By Sandy McDonald

Caring hands all around the world.

Compassion, defined as sympathetic concern and pity for the suffering of others, is nowhere more evident than among the tens of thousands who crochet and knit for charity.

These good folk literally weave their care for others into billions of stitches each year to make hats, scarves, sweaters and blankets for those who have little, but whose lives will be hugely improved by being warm.

What compels someone to spend money, time, effort and thought on stitching a garment for a total stranger? In a world where most are consumed with the ups and downs of daily life, and stretching an already tight budget the extra distance to help others feels like an impost, why do they pick up their needles and hooks and use their precious yarn in pursuit of warming others?

Yes, it is true that many would say they are merely upholding their Christian values to care for the poor.

But for others it seems it is the sense of community that those who craft engender in one another that spurs them on. The knowledge that singly they have little, but collectively they have power. The power to make a difference.

Anyone who spends time on the many hundreds of blogs and forums devoted to the craft, and crocheting or knitting for charity in particular will find testimonies to the hands of friendships extended across continents.

Collective power is contained in that friendship and together with a commitment to a cause radiates an extraordinary beneficence, not only for those that are being helped but for those that are helping.

This is beautifully exemplified in these two powerful statements from women making blankets for AIDS orphans.

Sue wrote on a forum: “… I imagined all of us around the world busy with our needles and building up friendships – and although the task may be enormous so many blessings are happening to each person involved no matter how large or small a part we play…” and Pam wrote: “As I was reluctantly putting away my knitting to go to bed last night, it occurred to me that with us all around the world, there must always be someone knitting away at any hour. That was quite an amazing thought really – an unbroken chain of everyone working together for others. Caring hands all around the world! ”

Reflect on “caring hands all around the world” for a moment. In what other forum or endeavor can we draw the same analogies? To who else can we appeal universally to help and know that if you are found and your cause is sound, you will be joined by caring hands from around the world.

The knitters, crocheters (and sewers) of the world, those who stitch with compassion, remind one of the young men who rose to the clarion call to pick up arms and fight for freedom in the last two terrible world wars of the last century. But in this case the needles and hooks draw no blood, deprive no one of loved ones. Instead they bind you in the warm friendship of your fellow crafters in a sense of mutual achievement.

And as Janet said: “Reading every one’s shared feelings about the creative process when it is used to serve others makes me realize that there truly is a “circle” of friends forming here in cyberspace. The metaphors equating crocheting and knitting to active (and I might add universal) prayer and meditation underscore the bond that many of us are beginning to feel….. I too think about who will receive the items that I make and give away to those in need and imagine these things as both physical and spiritual ‘cocoons.’ I joined this group less than a month ago and already I have received much more than I have given.

Sandy McDonald, co-founder knit-a-square.com
A KasCare Program
http://www.knit-a-square.com
Keeping AIDS orphans warm

Article Source: Sandy McDonald == Compassion and Those Who Knit and Crochet

A great hobby that is very gratifying and useful is crocheting. The number of projects you can create with crochet are endless. The best thing about it is that your creations can come in handy at home or as gifts. Crocheting is not just a hobby, there are many advantages to it.

Arts and crafts can get expensive but learning to crochet is not costly at all. To get started all you need are a few simple tools that won’t cost you much; therefore, learning to crochet ought to be an attractive hobby to try out.

In addition, you only need to learn three basic stitches to understand what crocheting is all about. Once you feel comfortable with these stitches, you can start a small and easy project. It’s always best to start with something basic to build your confidence.

As you learn the basic stitches of: chain, single crochet and double crochet practice, practice, practice. Attempt to make your stitches always the same, not too loose, not too tight. If you feel frustrated, set it aside and come back to it after a little while. Don’t give up on the first or second try.

As soon as you feel comfortable with the initial steps to crocheting, you should be ready to start pretty much any project you want. You will have a blast making your own hats, scarves, blankets, etc… Just leave the more challenging ones for later.

Furthermore, have you imagined all the savings you can have by creating fantastic and economic gifts for the entire family? Who doesn’t like a unique hand made creation such as a great scarf or a warm hat? Baby items are some of the most practical and useful things to make.

Completing your own crochet creations will give you a positive sense of achievement and confidence. Allowing yourself to be creative through your crochet projects will bring you lots of joy and admiration from those around you.

Once you learn to crochet, you can pass on your knowledge to those around you. Many families share crochet pieces for generation after generation. Crochet heirlooms can be a sign of pride and family tradition.

If what you want is something soothing and peaceful, then crocheting is the what you are looking for. Not only do you get to be creative and giving, but it is also so rewarding and inexpensive. Let crocheting give you the opportunity to express yourself and start a new tradition in your family.