With anything that people do, there are obvious and more subtle reasons behind those actions. The same is true for why I choose to donate things I knit and crochet.
1. To help others
I will put this at the top because it’s the primary, and most obvious, reason.
I have always argued that if everyone did more for others than they did for themselves, the world would be a happier place since we would collectively receive more than we could ever give ourselves because of the different talents people have. So I do my part to make this type of world a reality.
2. Donating to a cause, like volunteering, just feels good
Call it vain to donate because it makes you feel good, but most people wouldn’t do it just because it helps others. People help others because it gives them a sense of fulfillment, belonging to a community that cares about each other, and maybe even purpose. It just feeds your soul and gives life more meaning. And there is nothing wrong with that.
3. I love playing with yarn
Most people who volunteer find the projects they enjoy doing or they are good at because then everyone wins. I also volunteer as an event photographer to hone my skills and to share my talents with non-profit organizations that I support. Artists paint for free to benefit a cause, musicians perform for cancer patients, etc. We all share what we know and like. Likewise, I love knitting and crocheting, so that’s what I donate. I enjoy the time I spend making these projects, so it never feels like a chore.
4. To reduce my yarn stash
I have a few drawers in my office dedicated to my crafting. This includes two large drawers: one for fabrics and one for a small sewing machine, temporary storage for finished or hibernating projects that don’t go into my knitting bag, and miscellaneous items like beads, knitting needles, ribbons, pins, buttons, and other random tools. And then there are four small drawers bursting with yarn.
I try (with intermittent success) to tell myself that I can’t buy more yarn until I have room for it. But as I finish projects and a wave of accomplishment of making room in those drawers crashes over me, I give myself permission to replenish The Stash and end up with a stack of skeins in a corner because I overdid it. Oops. I rationalize it with “the sale was too good to pass up” and “what if this yarn is discontinued before you get a chance to buy it? wouldn’t that be a shame”, but in the end, I am ashamed at my apparent lack of self control. At least until I go into my office and run my fingers across the soft fibers and everything makes sense again.
So using up leftovers for projects to donate is the best remedy for otherwise stale yarn taking up room. For example, when I bought yarn to crochet Thor’s Hammer, the colors I needed came in giant skeins and I used only a small portion of them, so when the opportunity to make market bags arose, I knew that yarn (along with some other leftovers) was perfect for the project.
Smaller leftovers can be used to make baby hats since they need so little. I made many such hats and used up many odds and ends, as well as yarn I wasn’t going to use for anything else because my kids are older now and don’t want baby colors. This was one of my most satisfying projects because it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders to be able to make so much with what I no longer had any use for.
5. It adds variety
This is minor, but making things for others often includes items I don’t usually use myself, so it adds a breath of fresh air to my projects.
For example, I don’t really wear shawls, but there are so many designs and possibilities with shawls, so I had to make one when there was an opportunity. I also got to make washcloths, slippers, and even artificial nests!
6. I can expand my skills
I always learn something new from every project, but stepping out of my comfort zone poses different challenges to overcome and learn new techniques. I have never blocked cotton before, so I ended up learning when I made the washcloths. I can also try designs that are popular (and thus are likely to please whoever they end up with) but are just not my style.
So I am sure you are now itching to get involved with donating your knitted goods. That’s awesome if you are! It’s incredibly rewarding. But how do you start? There are so many avenues, but it’s sometimes hard to find them. Many children’s hospitals still accept baby hats and various other charities would be happy to receive handmade items – just ask around! But the easiest way I found was being part of a group that knits or crochets together and organizes whom to send the items to. This can be local or virtual. I belong to the Sharing Our Gifts group on Ravelry and they have had some awesome ideas, but I know there are other groups too.
I hope this inspired some of you to share your gifts too!
