‘Thoughtful Thursday’ 3 Square Appeal

This week for Thoughtful Thursday I am re posting the 3 square appeal. The temperatures are dropping here in Turkey. I know how cold I feel and I have my home and possessions, I dread to think how the Syrian refugees living in tents and no belongings feel. 
I realise the cost of sending items by post especially to Turkey can be costly. Therefore I’ve decided to launch this 3 square appeal. I am asking everyone especially during the season of goodwill even though it’s a very busy time, PLEASE spare a thought for the Children of the Syrian refugees and if you could knit just 3 squares they would fit easily into an envelope and postage shouldn’t be too great.
There are 13 refugee camps in Turkey and soon to be 3 more, the number of Syrian refugees here at the moment stands at 137,000 and almost half that number are children. The temperatures in that region are at the moment around 10 degrees C during the day and down to around 3 deg C night time but this is just the start of the winter and temperatures will soon drop and snow is forecast.

 Please if you could just knit or crochet 3 x 8inch squares, pop them in an envelope and send them to the address at the bottom of this page, we will sew them together to make blankets and a child with nothing will get a warm and colourful, cover for their bed!

We work with reputable, experienced relief agencies to securely transport and distribute our hand-knit and crocheted blankets. 
You can also find us at:  https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn

Please Help If You Can!

‘Lily’ is supported by businesses and individuals in Turkey, whether it be donations of yarn, Knitting and Crocheting or transportation of completed blankets to receiving agencies.

‘Lily’ has no paid employees.  All the good work is done on a strictly volunteer basis.

‘Lily’ wishes to thank all those private individuals and businesses which support us.  Without you, there would be no ‘Lily’ – Love In the Language of Yarn.  We work hard for the day when we are no longer needed to help keep Children warm.

Dianne Jones – Founder of  ‘Lily’- Love In the Language of Yarn.
Address – ‘LILY’ C/O Dianne Jones
                   Türkmen Mahlesi
                    Ünlü sokak No 10 D4
                    Kuşadası
                    Aydin
                    Turkey.

Thoughtful Thursday- Knit for Syrian Refugees

The violence in Syria is escalating as Assad responds to rebel military gains with airstrikes and artillery bombardment, killing hundreds every day. In Turkey, the authorities have built 13 camps and are planning three more to house the refugees. More than 133,888 Syrians entered Turkey,  11,909 Syrians are staying in Hatay, 14,747 in Gaziantep province, 12,959 in Kilis, 30,665 in Şanlıurfa province, 12,520 in Kahramanmaraş, 7,859 in Osmaniye and 2,339 in Adiyaman. A total of 578 Syrians are staying in various Turkish hospitals and receiving medical treatment, 40,312 dispersed in other regions of Turkey. The nightly temperatures at the moment are around 5 degrees C. let’s try and send them a little comfort and the knowledge that someone is thinking of them.

photo by Todays Zaman

Help ‘Lily’ Love In the Language of Yarn Knit Squares to make blankets for Syrian refugees especially the children.

Please consider making a square or two with your odds and ends. Any spare wool you have can be knitted into eight inch squares and then we’ll stitch them all together into a blanket. No waste and a child with nothing gets a warm and colourful, cover for their bed!

Knitting Instructions

FOR ONE 8″/20 cms SQUARE, you will need:
Yarn from a 100 gram (3.5 oz) ball of yarn or scraps of yarn 
 worsted weight , double knit or 8ply

Size 4mm needles  6 (USA)
A yarn sewing needle.
 Cast on 32 stitches (try to make your stitches neither too loose nor too tight to help ensure uniform squares)
 Row 1: knit
 Row 2: knit. These two rows form the ‘garter’ stitch knitting pattern for your square but you use any stitch you prefer, beascreative as you like. Continue knitting  until you have knitted a square
 To ensure you square is 8″/20cm either use a tape measure .

 Cast off
 Use your yarn sewing needle to sew in all the yarn ends using a darning method
VERY IMPORTANT 
Leave a one metre length of your yarn attached to your work after you have cast off. This will be used to join the squares together. but if you’re changing colors work in your other tails.  DO NOT TIE AND CUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE KNOT, THAT IS GUARANTEED TO COME UNDONE.  Knot if you want, but leave a tail and work in your ends.


We work with reputable, experienced relief agencies to securely transport and distribute our hand-knit and crocheted blankets for this project we are working with  Humanitarian Relief Foundation. 
You can also find us at:  https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn

Please Help If You Can!

‘Lily’ is supported by businesses and individuals in Turkey, whether it be donations of yarn, Knitting and Crocheting or transportation of completed blankets to receiving agencies.

‘Lily’ has no paid employees.  All the good work is done on a strictly volunteer basis.

‘Lily’ wishes to thank all those private individuals and businesses which support us.  Without you, there would be no ‘Lily’ – Love In the Language of Yarn.  We work hard for the day when we are no longer needed to help keep Children warm.

Dianne Jones – Founder of  ‘Lily’- Love In the Language of Yarn.
Address – ‘LILY’ C/O Dianne Jones
                   Türkmen Mahlesi
                    Ünlü sokak No 10 D4
                    Kuşadası
                    Aydin
                    Turkey.

‘Thoughtful Thursday’ ‘Lily’ Needs Squares For Syrian Refugees.

More than 126,000 Syrians have registered with the Turkish government as refugees – part of the 440,000 registered refugees who have fled to countries that are Syria’s neighbors.  Most of the displaced people in the camps are children. All have fled the violence of Syria’s civil war. Many have seen violence themselves. Some have lost relatives, and most have trouble sleeping and panic when they hear loud noises or airplanes.
 We expect the situation to get worse when winter hits, lowering temperatures and sending rains that could turn the camps into a muddy bog.

So let’s try and send them a little comfort and the knowledge that someone is thinking of them. Please keep the squares and blankets coming! 

Help ‘Lily’ Love In the Language of Yarn Knit Squares For Syrian refugees especially the children.

Please consider making a square or two with your odds and ends. Any spare wool you have can be knitted into eight inch squares and then we’ll stitch them all together into a blanket. No waste and a child with nothing gets a warm and colourful, cover for their bed!

Knitting Instructions

FOR ONE 8″/20 cms SQUARE, you will need:
Yarn from a 100 gram (3.5 oz) ball of yarn or scraps of yarn 
 worsted weight , double knit or 8ply

Size 4mm needles  6 (USA)
A yarn sewing needle.
 Cast on 32 stitches (try to make your stitches neither too loose nor too tight to help ensure uniform squares)
 Row 1: knit
 Row 2: knit. These two rows form the ‘garter’ stitch knitting pattern for your square but you use any stitch you prefer, beascreative as you like. Continue knitting  until you have knitted a square
 To ensure you square is 8″/20cm either use a tape measure .

 Cast off
 Use your yarn sewing needle to sew in all the yarn ends using a darning method
VERY IMPORTANT 
Leave a one metre length of your yarn attached to your work after you have cast off. This will be used to join the squares together. but if you’re changing colors work in your other tails.  DO NOT TIE AND CUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE KNOT, THAT IS GUARANTEED TO COME UNDONE.  Knot if you want, but leave a tail and work in your ends.


We work with reputable, experienced relief agencies to securely transport and distribute our hand-knit and crocheted blankets for this project we are working with  Humanitarian Relief Foundation. 
You can also find us at:  https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn

Please Help If You Can!

‘Lily’ is supported by businesses and individuals in Turkey, whether it be donations of yarn, Knitting and Crocheting or transportation of completed blankets to receiving agencies.

‘Lily’ has no paid employees.  All the good work is done on a strictly volunteer basis.

‘Lily’ wishes to thank all those private individuals and businesses which support us.  Without you, there would be no ‘Lily’ – Love In the Language of Yarn.  We work hard for the day when we are no longer needed to help keep Children warm.

Dianne Jones – Founder of  ‘Lily’- Love In the Language of Yarn.
Address – ‘LILY’ C/O Dianne Jones
                   Türkmen Mahlesi
                    Ünlü sokak No 10 D4
                    Kuşadası
                    Aydin
                    Turkey.

Help ‘LILY’ Knit Squares for Syrian Refugees

8 months ago I founded ‘Lily’ in memory of my granddaughter Lily Iris Gibson who was born sleeping. Because of photos like this I wanted to help these Syrian children refugees.

 I am just one person but with the help of our wonderful supporters sending knitted and crochet squares and blankets, and the help of family and friends in sewing the squares to make the blankets we have been able to send 3,257 blankets to the children living in these camps, many of them in tents. But this is just a drop in the ocean as thousands are fleeing Syria every day. 

At least 11,000 Syrian refugees have fled their country in single day, pouring into Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon with children and dozens of wounded. The new arrivals bring the number of refugees in Turkey to around 120,000. Most of the displaced people in the camps are children. All have fled the violence of Syria’s civil war. Many have seen violence themselves. Some have lost relatives, and most have trouble sleeping and panic when they hear loud noises or airplanes.
 We expect the situation to get worse when winter hits, lowering temperatures and sending rains that could turn the camps into a muddy bog.

So let’s try and send them a little comfort and the knowledge that someone is thinking of them. Please keep the squares and blankets coming! 

Help ‘Lily’ Love In the Language of Yarn Knit Squares For Syrian refugees especially the children.

Please consider making a square or two with your odds and ends. Any spare wool you have can be knitted into eight inch squares and then we’ll stitch them all together into a blanket. No waste and a child with nothing gets a warm and colourful, cover for their bed!

Knitting Instructions

FOR ONE 8″/20 cms SQUARE, you will need:
Yarn from a 100 gram (3.5 oz) ball of yarn or scraps of yarn 
 worsted weight , double knit or 8ply

Size 4mm needles  6 (USA)
A yarn sewing needle.
 Cast on 32 stitches (try to make your stitches neither too loose nor too tight to help ensure uniform squares)
 Row 1: knit
 Row 2: knit. These two rows form the ‘garter’ stitch knitting pattern for your square but you use any stitch you prefer, beascreative as you like. Continue knitting  until you have knitted a square
 To ensure you square is 8″/20cm either use a tape measure .

 Cast off
 Use your yarn sewing needle to sew in all the yarn ends using a darning method
VERY IMPORTANT 
Leave a one metre length of your yarn attached to your work after you have cast off. This will be used to join the squares together. but if you’re changing colors work in your other tails.  DO NOT TIE AND CUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE KNOT, THAT IS GUARANTEED TO COME UNDONE.  Knot if you want, but leave a tail and work in your ends.


We work with reputable, experienced relief agencies to securely transport and distribute our hand-knit and crocheted blankets for this project we are working with  Humanitarian Relief Foundation. 
You can also find us at:  https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn

Please Help If You Can!

Photos of refugees in this post are by getty images.

‘Lily’ is supported by businesses and individuals in Turkey, whether it be donations of yarn, Knitting and Crocheting or transportation of completed blankets to receiving agencies.

‘Lily’ has no paid employees.  All the good work is done on a strictly volunteer basis.

‘Lily’ wishes to thank all those private individuals and businesses which support us.  Without you, there would be no ‘Lily’ – Love In the Language of Yarn.  We work hard for the day when we are no longer needed to help keep Children warm.

Dianne Jones – Founder of  ‘Lily’- Love In the Language of Yarn.
Address – ‘LILY’ C/O Dianne Jones
                   Türkmen Mahlesi
                    Ünlü sokak No 10 D4
                    Kuşadası
                    Aydin
                    Turkey.

Photos of refugees in this post made available by Reuters.

‘Thoughtful Thursday’ Help Knit Squares For Syrian Refugees

8 months ago I founded ‘Lily’ in memory of my granddaughter Lily Iris Gibson who was born sleeping. Because of photos like this I wanted to help these Syrian children refugees.

 I am just one person but with the help of our wonderful supporters sending knitted and crochet squares and blankets, and the help of family and friends in sewing the squares to make the blankets we have been able to send 3,257 blankets to the children living in these camps, many of them in tents. But this is just a drop in the ocean as thousands are fleeing Syria every day. 

At least 11,000 Syrian refugees have fled their country in single day, pouring into Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon with children and dozens of wounded. The new arrivals bring the number of refugees in Turkey to around 120,000. Most of the displaced people in the camps are children. All have fled the violence of Syria’s civil war. Many have seen violence themselves. Some have lost relatives, and most have trouble sleeping and panic when they hear loud noises or airplanes.
 We expect the situation to get worse when winter hits, lowering temperatures and sending rains that could turn the camps into a muddy bog.

So let’s try and send them a little comfort and the knowledge that someone is thinking of them. Please keep the squares and blankets coming! 


Help ‘Lily’ Love In the Language of Yarn Knit Squares For Syrian refugees especially the children.

Please consider making a square or two with your odds and ends. Any spare wool you have can be knitted into eight inch squares and then we’ll stitch them all together into a blanket. No waste and a child with nothing gets a warm and colourful, cover for their bed!

Knitting Instructions

FOR ONE 8″/20 cms SQUARE, you will need:
Yarn from a 100 gram (3.5 oz) ball of yarn or scraps of yarn 
 worsted weight , double knit or 8ply

Size 4mm needles  10 (USA)
A yarn sewing needle.
 Cast on 32 stitches (try to make your stitches neither too loose nor too tight to help ensure uniform squares)
 Row 1: knit
 Row 2: knit. These two rows form the ‘garter’ stitch knitting pattern for your square but you use any stitch you prefer, beascreative as you like. Continue knitting  until you have knitted a square
 To ensure you square is 8″/20cm either use a tape measure .

 Cast off
 Use your yarn sewing needle to sew in all the yarn ends using a darning method
VERY IMPORTANT 
Leave a one metre length of your yarn attached to your work after you have cast off. This will be used to join the squares together. but if you’re changing colors work in your other tails.  DO NOT TIE AND CUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE KNOT, THAT IS GUARANTEED TO COME UNDONE.  Knot if you want, but leave a tail and work in your ends.


We work with reputable, experienced relief agencies to securely transport and distribute our hand-knit and crocheted blankets for this project we are working with  Humanitarian Relief Foundation. 
You can also find us at:  https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn

Please Help If You Can!

Photos of refugees in this post are by getty images.

‘Lily’ is supported by businesses and individuals in Turkey, whether it be donations of yarn, Knitting and Crocheting or transportation of completed blankets to receiving agencies.

‘Lily’ has no paid employees.  All the good work is done on a strictly volunteer basis.

‘Lily’ wishes to thank all those private individuals and businesses which support us.  Without you, there would be no ‘Lily’ – Love In the Language of Yarn.  We work hard for the day when we are no longer needed to help keep Children warm.

Dianne Jones – Founder of  ‘Lily’- Love In the Language of Yarn.
Address – ‘LILY’ C/O Dianne Jones
                   Türkmen Mahlesi
                    Ünlü sokak No 10 D4
                    Kuşadası
                    Aydin
                    Turkey.

Photos of refugees in this post made available by Reuters.

‘Thoughtful Thursday’ The Red Scarf Project

This weeks ‘Thoughtful Thursday’ features The Red Scarf Project.

The Red Scarf Project from Foster Care to Success

The Red Scarf Project is a small part of the Foster Care to Success program, but it is an important part. Children leaving foster care and moving on to college usually have very little in their lives that was created especially for them. By knitting a scarf for one of these children, you place in their lives a message of hope, belief, and encouragement. 

Do you love to knit or crochet? Whether you are a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between, your handiwork can send warmth and encouragement to a foster student!

The handmade red scarves in each of the Valentine’s Day care packages  become treasured keepsakes that the students wear for years. The Red Scarf Project offers a unique opportunity to use your creativity to give a truly personal gift to one student as he or she moves forward to graduation and a brighter future.

RED SCARF PROJECT GUIDELINES:

Size: approximately 60” long and 5” to 8” wide. Scarves should be long enough to be wrapped around the neck, with tails long enough to be tied in the front. 

Style: Think unisex collegiate. Fringes are optional. Your scarf should drape, tie easily and be soft.

Color: Red! However, this could mean burgundy, cherry, russet, red stripes with other colors, or multicolor hues including red. 

Finished & tagged: Yarn ends should be securely sewn in. For a personal touch, attach a tag saying “Handmade for You” with your first name, city, and group affiliation, if any. Donors have also included washing instructions, messages of encouragement, gift cards, and more.

Mail to: Foster Care to Success, Red Scarf Project
21351 Gentry Drive Suite 130 
Sterling, VA 20166

NOTE: Scarves are accepted between September 1 and December 15 annually.  As they have limited storage space, please send your scarves only during this time period.

Take a look at the project’s web page to get a better idea of just how meaningful these scarves are to their recipients, as well as guidelines and shipping information. You’ll also find out how you can donate to the Red Scarf Emergency Fund and create a full care package for a student. 

http://www.fc2success.org/programs/red-scarf-project-and-book-club/

‘Thoughtful Thursday’ Warm Winter Project.

The number of children orphaned each day in the world is around 10,000. More than half of the orphans live in the streets where they face many threats and risks. Unfortunately, orphans are kidnapped every day in many parts of the world, they are abused by prostitution gangs, organ mafia, begging networks and missionary institutions. Every orphan who is taken care of means that we will have a brighter future.

A plea from ‘Lily’ Love In the Language of Yarn!

This weekend I will be visiting an orphanage in Kayseri, Turkey with a group of volunteers. The orphange is home to 140 children at the moment, I will be  taking with me a parcel for each child. I have been busy knitting a ‘Lily’ Bear for each child, our volunteers have been busy knitting and crocheting and have been wonderful and donated hats, scarves and gloves for each child in the orphanage.

At present there are 5,166 orphans in orphanages throughout Turkey.

Knitters and Crocheters I need your help with our Warm Winter Project!

 We need hats, scarves, gloves, socks, sweaters etc. for orphans and children of low income familes. Age groups are 0-3yrs,  3-6yrs, 7-10yrs and 12-14yrs. Boys and Girls. We have teamed up with several organisations who will also be providing shoes/boots, stationery materials, coal and wood for heating, blankets, stoves, electric heaters, foodstuffs and other winter necessities. To help orphans and impoverished children spend the winter happily and in health.

Can you help?

We will be distributing knitted and crochet items throughout the winter months.

For more information on ‘LILY’ to can find us on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn over the next couple of weeks we wiil be adding patterns and information so please check in regularly and please ‘Like’ us so you will receive up dates.

Please Help If You Can!

Here’s a free knitting pattern from Patons to help get you started.

MATERIALS:

• Patons® Astra (50 g/1.75 oz)

Boy’s Version (all sizes)

• Main Color (MC):
  • (Blue) 1 (1-1-3) ball(s)
• Contrast A: (Variegated) 1 (1-1-3) ball(s)
• Contrast B: (Orange) 1 (1-1-3) ball(s)

Girl’s Version (all sizes)

• Main Color (MC):
• (Red) 1 (1-1-3) ball(s)
• Contrast A: (Variegated) 1 (1-1-3) ball(s)
• Contrast B: (Yellow) 1 (1-1-3) ball(s)

Knitting Needles:

• Hat and Scarf: Size 4 mm (U.S. 6) knitting needles or size needed to obtain tension.
• Mittens: Set of size 4 mm (U.S. 6) double pointed knitting needles or size needed to obtain tension.

SIZES:

• Scarf: 6 x 46 ins [15 x 117 cm].
• Hat: To fit child 2/4 yrs (6/10 yrs).
• Mittens: To fit child 2/4 yrs (6/8 yrs – 10 yrs).

TENSION
22 sts and 28 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.

ABBREVIATIONS
Alt = Alternate.
Beg = Beginning.
Cont = Continue(ity).
Dec = Decrease.
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch.
K = Knit.
K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together.
M1 = make one st by picking up horizontal loop lying before next st and knitting into back of loop.
M1P = make one st by picking up horizontal loop lying before next st and purling into back of loop.
P = Purl.
Pat = Pattern.
Psso = Pass slipped stitch over.
Rep = Repeat.
Rem = Remaining.
Rnd(s) = Round(s).
RS = Right side.
Sl1 = Slip next stitch knitwise.
St(s) = Stitch(es).
Tog = Together.
WS = Wrong side.

INSTRUCTIONS
The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger size(s) the instructions will be written thus ( ). Numbers for each size are shown in the same color throughout the pattern. When only one number is given in black, it applies to all sizes.

Stripe Pat
With MC work 4 rows.
With A work 4 rows.
With B work 2 rows.
With MC work 2 rows.
With A work 4 rows.
These 16 rows form Stripe Pat.

EARFLAP HAT
First Ear Flap
With MC and pair of needles, cast on 10 sts.
1st row: (RS). Knit.
2nd row: P1. M1P. Purl to last st. M1P. P1.
3rd row: K1. M1. Knit to last st. M1. K1.
Rep last 2 rows twice more, then 2nd row once. 24 sts.
Work 12 rows even in stocking st, ending with RS facing for next row. Break yarn. Leave sts on a spare needle.
Second Ear Flap
Work as given for First Ear Flap. Do not break yarn.

Body of Hat: (Joining row). With MC, cast on 8 (9) sts. Knit these 8 (9) sts. K24 across Second Ear Flap. Turn. Cast on 35 (39) sts. Turn. K24 across First Ear Flap. Turn. Cast on 8 (9) sts. 99 (105) sts.
Purl 1 row.
With A, proceed as follows:
1st row: (RS). Purl
2nd and 3rd rows: Knit.
4th row: Purl.
Last 4 rows form Texture Pat.
Beg with 9th row of Stripe Pat, cont in Stripe Pat and rep last 4 rows of Texture Pat 7 times more, dec 2 (0) sts evenly across last row. 97 (105) sts.

Shape top: Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, proceed as follows:
1st row: K1. *K2tog. K10 (11). Rep from * to end of row. 89 (97) sts.
2nd and alt rows: Purl.
3rd row: K1. *K2tog. K9 (10). Rep from * to end of row. 81 (89) sts.
5th row: K1. *K2tog. K8 (9). Rep from * to end of row. 73 (81) sts.
6th row: Purl.

Cont in same manner, dec 8 sts on next and every following alt row 5 (6) times more. 25 sts.
Next row: K1. *K2tog. Rep from * to end of row. 13 sts.
Break yarn leaving a long end. Draw end through rem sts and fasten securely. Sew back seam.

Braid: (make 3).
Cut A, 15 ins [38 cm] long. Take 12 strands tog, fold in half and knot into fringe at end of each earflap and at top of Hat as shown in picture. Braid each Fringe. Knot securely and trim ends evenly.

MITTENS

RIGHT MITTEN
**With MC and set of four knitting needles, cast on 28 (36-44) sts. Divide sts on 3 needles as follows: 12 (12-16) sts on 1st needle, 8 (12-16) sts on 2nd needle and 8 (12-12) sts on 3rd needle. Join in rnd. Place marker on first st.
Beg with 1st row of Stripe Pat.
Proceed as follows:
1st rnd: *K1. P1. Rep from * around. Rep last rnd of (K1. P1) ribbing for 11/2 (2-2) ins [4 (5-5) cm] and inc 4 sts evenly across last rnd. 32 (40-48) sts.
Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, knit 6 (8-10) rnds.**
Shape thumb gusset: Cont in Stripe Pat, proceed as follows:
1st rnd: K16 (20-24). Inc 1 st in each of next 2 sts. Knit to end of rnd.
2nd and alt rnds: Knit.
3rd rnd: K16 (20-24). Inc 1 st in next st. K2. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to end of rnd.
5th rnd: K16 (20-24). Inc 1 st in next st. K4. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to end of rnd.
7th rnd: K16 (20-24). Inc 1 st in next st. K6. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to end of rnd.
9th rnd: K16 (20-24). Inc 1 st in next st. K8. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to end of rnd. 42 (50-58) sts.
11th rnd: K28 (32-36). Slip last 12 sts onto a safety pin (thumb opening). Knit to end of rnd.
12th rnd: Knit, casting on 2 sts over slipped sts. 32 (40-48) sts.
***Cont in Stripe Pat, knit in rnds until work from beg measures 6 (7-8) ins [15 (18-20.5) cm].
Rearrange sts as follows: 16 (20-24) sts on 1st needle. 8 (10-12) sts on 2nd needle. 8 (10-12) sts on 3rd needle.

Shape Top: 1st rnd: 1st needle: Sl1. K1. psso. Knit to last 2 sts. K2tog. 2nd needle: Sl1. K1. psso. Knit to end of needle. 3rd needle: Knit to last 2 sts. K2tog.
Dec 4 sts on every rnd, as before, until there are 8 sts. Break yarn, leaving a long end.
Thread end through rem 8 sts. Draw up and fasten securely.
Thumb: With MC, K12 from safety pin.
Pick up and knit 2 sts at base of thumb.
Divide these 14 sts onto 3 needles.
With MC, knit 9 (11-15) rnds.
Next rnd: (K2tog) 7 times.
Next rnd: (K2tog) 3 times. K1.
Break MC leaving a long end. Thread end through rem 4 sts. Draw up and fasten securely.***

LEFT MITTEN
Work from ** to ** as given for Right Mitten.
Shape thumb gusset: Cont in Stripe Pat, proceed as follows:
1st rnd: K14 (18-22). Inc 1 st in each of next 2 sts. Knit to end of rnd.
2nd and alt rnds: Knit.
3rd rnd: K14 (18-22). Inc 1 st in next st. K2. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to end of rnd.
5th rnd: K14 (18-22). Inc 1 st in next st. K4. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to end of rnd.
7th rnd: K14 (18-22). Inc 1 st in next st. K6. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to end of rnd.
9th rnd: K14 (18-22). Inc 1 st in next st. K8. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to end of rnd. 42 (50-58) sts.
11th rnd: K26 (30-34) sts. Slip last 12 sts onto safety pin (thumb opening). Knit to end of rnd.
12th rnd: Knit, casting on 2 sts over slipped sts. 32 (40-48) sts.
Work from *** to *** as given for Right Mitten.

SCARF
With MC and pair of needles, cast on 33 sts.
1st row: (RS). Purl.
2nd and 3rd rows: Knit.
4th row: Purl.
Last 4 rows form Texture Pat.
First 4 rows of Stripe Pat are complete.
Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last 4 rows of Texture Pat until work from beg measures 46 ins [117 cm], ending with RS facing for next row. Cast off knitwise.
Fringe: Cut A 10 ins [25.5 cm] long. Take 4 strands tog, fold in half and knot into fringe 3/4 inch [2 cm] apart across each end of scarf. Trim fringe evenly.

‘Thoughtful Thursday’ Helpful Tips When Knitting For Charity

I think one reason we all knit for charity is because the need is literally everywhere. The need for charity knitting is as far away as the other side of the world, and it is as close as our own downtown areas and even our own neighborhoods. 
 Do you find, either occasionally or more often than not, that you would like to touch members of your own community with your charity knitting? I know I do. 
Knitting for someone else who has a greater need than yourself often helps put your problems in perspective. Many knitters enjoy knitting for charity, but if you’ve never done it before you may not know where to start. 
 I want to offer you some options to consider when you would like to donate your charity knitting projects a little closer to home. 



Stuffed toys: Make stuffed toys such as teddy bears, monkeys, and dolls, and offer them to places such as fire houses, hospitals, social service departments, and police departments. Such toys can be genuine godsends for children in traumatic situations, such as long-term illnesses, fires, and cases of abuse and neglect.

Hats and scarves: Most towns have homeless shelters, and I have yet to hear of one that will turn away a box of knitted hats and scarves. Particularly in areas where winters are extremely cold, these are a tremendous help to shelter residents. Domestic violence shelters will often take them, as well. 

Blankets: Afghans can also be donated to homeless and domestic violence shelters. Lap blankets and baby blankets can be donated to hospitals, where they may be used for babies, especially preemies, and those recovering from amputation surgery. 

Chemo caps: Hospitals of all kinds, especially those with cancer centers, will always be glad to accept donated caps for people who have lost their hair from chemotherapy. 

Premature baby clothing: Any hospital with a labor and delivery floor will likely be thrilled to accept hats, layette items, and blankets sized to fit preemies. 

Remember, before you take a trip to a local shelter, hospital, or fire/police department, be sure to call them ahead of time and ask if they will accept whatever you have to donate. Some may have guidelines; others may not be able to accept the items in question for one reason or another. Most, however, will be very glad to accept whatever you have to offer!

Another thing to keep in mind is that the need for garments or knitted items is all year round and not just in the winter time. Shelters and hospitals are often overwhelmed with donations at the holidays, but still need items throughout the year. There are nunerous international organisations who require knitted items and may have a local Office near  you or a collection point not too far away. 


Links to other ‘Thoughful Thursday’ posts you might like:

‘Lily’ Love In the Language of Yarn
Knit A Square
Military Heros
Sands Stillbirth and Neonatal Death
Cure Caps
Hugs for Homeless Animals
Loving Hands
Teddies for Tragedies
The Mending Hearts Project
Knit With Love
Keeping cancer victims warm
Lisas Stars
Bridge and Beyond
Strickpate
Oxfam
The Pink Slipper Project
Click for Babies
Upon Butterfly Wings
Recovery Buddies
Purple Stitch Project (PSP)

‘Thoughtful Thursday’ ‘LILY’- Love In the Language of Yarn.

It’s just 7 months since we started ‘LILY’ – Love In the Language of Yarn We provide hand knit and crocheted items for children mainly orphans but any child in need.

Our first assignment is to help provide blankets for the Syrian refugees in Turkey.
As we are a small and new organisation we set a target of 100 blankets and put out a plea for knit or crocheted  8inch squares which will then be sewn together to form blankets. The response has been awesome! We soon met the target and upped it to 250 and in a short time we busted that target too! Todate we have sent 1,292 blankets to enough to give every refugee child in Two camps a blanket and we have another 704 blankets completed and over 2,000 squares, almost enough to supply a third camp. Thankyou! 
But please remember there are now over 10,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey, 60% of these are women and children, and very soon the weather will change and it will be cold!

For our second assignment we  teamed up with several non profit organisations in Turkey helping to raise awareness of premature births, and asked to help provide knitted garments for several neonatal intensive care units in Aydin, Izmir and Bodrum again the response was awesome! We recently payed our second visit to 3 NICU hospital wards and took 20 layettes to each hospital and again we have recieved further donations of 24 hats, 15 cardigans, 36 pairs of booties and 28 baby blankets. Thankyou so much you are awesome ! but please carry on 🙂

Our third assignment is that we are  working alongside the Humanitarian Relief Foundation and at this time they have 2175 orphans in their care here in Turkey. Next week I will be visiting an orphanage in Kayseri, Turkey with a group of volunteers. The orphange is home to 115 children at the moment. We asked for help knitting and crocheting hats, scaves and gloves for these orphans, again we were bowled over by the response and at the moment we have 110 sets to help keep these children warm in the winter months. Thankyou! We are just a couple short.


            
A Big Thankyou!  to everyone who has helped and please can we have loads more…..! 


Your help is really appreciated.

Email dbjones5559@yahoo.com for the postal address. You can also find us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn

‘Lily’ is supported by businesses and individuals in Turkey,Uk, Austrailia, US and Germany whether it be donations of yarn, Knitting and Crocheting or transportation of completed blankets to receiving agencies.

‘Lily’ has no paid employees.  All the good work is done on a strictly volunteer basis.

‘Lily’ wishes to thank all those private individuals and businesses which support us.  Without you, there would be no ‘Lily’ – Love In the Language of Yarn.  We work hard for the day when we are no longer needed to help keep Children warm.

Dianne Jones – Founder of  ‘Lily’- Love In the Language of Yarn.

‘Thoughtful Thursday’ The Pink Slipper Project

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is one of the great tragedies of our society. The women who escape from their dangerous life circumstances, particularly with their children, are nothing less than heroines. When they arrive at women’s shelters, they often have escaped with very little possessions, security, or self-esteem.

Today’s ‘Thoughtful Thursday’ features, The Pink Slipper Project, founded by Joyce Lucas which offers a way to help these women and children.I hope as you read more you will find out what you can do to contribute and help these survivors take steps towards healing. Domestic violence shelters offer protection and healing for women and children escaping from abusive situations. But escaping to a shelter is just the first step. Their sense of security and self-worth has been battered, and they may struggle to accept that they are worthy of kindness.

The Pink Slipper Project seeks to help by collecting and distributing handmade slippers to shelters all over the country for these survivors. Not only do these slippers warm their feet, a valuable asset, when you consider how often abuse survivors must leave without many, if any, of their belongings, but they also serve as a tangible reminder that someone cared enough to offer their time and efforts to provide a gift.

Your slipper contribution does not need to be pink, and the slippers do not need to be made using any specific slipper pattern, but they do need to be handmade, warm and, of course, new. Whether it be one pair of slippers you are donating or 20, your contribution is just as important.

Visit the Project’s website and their facebook page wich offers guidelines, lists of needed donations, free slipper patterns, and challenges to help make the knitting and donation process more motivating and enjoyable.

Here’s a message from Rachel from The Pink Slipper Project:

Hi, and thank you for your interest in The Pink Slipper Project. I’m Rachel, manager of the Facebook page, standing in for Joyce Lucas, the founder, who is on medical leave of absence. We specialize in slippers. They can be knit, crocheted, sewn in any pattern, any colors, in sizes from toddlers to ladies.

Slippers donated by our members are sent to women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The members of PSP donated purple (the color of DVAM) slippers to Comfort Scarves of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Barbara, the founder, sent the slippers and scarves made by her members to the 11 shelters she services in SW PA. All these handmade slippers and scarves will bring comfort to those who receive them.

Every day 3 women die from domestic violence. 

1 in 4 women suffer domestic abuse.

We have one challenge active at this time. We are sending slippers, knit or crocheted washcloths, and handmade teddy bears/small handmade toys to Comfort Scarves for their Holiday Project. We’d love to have your help. They can use as many slippers as we can send.

Please join us on our Facebook page – The Pink Slipper Project. One pair of handmade slippers will go a long way to warming soles and healing souls.

To continue thier work, lots and lots of slippers are needed! They can be knitted, crocheted or stitched with a sewing machine or by hand. There are FREE patterns for all types of slippers on the patterns page on the web site.

Here’s a pattern to help you start.

Cosy Slippers.

You Will Need:

2 skeins of Chunky type yarn any color. I chose pink as it’s breast cancer awareness month.
Size 10  (6mm)knitting needles, large plastic needle, regular sewing needle and thread and 2 decorative buttons. This makes one pair of slippers.

Tension 4 sts  and 6 rows (3 garter stitch ridges) = 1 inch

Available in small, medium and large size

Outer Moc:
Cast on 29 (35-41) sts
Row 1: Knit across.
Row 2: K9(11-13), *P1,K9(11-13), repeat from *once more.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until  30 (34-38) rows have been knit.

Shape Toe:
Row 1: P1, *K1,P1, repeat from *across row
Row 2: K1, *P1,K1, repeat from *across row
Repeat these 2 rows until you have 12 rows (14-16) then work row 1 once more, cut off yarn leaving an 8” end.

Finishing:
 Draw 8” end through remaining sts and pull up tightly, then sew with large plastic needle from beginning of ribbing to form toe. Fold cast one edge in half and sew inside seam for center back. Make 2 pom-poms and tie to each front side tightly and knot to inside of slipper or decoration of your choice, buttons, ribbons etc.

Please join The Pink Slipper Project today! Help them warm the hearts and toes of women and children in need. You will be helping make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.