what we have been through the last two years.
Kogo seemed like a good one for me. This is their mission statement.
KOGO enhances social inclusion through volunteering and providing hand knitted items of warmth and comfort to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community.
While I could be knitting lots of things like jumpers and cardigans, I know they will take me a while to do. It seemed like a good idea to concentrate more on things I can do faster like beanies, scarves, and fingerless mittens. So that is what I’ve been doing.
What I’m knitting is fairly basic and I have found I can knit a beanie in a day, fingerless gloves in two days, and a scarf in 3 to 4 days. I’m trying to spread out what I’m knitting so there will be a range of things.
Basically, I am giving myself a month to see how much I can knit in that time. I have purchased quite a bit of wool so I hope to be able to knit heaps.
Doing this for a charity is my way of volunteering. I don’t really want to leave my house so this is the best way I can think of to volunteer my time.
Dave and I believe in donating to charity and spending a bit of money each year doing that. We use to hate claiming it on our tax because that seemed like a cop-out. However, we have realised that if we claim the money then we can give away what we get back plus what we normally do. Over the years we will be able to donate more and more while giving away the normal amount that we do each year. It seems like a good plan.
Our focus has been on people who have suffered, especially during the pandemic. Hence knitting for people. I can’t do a lot, but I can help people stay warm during the cold months.
I haven’t got a lot of items, but I have some photos of what I’ve done so far.
I’ve tried to knit with more than one yarn so it would make everything thicker, plus faster to knit. I’ve had to combine some yarns because I didn’t have enough of one. I mean it isn’t all plain and that is because I’ve been trying out some things as well.
I still have lots of wool left and I will be knitting lots more.
If you want to check out kogo then click here to go to the website.
Do you do anything like this? Would you consider it if you could?
Thank you both for thinking of our preemies! and our Cancer ladies. Interesting enough I just opened this app today as I love to knit myself and am a RN who worked NICU 40 years, (knit a lot of preemie hats and teeny socks lol) and now I am working as the Hospital lactation consultant, the postpartum floor is divided in half, shared with oncology women. I work at the largest teaching hospital in Los Angeles serving the uninsured, underserved and many homeless patients. We truly appreciate individuals and organizations that so generously give to others, so with this long post I just felt compelled to reach out to extend my heart felt thanks!!!
Sounds like your job would be hard, but also rewarding. Knitting is such a great thing to do for others. I am allergic to wool, so it is wonderful to be able to knit for others. I’ve loved it. Thank you for reaching out Melissa, it was lovely to hear from you.
Some people will love the colours and be grateful for the warmth
Thank you Diana, I hope so.
all the things you have knitted look lovely. I especially like the scarf on the left at the bottom. Knitting for charity is a very good idea. I have thought of doing it from time to time but actually have found it hard to find people who want such things and of course I much prefer crochet. I do think that maybe in this country there are lots of people who knit for charity. I once found some place that only took things from old people. One winter I did knit hats for seafarers with some Aran weight wool left over from a jumper.
Thank you RJ, that scarf is so nice, I’m knitting another one now because my daughter wants one as well. I agree, I’m glad I was able to find this organisation. I don’t know how I would have done it otherwise. I have your crocheting, it is beautiful. Have you looked into hospitals, often they look for things like blankets for babies or elderly people? I hope you can find something if that is what you want to do. For me it is more about having an excuse to knit with a purpose, if you get what I mean. I want what I knit to be used.
I have to admit these days, making things for family and creating my patterns takes up all my time but I am with you on wanting to knit or crochet useful things. I found a few web sites recently thinking of giving away blankets but they were very prescriptive. Wouldn’t fit with creating for my patterns.
That sounds like what you enjoy so you should do that. It is nice to do things that are useful, I’ve always felt that way. Blankets are great and always needed. Oh well.
Lovely pieces and they will keep necks, heads and hands warmer.
I knit hats and booties for preemies at our local hospital and have also knit hats for patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Without hair, they must feel chilly in cold weather. Also hats and matching mittens for Christmas miracle project this past fall.
Thank you Carolyn, I hope they will keep them warm too.
I did some blankets for preemies, but haven’t got them to them yet. I like the cancer idea, it is a good one too. I think knitting for others is such a great idea. I really enjoy it.
Lovely work, Leanne. The recipients will be very appreciative.
I hope so Carol, thank you.
Leanne–these are some very nice pieces. The colors are great. You are a pretty quick knitter, too!
Thank you Lois, I hope others like them. I don’t know about quick, just found some easy ways to get some things done. My mum was quick, she used to knit a jumper in a week, that was incredible.
Your work is beautiful, Leanne! ❤️
Thank you so much John.