Let's start this off with the good. I found a wonderful blog that tells how to make your own yarn swift! You know, those spindly-spinny things that help you move yarn between hanks, cones and balls. So if you'd like to get more into hand dyeing wool, or just a better way to wind hank or cone yarn into balls, here it is! I made one in a few hours with a miter box and power drill, spending around $2 on parts - the long bolt and some washers. I had the rest sitting in the garage. Here it is: http://www.craftydiversions.com/patterns/homemade_yarn_swift.htm - THANK YOU Anne Kuo Lukito! You can buy a .pdf of the directions from her for just $2 on her site.
The only thing I'd like to add is, be sure to drill straight down when you make the hole in the center for the main bolt that holds it all together. Mine's off so one part of the swift is higher than the other now. Live and learn!
The Bad and UglySigh. Someone had written to me when I posted about charity knitting that on a certain reservation in the USA where handknit items were donated, a lot were just thrown away. So it was no little surprise to see this blog entry about the outcomes of some handmade afghans being sent to Afghanistan. Yes, being a people of rich artistic traditions in textiles, they don't seem to appreciate our handmade blankets of cheap acrylic.
I worked at a domestic violence shelter where we received many donations from crafters, including comfort blankets for children and prayer shawls for survivors. The latter caused some discomfort in the agency which had a hard time figuring out how to sensitively approach the subject of religion with our diverse clients.
ReplyDeleteThese were families in transition, and some of the outcomes were better than others. I'm sure some of the blankets ended up left under bushes, others sent to the Goodwill as things settled for a family and they were able to buy the things that fit their own sense of style for their home.
However, of all the things we provided to clients, and despite our awkwardness about them, the prayer shawls were met with the biggest outpouring of gratitude from clients. Some clients came to me after we had depleted the shawls and asked if they could just get a copy of the prayer that went with them. Th intention behind them was very healing and meaningful for a lot of people.
It must be hard to let go of outcome of the artwork you make, but its really amazing what you are doing. Sure, sometimes someone won't appreciate it. Maybe the majority of the time! But that is part of its beauty because that is how the world is. You don't get repaid for acts of kindness most of the time, so mostly you have to do it because you believe that putting goodness out there matters. I believe it does. Onwards and upwards!
Dont be put off by what they said, just look at knit-a-square charity blog to see how squares that are knitted or crocheted are so appreciated by children who have aids in south africa!Also the ladys there that sew them together enjoy them and get hope,and squares are sent from all over the world.
ReplyDelete