~Note from the ED ~Community Member of the Month |
| ~Series: Consistency is Key
~ Most Needed Items |
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Thanks to everyone for your patience as we work through the kinks with the new newsletter platform. If you emailed me after not receiving the 1/31/2024 newsletter, then you have been added to the list. And since you are reading this you are in the clear and good to go from here on out. You can now directly sign up for the new platform HERE.
For this issue, I am thrilled to introduce a guest contributor, Anita H. Anita is a wonderful part of the K4P community and is based in Connecticut. She makes the loveliest finger puppets and when we asked if she would write an article, she agreed! Lucky us and lucky you! Please enjoy Anita's article below and if you have an idea for an article please let me know! |
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Making Finger Puppets for Guatemala Brings an Unexpected Bonus
By: Anita H.
Making knit or crocheted finger puppets for the infant wellness clinics in Guatemala, to fulfill their special request to Knitting 4 Peace? Of course you are! Or at least, might you consider doing so? Because who doesn’t have little leftover Yarn bits that you can’t bear to throw away, and this puts them to good use. Tiny projects like this are portable, and also a great opportunity to add personal touches and design changes without having to rip out too many stitches.
Having made three sheep finger puppets, and wanting a shepherd boy to go with them, I soon realized I had no idea what a shepherd boy in Guatemala would wear. And in fact, had only a very fuzzy idea of where Guatemala was, or how its people were living.
Inspired by these tiny toys soon to go on their journey to Guatemala, I found articles, YouTube videos and documentaries, and soon had a design for my little shepherd boy - a narrow brimmed hat like a fedora, and a short collared jacket. These modifications were easily made from the wide brimmed hat and suspenders on the “farmer” finger puppet pattern* which I used. As a bonus, I got at least a little feeling for the spectacular scenery of Guatemala, the Mayan heritage still strong in its people and traditions, and, a lingering desire to go and see Guatemala for myself!
In the meantime, I’ll keep on making these finger puppet ambassadors; why not make some yourself? You may also find an unexpected bonus….
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." -Archbishop Desmond Tutu Crafty love to all from, Anita |
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| | All photos and finger puppets by Anita H.
with a designer credit to Kristine Kuluka/LHC Patterns, part of a set "Old MacDonald Farm" finger puppets, patterns purchased via Etsy) |
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Venezuelan refugees receive your items in Denver, CO Photo credit: Linda S. |
| Migrants in the Denver Metro Area
In the past year, nearly 40,000 migrants have arrived in Denver, with the vast majority coming from Venezuela. These courageous individuals have made a long, treacherous journey to seek legal asylum in the US and most arrive with very few belongings. They rarely have cold weather clothing so Knitting4Peace has been proud to be able to provide hats, mittens, and scarves to both adults and children. This is all thanks to your generosity. Your donations provide not only warmth for weary bodies, but assurance that someone cares enough to lovingly make and share a beautiful, handmade item. This special act is the heart of Knitting4Peace’s mission.
Knitting4Peace regularly works with several organizations that provide assistance to migrants. Lately, we have been working with the City and County of Denver as they are coordinating a city-wide response to provide shelter and meet the needs of those who are new to Colorado. We have shared hats, scarves, and mittens they distribute to multiple organizations. We are particularly excited that they are now placing a Peace Pal in the pockets of the winter coats that are distributed to children in shelters. Can you just imagine the faces of the children when they find their special surprise friend in the pocket of a warm coat? Well, you don't have to imagine-- look at these photos!
Please hold these children and their families in your thoughts as you continue to create! |
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Scarves
We need WARM scarves and they are often in short supply so please keep them coming! Here are some tips to ensure that your scarves will be most useful and can be quickly sent out to those in need: Teen/Adult Scarves should be between 5”-8” in width, and 50”-70” in length Youth Scarves for students in elementary schools and programs serving children should be 4”-5” in width, and 40”-60” in length. We do not send out scarves for children younger than age 5 so 4” width/40” length is the smallest size we can use. Please do NOT send in lightweight fashion scarves as we currently are not receiving requests for these and cannot distribute them. We DO have a great need for WARM scarves!
Remember to sew in yarn ends and make sure there is no pet hair or perfume scents on the scarves. We do not have the capacity to clean scarves before sending them out. |
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Please note:
Our donation intake is run solely by volunteers. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to immediately acknowledge each package as it arrives. Remember, you can always track your package with your carrier. Remember, mailing costs qualify as tax-deductible nonprofit donations. Keep your receipts! Due to a lack of storage, K4P cannot accept yarn donations unless they are new and still in the original wrapper. Thank you for understanding. |
| Mail or bring items to: 2600 N. Leyden St., Denver, CO 80207 Drop-Off hours: Monday through Thursday, 9am-12pm (NEW TIME) The church is no longer staffed by an assistant so please be sure to go during the timeframe mentioned above.
Ring the doorbell and you will be let into the church to drop off your items. EACH mailed box or dropped-off bag must include a note with the DATE, NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, E-MAIL, AND PEACE POD. |
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Scarves Mittens Small Baby Blankets |
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As always, we welcome your amazing donations of hats, scarves, and mittens for children and adults. We can always use baby blankets, finger puppets, and, of course, Peace Pals! Currently, our greatest need is for warm scarves and mittens, for both children and adults. We also have a strong need for baby blankets that are between 26” and 30” in length and width. Scarves, mittens, and small baby blankets are usually sent out as soon as we receive them as there usually is a waiting list for them. We continue to be in awe of your skills and are very grateful to you for your generosity. Thank you so much for all you do!
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HAVE A QUESTION ON HOW TO MAKE SOMETHING? ASK ARNA! |
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Are you ready to support the mission of Knitting4Peace? Donate using the button below! |
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Contact Arna@knitting4peace.org with questions about patterns and guidelines. Check out our social media posts for the latest news (links below). If you have questions about deliveries or donations please email info@knitting4peace.org. ALL donations sustain our work. Donate online or mail checks to:
2600 Leyden Street, Denver, CO 80207
Donations to Knitting4Peace are tax-deductible. | |
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