Thanks so much for such generous responses to the Q2 Challenge. You all are so wonderful! I can’t wait to see what we come up with and can ship off. I hope it’s a lot for these two great causes. Several of you had some good questions, and although I always answer blog comment questions individually, I thought these were some that everyone might be wondering.
Danee said: “Can we do adult hats for Luba too?” Janice says that yes, adult hats for Luba would be great. There is a group of knitters at her church that make scarves for Luba, but it sounds like there is a need for hats as well as fingerless mitts and mittens.
Tara said: “How do you think Luba’s girls will wash these fingerless gloves? I’ve got some pretty colors in “non-superwash” yarn in my stash. Do you think I should use it or stick to easy care yarn?” I think sticking with easy care yarn is probably best. I’m not sure how frequently/easily they will be washed, so the easier the better.
Kim said: “I thought your quarterly challenge was a great idea, and I was wondering if sock yarn would be okay for the baby hats? I’ve got tons of it, and I would try to use fairly soft stuff (like Lorna’s Laces, Claudia’s, etc.) I have zero experience with babies, so I have no idea if that would work. I’m trying to used the baby hat pattern in the Not Just Socks book.” I think using sock yarn is a great idea because 1) most is easy care, 2) most come in beautiful colors, and 3) most of us have an overabundance a bit of it.
Tracy said: ” I have some ecological wool that I think would knit into very nice Fetching gloves (although…it’s cream…is color an issue?)” It’s probably better to steer a bit clear of whites and creams, only because – as stated above – I’m not sure what the laundry and washing arrangements are for these groups. I have no doubt the cream gloves would be beautiful, though! Meg says that the hats will be washed in hot water in China – so that’s a good thing to keep in mind.
Dynna said: “You mention it doesn’t matter what pattern or what yarn we use. Does that mean we can use yarn we didn’t buy from you? I’m sure we all have yarn from various places and I just want to follow your desire.” Definitely use whatever yarn you already have in your stash. This isn’t a sales drive for The Loopy Ewe by any means! In fact, don’t forget that if you don’t have any yarn in your stash that will work, just let me know the next time you order and I’m happy to donate a skein for you to use and will pop it in your order. I just appreciate that so many of you are willing to donate your time to a good cause.
Darinka sent me a note: “We’re a family formed by adoption (12 years and counting now!) and I have maintained strong ties with the orphanage in China. While the hats are a lovely thought, there is no guarantee that the facility will need them in the smallest sizes provided. Depending on the facility there may be few infants in resident—perhaps mostly toddlers, etc. Also sometimes our thoughtful gifts are made of materials that are difficult for the facility to handle and launder. Unless the specific needs of the orphanage are known I would caution against the hat idea.” I contacted Meg to double check on this and she said, “As far as sizes go, toddler sizes would be loved and used too. Each orphanage is different and has different needs. Although, we don’t know which orphanage our baby will be coming from-I asked our agency if there is a need for hats. They checked with a coordinator in China and reported back that the hats would be used and appreciated.” So yes, hats are needed, and yes you can also make them through toddler sizes.
Please know that if we get more hats/gloves than these particular organizations can use, I will make sure to distribute the rest to very worthy organizations that will be delighted to have them. I just liked the idea of starting with charities where we have a connection of some sort.
And now – another good salad recipe. (I love good salads. Does anyone have good salad recipes that they want to email to me?)
Spring Green Maple Salad
5 oz. (7-8 cups) mixed spring greens
2 apples, cubed (Gala or Granny Smith)
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted
Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette
1/4 cup maple syrup (use real maple syrup)
5 Tbl. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
For dressing: Mix together maple syrup, vinegar, mustard and garlic. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with greens/apples/cherries and then garnish with pecans.
Finally, look at the beautiful socks that my Sockret Pal Rebecca sent me. She has been such a wonderful Sockret Pal and has truly spoiled me. I love the socks – they fit perfectly and aren’t they beautiful? Thankfully, the weather has turned cold here again and I’m wearing them as often as possible before it gets warm for good and all of my socks hibernate until the Fall. Rebecca – thank you again. It has been so fun “meeting” you!
Sheri
haveyoueverstartreadingblogsatnight&thenallofasuddenrealizedthatit’s1:30am?
Youhaven’t?Oh.Ihaven’teitherthen.ahem
