'Thoughful Thursday' Knit for 'LILY'

The charity featured today on Thoughful Thursday is very close to my heart. I have set up 'Lily'-Love In the Language of Yarn in memory of my grand-daughter Lily Iris Gibson born sleeping 18th July 2010.
Our Mission is To bring love and a smile to all children in need around the world. We provide hand knit and crocheted items for children, mainly orphans but any child in need. We are a new organisation and have three areas where we need your Help.


Plea 1. 

Knit a Square For Syria.

Please consider making a square or two with your odds and ends. It's a great way to bust your stash. The squares will be joined to form blankets and  given to IHH- Humanitarian Relief Foundation to be taken to Syrian refugees in Turkey. Turkey has seven camps housing more than 29,500 Syrians  the highest number taking shelter in Turkey at one time since the start of the uprising some 15 months ago. 'Lily' - Love In the Language of Yarn has been asked to help provide blankets especially for the many children refugees. In the short time we have been established we have made a staggering 347 blankets - enough to give one to each child in just one of the camps in Turkey near the Syrian border. A gift of a handmade blanket will bring comfort and warmth to Syrian people especially children who continue to suffer from oppression and war. Your lovingly made gift will send a message of concern and hope to these refugees. Your participation is important.!  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 someone gets a warm and colourful, cover for their bed!

Plea 2.

 For our second assignment we have teamed up with several non profit organisations in Turkey helping to raise awareness of premature births, and have been asked to help provide knitted garments for several neonatal intensive care units in Aydin, Izmir and Bodrum. 
Premature birth occurs in between 8 % to 10% of all pregnancies. Because they are born too early, preemies weigh much less than full-term babies. They may have health problems because their organs did not have enough time to develop. Preemies need special medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. They stay there until their organ systems can work on their own. Premature babies are amazing – they can grow and thrive despite huge obstacles, and catch up to full-term babies in both size and development. Please Help us to knit for premature babies.

Plea 3.
We work alongside the Humanitarian Relief Foundation and at this time they have 2175 orphans in their care here in Turkey, and 25,000 across 35 countries. Children who are deprived of the care of their parents due to wars, natural disasters, poverty or health problems.In September 2012 I will be visiting an orphanage in Kayseri, Turkey with a group of volunteers. The orphange is home to 115 children at the moment. I hope to take with me a parcel for each child. I am busy knitting a 'Lily' Bear for each child. Knitters and Crocheters I need your help! Age groups are 3-6yrs, 7-10yrs and 12-14yrs. Boys and Girls. Hat, scarf, glove sets for each child.






















It is the children who are affected most by the troubles in regions hit by conflicts, hunger and wars.

Please Help If You Can!

You can also find us at:  https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn where I will be adding more knitting and crochet patterns, links to patterns and information updated daily.

'Lily' is supported by businesses and individuals in Turkey, whether it be donations of yarn, Knitting and Crocheting or transportation of completed blankets and garments 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.

'Thoughful Thursady' Knitting Winter Warmers for Orphans.

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!

In September 2012 I will be visiting an orphanage in Kayseri, Turkey with a group of volunteers. The orphange is home to 115 children at the moment. I hope to take with me a parcel for each child. I am busy knitting a 'Lily' Bear for each child. Knitters and Crocheters I need your help! Age groups are 3-6yrs, 7-10yrs and 12-14yrs. Boys and Girls. Hat, scarf, glove sets for each child 
Can you help?
If you can we would need to recieve them by 12th september 2012.
For more information on 'LILY' to can find us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn

It is the children who are affected most by the troubles in regions hit by conflicts, hunger and wars.

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' - Knit With Love

Today our featured Charity is 'Knit With Love.'

Knit With Love was founded by Lindsay Baxter as a high school student in Orange County, California. She learned to knit at a young age, and built up a large inventory of scarves and beanies (hats). The giving of her first knitted beanie to her grandmother who was going through chemotherapy, and seeing how much happiness it brought her was one of her main reasons for starting this charity. A few days before Christmas in 2008 Lindsay went to downtown Los Angeles to pass out knitted items to the local homeless people and seeing how much appreciation there was for these simple items, was inspired to continue on with this. Since then Knit With Love has donated over 1,200 items to people in need in twenty-three countries. They have donated items to homeless children and adults in America, impoverished people all over the world, and kids in cancer wards in hospitals.

Knit With Love is focused on providing scarves, beanies, blankets and other knitted clothing to people in need. The gift of a scarf or cap can bring joy to a person in a time of need, and brighten up their life.Every item donated is knit with love and with a specific purpose in mind. The goal is to provide warmth, hope, and love to people in need. They donate items to homeless people, impoverished children abroad, premature babies, people going through cancer treatments, and are always looking for more deserving people to give to.

How You Can Help

Knitters are invited to help by providing much needed scarves, beanies, blankets and other knitted items and even if you don’t knit, you can donate yarn and needles to help knit items for people in need.You can ship it via UPS or other carrier to the address below.

Ship Donations To: Knit With Love.
32565 Golden Lantern, Suite B, # 190.
Dana Point, California 92629

Knit With Love is committed to giving warmth through knitted items. With the support of many sponsors and supporters, are able to maximize the effect of every dollar received. Knit With Love is an all volunteer charity, and make every dollar count. If you’d like to make a financial donation information is on the web site.

The link to Knit with Love web site is: http://www.knitwithlove.org

If you have any questions about donating please email info@knitwithlove.org
If you know of a person in need, or a charity/organization that helps people, and you feel that Knit With Love can help by providing knit items, please contact them, they would love to help in any way possible. . Help put a smile on a deserving person’s face today!.

Are you’re looking for a way to use up your leftover yarn?
Please help Lindsay and her team and ‘Knit With Love’.

Jake's Twilight Beanie

Jacob "Jake" Black is a fictional character in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer He is described as a Native American of the Quileute tribe in La Push, near Forks, Washington. In the second book of the series, he undergoes a transformation that allows him to morph into a wolf
 As a werewolf  Jacob needs a hat that can be pulled very low over his eyes and ears. Very stretchy is also good for him, because his head shape may change. This pattern is based on a beanie he wore in that series, is very easy and knits up fast.

Materials:

100grms- Chunky type yarn

6mm (US10)  needles

Embroidery needle for weaving in ends and sewing seam.

Gauge: 10cm x 10cm = 18 stitches x 22 rows on 6mm needles.

Abbreviations:
K – knit
Kfb – knit into the front and back of the stitch

K2tog – knit two stitches together
P - purl
Rep – repeat
St st - stockinette stitch

Instructions:


Cast on 75 sts

Row 1 : *k1 p2; rep from * to end
Row 2 : * k2, p1, rep from* to end
Repeat these two rows until row 30 is completed.
Row 31: kfb, knit to end (76 sts)
Row 32 : purl
Continue in St st until work measures 8cm from top of ribbing.

Crown Decreases
Row 1: (k9, k2tog) 6 times, k10 (70 sts)
Row 2 and all alternate rows: purl
Row 3: (k8, k2tog) 7 times (63 sts)
Row 5: (k7, k2tog) 7 times (56 sts)
Row 7: (k6, k2tog) 7 times (49 sts)
Row 9: (k5, k2tog) 7 times (42 sts)
Row 11: (k4, k2tog) 7 times (35 sts)
Row 13: (k3, k2tog) 7 times (28 sts)
Row 15: (k2, k2tog) 7 times (21 sts)
Row 17: (k1, k2tog) 7 times (14 sts)
Row 19: (k2tog) 7 times (7 sts)
Break off yarn and thread through remaining sts with a yarn needle. Pull tight and
secure. Sew seam and weave in ends.

Earthquake Victims Need Help!

In september I dedicated this blog to Knitting for charity and covered many worthy causes that need knitters help. Now I am asking for help as an  7.2 Earth quake has hit Van in Eastern Turkey and blankets are urgently needed as temperatures are due to drop. The quake hit yesterday triggering the collapse of buildings and killing many people, at least 10 buildings in central Van and 25 buildings in the Erciş district, including a dormitory, collapsed. Aid teams handed out parcels of bread and food, while people wrapped in blankets huddled around open fires after spending a cold night on the streets. Blankets and warm clothing are urgently needed.

Knitters Can Help!

To make and send 8"/20cm squares takes little time, costs little and DOES make a difference.

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 or wool. worsted (USA), double knit (UK)

Size 6mm needles (Aus) 4 (UK, Canada) 10 (US

1.Cast on 32 stitches (try to make your stitches neither too loose nor too tight to help ensure uniform squares)

2. Row 1: knit

3. Row 2: knit. These two rows form the 'garter' stitch knitting pattern for your square

4. Continue knitting as per these two rows until you have knitted a square

5. To ensure you square is 8"/20cm either use a tape measure or form a triangle by folding one corner of your square over to meet the opposite corner - if all sides are equal - then you have a square!                            

6. Cast off
7. Use your yarn sewing needle to sew in all the yarn ends using a darning method

VERY IMPORTANT

Leave a one metre (one and a quarter yards) length of your yarn attached to your work after you have cast off. This will be used to join the squares together. If you're an experienced knitter and enjoy working with different stitches, (eg stocking, moss, basket weave) or a combination of stitches and patterns, then please enjoy yourself and be creative with your squares.
Apart from blankets also scarfs, hats mittens also needed.

Please Help If You Can

Once you have your knitted (or crochet) donation please get intouch to arrange delivery you can reach me by leaving a message here (don't forget to leave your contact details)
or www.facebook.com/knittinggalore
or dbjones5559@yahoo.com
or dbjones5559@hotmail.co.uk