Hi all!

The Martha O'Bryan center is still finding ways to disburse your donations.  Please take a look at what they are doing with your donations here:
http://www.marthaobryan.org/community/2012-11-newsletter#knit

Thank you for all your time and commitment to Knits for Needs!

Keep the yarn flying,
Michelle

Cleaned out the knitting stock!!

Hi all! Well, all the items I received for Knits for Needs for the year are donated!! Thank you all for your time, dedication, and knit and crochet items.  This has been a wonderful year.

We gave to the Martha O'Bryan center.  Take a look at their comment on the last posting! They thanked us and were very glad to receive all your hand made goodies! Thanks again for giving people warm heads and happy hearts. We also gave to Precious Preemies.  They commented on twitter that they were very thankful to get the little tiny assortment of hats; and attached a picture. The ladies for Hope Gardens were thankful to get our little monsters that we sent to them, they say the children look forward to the monsters each year.

 I had 49 balls/skeins of yarn left--I have donated that to a local high school that had no yarn to use to teach the students to knit and crochet.  What better use than to create more knitters and crocheters?!  Their teacher Phillis C. was extremely happy to receive the donation; when she had no yarn she wasn't quite sure what she was going to do.

Thank you so much for your yarn donation, knit items, crochet items, time, dedication, and commitment to Knits for Needs! This has been a great year.  I will still continue to collect things all year round, so keep them coming.  In the mean time I will be looking for more places in need of handmade knit/crochet items. If any of you have any ideas please don't hesitate to email me at knitsforneeds@gmail.com; I would be glad to hear from you!

Keep the yarn flying,
michelle

Delivery!

Hi all! This week I made a trip out to the Martha O'Bryan center to drop off all the knit goodies you guys have been sending in!! On the way there I stopped by the post office and there was a big box of beautiful knit and crochet items from Shirley S. in Colorado!  This included 9 hat and matching sock sets, 4 pairs of socks, 4 knit bears, 3 hat and matching sweater sets, 3 sets of froggie slippers (with the no-slip patch sewn on the botton--how cute is that!), and 3 sock hats!!

The total items donated:  71 hats from baby to adult, 8 scarves, 1 pair adult mittens, 1 pair child mittens, 8 washclothes, 6 bears, 1 snowman, 3 froggie slippers, 9 hat/sock sets, and 3 hat/sweater sets.

I sent 6 preemie hats to MamasHealth in California. They collect preemie hats and give them to local hospitals.

Last but not least, I sent 2 monsters to the Hope Garden and Bonnie J. She collects monsters for children at an abused women and children's shelter and gives a little cute monster to each of the kids at Christmas time.

Thank you so much for all of your hard work and your donations!! You are what makes Knits for Needs what it is! I will still continue to collect all year round, so keep sending me your items. I still have a lot of yarn if anyone needs any more. Also, I plan to donate some yarn to a local school that teaches their students to knit in home economics class.

Thanks again for all of your support. Keep up the good work!

Keep the yarn flying,
michelle

Exciting stuff....

Hi all! It has been a busy couple of weeks! I got several more donations--check them out!!

These cutie hats come from Reem F. in Georgia. Thank you so much, Reem!

These hats come from Tess R. in Wisconsin. Thanks so much--so warm and soft!

All these hats come from Marge and The Knitting Angels in Texas! Fantastic. Thank you so much!! 

All the kids at Martha O'Bryan are going to love all of these hats! Thank you so much all of you for your hard work and donations. You have no idea what impact you will make for those in need. I will be taking these and many more over there sometime in the next couple weeks. It is starting to get colder here in Tennessee. I'll keep you updated. 

Thanks once again to everyone that has donated so far this year. You are making a difference!

Keep the yarn flying, 

Michelle 

Craft Girls Talk

Hi all.

A few posts ago I talked about an author interviewing about Knits for Needs. Jennifer Forest has now published that book of interviews with Knits for Needs in it. Yahoo!!  You can get the book free this weekend (sorry I am posting this late) for your Kindle it ends midnight California, USA time.

Also, check her website out at http://jenniferforest.typepad.com/jennifer-forest/

Keep the yarn flying,

Michelle

Yarn Donation!!

Got another yarn donation!! 6 big skeins in fall colors:

... and a cowl from Sarah Kate F. in Tennessee. Thanks a lot, these will make some warm goodies for someone!

If anyone is interested in knitting up one or more of those balls of yarn, just email me at knitsforneeds@gmail.com and I'll send them right to you.

KYF,
michelle

Gala called Cornerstone Gala

Hi all. I recently blogged about the Northcrest Gala. It is called the Cornerstone Gala. The items will go live for auction online on October 25th, and whatever the price is online will be the starting bid at the Gala on November 10th, if no one bids at the Gala then it will sell for the online price at the end of the night. If you are interested in having your personal/business information on your item, please send a business card with it or a card with your contact information with it. I will also attach a little card that has Knits for Needs on it, too.

These are the benefactors of the NorthCrest foundation:



Facility Improvements – Currently, the Foundation is raising funds for a cancer education library that will be located within the new medical office building that will house oncology services.  The library will be stocked with pamphlets and books on all types of cancer, nutritional guidelines, social support materials, and other helpful information.  

• Equipment Purchases – The NorthCrest Foundation helped fund the purchase of state-of-the-art $1.2 million CardioCatheterization Lab equipment and the placement of AEDs in every school in Robertson and Cheatham Counties. The Foundation is currently underwriting an ImPACT testing system for all local high schools that evaluates possible concussions as a result of athletic participation.

• NorthCrest Hospice – provides end-of-life support for more than 120 individuals per year, equaling approximately 4800 days of service, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

• Camp T.A.G. – a grief support camp for children who have lost a parent to death, deployment, divorce, incarceration, etc.  Camp T.A.G. has assisted over 700 children from our community.

• Martha’s Song – a program that provides financial support to Robertson County cancer patients.  Martha’s Song has assisted approximately 100 cancer patients with needs not covered by insurance with items such as compression sleeves, wigs and turbans, breast prostheses, medications, gas to treatments, bras, adult diapers, oxygen and nutritional drinks.

• Flu Shots/Diabetes Testing – Approximately 2,000 flu shots are provided in the rural communities of Robertson County each year at no charge, and A1C Diabetes Testing and Education offered at numerous community events.

Stayed tuned, as I get more information, I'll put it here!

Also, I wanted to clarify: my first trip to the Martha O'Bryan center will be mid-October. If you don't get your stuff to me by then, I'll just make another trip later or send your items somewhere else. All items, will go someone who needs it!!

KYF,
michelle

NorthCrest Gala

Hi all! I have exciting news! I have been approached about donating items for auction for the NorthCrest Gala. NorthCrest is a local community hospital near me. They have several programs that are free to their patients and the community one of which is CampTAG a grief camp for children who have lost a loved one.

They are having an auction and she says that hand made items usually sell very well, so wanted to see if we would be interested. I am still working on getting more information and will be blogging about it as I get it. So stay tuned in!!

This is what I know about it, they will be auctioning off these items to the highest bidder and the money goes to the NorthCrest Foundation. The auction will go live (online) on October 25th, ideally would like to have the items a couple weeks before to get them on and so people can start looking at what they want. The gala is not until November.

Let me know if any of you are interested in this. Of course if you have your own shops/sell your own stuff we can attach your card and information to it. It will also have donated to/by Knits for Needs and your information--however it is best to put both identifications on there. If you send things please let me know where you would like to donate them if you have a preference.

Any thoughts or ideas let me know! You can email me or respond here! Look forward to hearing from any of you!

Keep the yarn flying,
Michelle

P.S. Still collecting for the Martha O'Bryan center, it is usually cold around here by Halloween, so plan to donate these items to them, maybe mid-October! I'll try to tally a count soon. Anyone need yarn?

What I have been up to...

Hi all! So I started knitting mittens without a pattern. So this is my first pair without a pattern; I cast on 24 stitches the cuff is ribbed and on from there.

So, I naturally thought that if I cast on 16 stitches that I would get a glove that was about child size. This is what I ended up with, which I think is hilarious!

I guess they would fit an infant, but usually those little mitts don't have thumbs!

Also, I have a monster for Hope Gardens. My 5yo helped with the colors and design. She has good ideas.

Here are some little preemie hats, it is hard to see how big they are... the little pink one is about 1in wide and 2in high. They are knit ribbed, so they stretch a lot. I knit these from a pattern and sizing guidelines from Bev's Country cottage. I have a link to her website on the sidebar to the left (the first one) if anyone is interested in some guidance on how big a preemie head is. She also has sizes for each tiny preemie, little bit bigger preemie, infant, child, etc.

Some washclothes and hat, I'm crushing on mitered squares right now....

Hope this finds you all well and knitting/crocheting like crazy!!

KYF,
Michelle

Martha O'Bryan Center

Hi all. Just wanted to remind you all that I am still collecting for the Martha O'Bryan center in Nashville, TN. They serve about 4000 people a year and 1000 of them are children. It would be great to get little hats and mittens for all of there little heads and hands!! I know it's a tall order, but I think we can do it!!

And remember if you need yarn I have some, just email me your address to knitsforneeds@gmail.com.

Keep the yarn flying!!!

Michelle

interview follow up

The interview is done. Hope this gets Knits for Needs out there more so we can help more people with our knitting/crocheting!! Thanks to those who commented. I will let you know more later when I know.

The book Crafty Girls Talk should be published some time in September, the author Jennifer Forest tells me. You can follow her on twitter @Jen_forest. She has other published books, too--Jane Austen's Sewing Box, Jane Austen's Door  and Confessions of My Friends. 


Hope all is well and everyone's happily knitting away!

Michelle

interview

Hi all. I just wanted to update you on the goings on. Our item count is at 40 right now! Thank you so much for all the donations and time that you guys put in. I will for sure find homes for them, what we have now will go to the Martha O'Bryan Center here in Nashville. I do have a few preemie hats that I have knit up that I will find homes for.

I still have lots of yarn for anyone who needs some. If you would like to donate for us, but don't have a yarn stash or would like to knit of some of the yarn I have and send it back, please email me at knitsforneeds@gmail.com with your mailing address and name and I will get it out to you ASAP!

Also, I have been contacted by Jennifer F. about "putting together a book of interviews of crafty girls from around the world, exploring how people take their creativity and love of craft (be that knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, sewing etc)." I happily agreed to do this and hope the word will get out about what we are and what we do even more than it already is. I will keep you up to date about this process and try to get a link or something to the interview. If there is anything you think needs to be mentioned about KFN, let me know here or by email.

One of the questions was how it got started and that prompted me to reviews the last several years in detail and all I can say is WOW!! Way to go Meridith and all the fantastic knitters/crocheters out there!!! You guys are fantastic. 2009--634 items donated. 2010--1070 items donated and 2011--418 items. You all are truly amazing!!

A question on here for you gals/guys is, "what motivates your knitters?" Let me know by twitter @knitsforneeds or knitsforneeds@gmail.com or reply here. I'm excited to hear from you!

Keep the yarn flying,
Michelle

June givings/updates

Hi all!! Lots of great things happening at KFN!! First of all I'd like to go 2 posts back and get some promised pictures of those beautiful tunisian knit hats!! I got some close ups here, too. Hopefully you can see them well enough to appreciate them.

Now back one post.... WE GOT YARN BOMBED!!!!!!! So fantastic!! From Melanie in Kansas!!!! I can't even believe the amount of yarn we have been bombed with from her. Here are some of the pictures, two big boxes that seem bottomless. These pictures don't quite do them justice, but this is awesome! Some people have asked me for yarn, will try to send it out soon! Anyone else interested in knitting some of this yarn up and sending it back email me and let me know how many skeins/balls you want, we have been blessed!! 

Also, I received some knit things from Carol in Hawaii. She knit up some cutie bears, a pirate monster and washclothes that will go to the Martha O'Bryan center! They will love them! My 5 yo daughter said "these bears are so cutie" then said "wow, Mom this is a lot of knitting time, that's so nice." And I think she has it right. Thank you, Carol!





 I am humbled by the outpouring of giving from you all this month.

Keep the yarn flying,
michelle

Hi all. I am soliciting for yarn! I have some eager yarners who would love to take your donated yarn and create items for Knits for Needs. If any of you have any yarn you would like to donate or just any stashed yarn you want to get rid of, please, send it my way and I'll get it to them!! Happy yarning!!

KYF,
michelle

more stuff and monsters

Hi all! It is so wonderful to stop by the post office and find a box from one of you!!! Today 14! hats from Lynne in GA with promises of more to come. Thanks, Lynne! They are so beautiful! (what is that pattern by the way? I love it!)
I would attach some lovely photos, but I can't get my new camera to act right. I'll get them on here when I can.

Also, There is a lady name Bonnie on Ravelry that collects knit/crochet monsters for Hope Gardens (a shelter for abused women and their children). She says they house about 49 children right now, but obviously this is dynamic. I would like us to send some monsters her way!! If you all want to get in on this just send the monsters to the Knits for Needs address and I will get them to her when I collect some. Looks like she donates around the holidays, so now is making and collecting time before we get into our own holiday knitting! If you want to check her out on ravelry look up Monsters for Hope Gardens. There is also a forum started there with the same name if it is easier for you to comment that way. Of course you can always email me at knitsforneeds@gmail.com or comment on twitter @knitsforneeds.
Thanks for all support and followings! Happy yarn working!

Keep the yarn flying,
Michelle

donation site

Hi all! Amanda at the Martha O'Bryan center contacted me and they would be glad to get anything we can give them. They serve about 4000 individuals a year 1000 of those are children. I was thinking we could make stuffed toys for the children, they do request that the stuffed items are new for health reasons. Also, we could donate some hats and scarves to them when the weather starts to get cooler again around here. They could use washclothes, too.

I know this is a tall order, but we can do what we can and we may surprise ourselves!! Let me know what you think or any ideas you may have. Thanks for being a part of this!

Keep the yarn flying,
michelle

places to donate

Hi all!
I just wanted let everyone know what I've been up to... doing some research on who may need our help in the Nashville area. I have come up with a couple things.
The first is called the Monroe Harding Home, it has been an orphanage since 1843, they house children and teens. They also have stepwise programs and housing for older teens/young adults that helps them transition into independent living. It says they are always in need of clothes, toiletries, household items, et al. I thought maybe they could use some of our hats, scarves and maybe we could knit/crochet them up some wash clothes and maybe some toys as well. I contacted them to see if they thought these kinds of things would be helpful to them. I'll let you know what they say! If you want to take a look at their website: www.monroeharding.org

The next is called the Martha O'Bryan Center. It serves the impoverished people of east Nashville. They "empowers children, youth, and adults in poverty to transform their lives through work, education, employment and fellowship." They have daycare, afterschool programs, tutoring and mentoring among other things. I have also contacted them. Will keep you updated. Here is their website: www.marthaobryan.org

There are some others I am still working on. I am open to ideas and value your input! Thanks for your support and donation!

'til next time!
Keep the yarn flying!
Michelle

First Shipment as the new guy

Hi all. I am so excited! Someone has knocked the dustbunnies out of the P.O. Box with the first shipment to KFN since I'm on board. Many thanks go out! Here are the goodies:

4 scarves from Robin in Massachusetts
10 hats, 3 scarves from Linda in Connecticut and $ for shipping.
1 Ball of yarn from Emily in Tennessee.
Thanks a lot ladies! I'll find them all good homes and keep everyone updated on where they go.
Keep the yarn flying!

Michelle

New Director

Hi. My name is Michelle Perdue I am the new director of Knits for Needs. I love what KFN is about and I am excited to get started. I have followed KFN on ravelry and twitter for some time and was sad to see Meredith was going to have to dissolve the charity, I thought it a tragedy and am happy for the opportunity to get involved and continue getting your handmade items directly to those in need!

I am on ravelry.com as mperdue (creative, I know :)). Please continue to follow KFN on twitter @knitsforneeds and/or ravelry and this blogspot will also continue. Meredith will be closing out the facebook account, so if you follow there please follow us on one of the other avenues! Also, if you have any questions for me don't hesitate to drop an email at knitsforneeds@gmail.com.

Things are not really going to change much from what all of you are used, I will try my best to continue what Meredith has started and keep with the traditions of Knits for Needs.

Important information--the address to send your items has changed!

P.O. Box 698

White House, TN 37188

If you have sent items to the other address and are concerned please drop me an email.

I am so excited to get things rolling. Congratulations for Meredith and her family on the new addition in about 4 weeks! I know she has had a hard time and they will be blessed! I am in contact with Meredith and all her help during this transition period is much apprecitiated! I'm glad to be on board--thanks for all of your support and hanging in there during this phase as we open another chapter in the Knits for Needs saga!

Michelle

New Director!

Hello all from Meridith! I am excited to say Knits For Needs is alive and well. As you know, I have been having pregnancy complications and have been on bed rest for a month... hopefully I only have 4 more weeks to go. We are doing fine. I just have to rest a lot, drink tons of water, and monitor contractions. My theory is that my body is NOT happy with me for going for the 4th child, but it will all be worth it in the end. Our family is very excited. Oh, and to add to our stress level, my youngest son managed to break BOTH his arms a few weeks ago!

We now have a new director! Her name is Michelle Perdue and she lives in Tennessee. Please note our new address and begin sending all donations her way. I am transferring all accounts to her, so you will be hearing from her very soon. Welcome Michelle, and thank you for saving KFN!! We are so proud of the organization we have built together, and we look forward to continuing our growth.

I will still be a part of KFN, so you'll still see me "around". I just needed someone to take over shipments and things... thanks again Michelle.

Go KFN!!

New Address

Hello folks!! We now have a new address for you to send your donations. As you know, I am passing the torch to someone who has decided to step up and take over. I will introduce her asap when she sends me a "bio". Here is our new address:

Knits For Needs
PO Box 698
White House, TN 37188

All donations from this point on should be sent to the new address.

I sent out two HUGE boxes this week! One was full of hats, probably about 150, and went to The Covenant House in New York City. The Covenant House is a refuge for homeless youth. The other box was full of scarves and went to the rape crisis center in Maryland that we have donated to before. I got a call from the director yesterday and she thanked us over and over again.

So, the transition to our new "director" is happening now, but Knits For Needs continues to make things happen. Nothing will change other than a new person will be taking over. And I'll still be around too :) On a personal note, I'm having complications with the pregnancy and have to put my feet up as much a possible. I'm a teacher and a parent of 3 kids, so this is next to impossible!!! I'm not officially on bed-rest yet, but it may be coming. I'm trying to hang on for another 2 months!

Rock On Knits For Needs

Great news everyone! It looks like someone will be taking over KFN for me so we can continue to grow and donate to people in need. I am very happy about this, as I'm sure you are as well. The only thing that will change for you is where you are sending your items. I will let you know all of the new info soon!

This past week I was able to get a few things delivered:

- 3 cat toys and 1 blanket to the Humane Society
- 11 lap robes to my grandmother's nursing home
- 23 hats, 15 dish cloths to Timothy Lutheran Foodbank which is down the street from me

The great thing about delivering things locally is getting to see the people's reactions. Everyone is so grateful for us and what we do.

We still have some items to ship out, a lot in fact. I had planned on getting them shipped this past week, but didn't get to it. Everything will go out this week and I will post that info soon.

Have a great weekend!

New News, and Sad News

Hello all!! Sorry I haven't posted in a long time. As most of you know, I am expecting my fourth child in April and the beginning of the pregnancy was very rough, so I've been absent from the computer for much of that time.

Special thanks to the following people:

Terri in Ohio, for donating 9 hats.
Marcy for donating 1 scarf and 12 dishcloths
Melinda in PA for donating 7 squares
Shanda in NC for donating yarn, 1 blanket, 1 pair of booties, and 3 hats
Linda in CT for donating some money, 3 blankets, 7 hats, and 3 scarves
Myra in IL for donating 1 pair of socks and 11 hats
Diane in NM for donating 8 squares

Our number for 2011 (and the very beginning of 2012) is 418. Thank you to all who contributed to this project again this past year!

I still have more items that need to be sent off to places and I plan to do that this week. I will let you know where everything goes.

And now for some sad news. I have decided that, for a number of reasons, I am going to dissolve Knits For Needs. Actually, if someone else is interested in taking over, please let me know asap and I'll get you started. That way, Knits For Needs can stick around and continue to grow. All of the rest of our items will be donated this week, including some yarn we still have, and our remaining funds will be donated to a worthy knitting charity (ideas?). Thank you to all of our loyal supporters and contributors. This has been a wonderful experience and I wish I could keep it going, but my life has changed drastically and I can no longer run the charity. Since its humble beginnings in early 2009, Knits For Needs donated 2,112 items to people in need!! Again, please let me know if you would like to take over the charity asap.

I'll post again soon when I ship the remaining items!! And... a very late Happy New Year to you!!