'Thoughtful Thursday' Women4women

women4women-knitting4peace is a grass-roots organization dedicated to crafting hope, healing & peace one stitch at a time through non-violent compassionate action. Committed to the well-being of women and children they may never meet; they plant seeds of hope for a future they will never see. Non-violent revolutionaries armed with the power of prayer, crochet hooks & knitting needles, engaged in a compassionate fight for hope, healing, justice and peace for all women and children. No exceptions.
A non-profit organization founded in June 2006. They are a widespread community of knitters, crocheters, and supporters living in communities across the United States and Canada. Creating items individually and in groups called Peace Pods.

 Creating items that are requested wich are personally delivered to women, teens, children, and infants in global areas of conflict, including local neighborhoods and countries around the world. In 2006, when they were founded, they only made Peace Shawls for women. Since then have been asked to expand their work and currently create the following requested items:  

• Peace Shawls for women
• Peace Pals (boy & girl dolls) for children
• Scarves4Peace for children & teens
• Peace Caps for children & teens
• Blankets of Peace for families         

How to join in

Women4women-knitting4peace welcome any one and every one interested in crafting peace & justice through non-violent compassionate action. You can join by knitting or crocheting on your own; by doing it with a group of friends or a local Peace Pod; by creating a new Peace Pod; by becoming one of the Delivery Agents; or by supporting with your prayers and financial contributions. They would love to hear from you. Just go to the web site http://www.knitting4peace.org/ then to "Contact Us" page and send them a message.  

women4women-knitting4peace is dedicated to knitting together the global Beloved Community. Doing their work one person at a time ... one stitch at a time ... one delivery at a time ... one day at a time.

As they knit, crochet, or weave each item, pray for each other; pray for the recipients of the items created; pray for those who deliver the items; and pray for hope, healing and peace throughout our world.

For more information please go and look at their web site women4women-knitting4peace

'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.

World Wide Knit In Public

Better living through stitching together.

World Wide Knit in Public Day was started in 2005 by Danielle Landes.  It began as a way for knitters to come together and enjoy each other's company.  Knitting is such a solitary act that it's easy to knit alone somewhere and sink into your work without thinking about all the other knitters out there.  Neighbors could spend all their lives never knowing that the other knits.  This a specific day to get out of your house and go to a local event (with your knitting in tow) just for you and people like you.  Who knows you might even bump into your neighbor!  Consider this a spark, to ignite a fire; getting all of the closeted knitters out into fresh air.

WWKiP Day is unique, in that it's the largest knitter run event in the world.  Each local event is put together by a volunteer or a group of volunteers.  They each organize an event because they want to, not because they have to.  They bring their own fresh ideas into planning where the event should be held, and what people would like to do.  If it weren't for these volunteer hosts, WWKiP Day would still just be an idea.  So when you go to your local event, make sure you thank your host(s) and if you're inclined, bring along some yummy treats to share. 

In the past some people have used this event as a means to show the general public that not only grannies knit! and while that's great and all, keep in mind that without those grannies we wouldn't have the wealth of knitting knowledge that we do. 

WWKiP Day is really about showing the general public that knitting can be a community activity in a very distinct way.  In some places there are many different knitting groups that never interact with each other, on WWKiP Day they come together in one place, making them hard to miss.

2005 there were about 25 local events around the world.  In 2006 there were about 70 local events.  2007 there were almost 200.  In 2008 there were 800 events, and in 2009 there were 751.

Over the years there have been local events in Australia, China, England, Finland, France, Ireland, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, United States and so many more countries.

WWKiP Day takes now takes place from the second Saturday to the third Sunday of June each year; making it a week long celebration of knitting and other fiber arts.
It'n not unusual for me to be seen knitting in public, I quite often take my knitting down to the sea front. If you'd like to join me for wwkip I will be under the hand of peace statue on the sea front Kuşadasi, Turkey 11am  tuesday June 12th 2012.

You Are My Sunshine Jacket

Knit baby clothes make great beginner projects...and this easy jacket knitting pattern is so easy to make and works up quickly.  You can customize it by changing the colours, but I just love these bright sunshine colours.

Size 12 months shown in photo.


Materials
 size 9 mos (12 mos, 24 mos, 36 mos)
Size 7 needle, 
 Cotton type double knitting yarn
1 (2,2,2) skein cream (A)
1 (1,1,1) skein beige(B)
1 (1,1,1) skein orange (C)
1 (1,1,1) skein yellow (D)




ENTIRE SWEATER IS WORKED IN STOCKINETTE STITCH (st st)


BACK
With A, CO 48 (52, 56, 60) sts 
Work 4 rows, st st. 
Next row (RS): K1, *YO, K2TOG, repeat from * to end of row.
 Work in st st for 20 (22,24,26) more rows.
 Next row (RS): Change to B, begin stripe sequence as follows: 
2 rows B  
2 rows A.
2 rows C
2 rows A
2 rows D
2 rows A
 Work a total of 19 (21,23, 25) stripes ending with a beige (B) stripe. 
Next row (RS): Change to A and work 17 (18,19,20) rows. 
Cast off  loosely.




FRONTS (make two mirror image with decreases at neck edges)


With A, CO 24 (26, 28, 30) sts. 
Work 4 rows st st. 
Next row (RS): K1, *YO, K2TOG, repeat from * to end of row. 
Work in st st for 20 (22, 24, 26) more rows. 
Next row (RS): Repeat stripe sequence exactly as back for same amount of stripes.
 Change to A and work 4 rows st st.
 Next row, Cast off 5 (5,6,6) sts for neck edge.
 Continue working in st st, decreasing 1 st at neck edge every 6 (6, 7, 8) times.
 Work in even st st 2 (3,4,5) more rows and cast off.




SLEEVES (make two exactly alike)


With B, CO 45 (47,49, 51) sts Begin stripe sequence as above.
 On stripe 6, decrease 1 st at beg and end of row.
 At stripe 12, dec 1 st at beg and end of row. 
On stripe 17, dec 1 st at beg and end of row. 
If making 9 mos size, change to A after completing stripe 17. If making larger size, work (2, 4, 6) more stripes, decreasing 1 st at the beg and end of row every 6 rows. 
After changing to A, work 10 rows.
 Next row: K1, *YO, K2TOG, repeat from * to end of row. 
Work 3 additional rows in st st. 
Cast off.


FINISHING


Button hole band
With A cast on 6 sts and work in K1, P1 rib for 4 rows, 
next row (button hole) K1, P1, yo, P2tog, K1, P1
Continue working in rib  placing button holes at regular intervals until band reaches begining of neck shaping.
Button band
Work same as button hole band excluding button holes.




Collar 
 Begining just after the button hole band  pick up and knit in 20sts evenly, 46 (52, 58,64) sts from the back, then 20 sts evenly to just before the button band.  86 (92, 98,104) sts.
Work evenly in st st for  2.5'' (3,3, 3.5)'' Then K1,*YO, K2TOG, repeat from * to end of row 
Work 3 rows st st
Cast off. 
Fold over and sew picot hems on all YO edges. Sew shoulder seams and sleeves.
Sew on buttons.

'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.