The Tiger store in Blanchardstown had a gorgeous set of origami papers on sale – 50 sheets for 2 euros. I couldn’t resist. These are my results:
Not bad, and now to go do Random Acts of Kindness and pop them on a few cars with a note to “pass it on”. 🙂
Ireland is in a homeless crisis. Year over year, the number of homeless (especially homeless children) is up over 100%. As the Irish people struggle through the shortage of housing (and increased rents are forcing out many low income individuals), the government is arguing over how best to address the crisis and where to find the funds. You can see many articles in the local papers:
Number of Homless Children Doubles in a Year
Homeless Epidemic requires more state support
Overall the problem is shocking. On Saturday, while in the city center for drinks with friends, I counted 3 people that were sleeping rough in a 5 block radius. Last night (Monday), in the pouring rain, I counted 7 all drenched to the skin, and obviously quite miserable. (I too was drenched but at least I had a nice warm home and bed to go to). It is everywhere – from here in the city center to out in the less urban areas. And Winter is coming. The cold temperatures haven’t even started yet.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been very focused on what I can do to help those who have found themselves homeless. Despite working 50 hour weeks at work, I won a yarn lottery and suddenly found myself with 70 “free” skeins of yarn. I had asked for chunky yarn and decided that this was the Universe’s way of telling me here – set to work – here’s what you can do. Thus, I began making hats, earwarmers, and scarves for the homeless. In the course of 4 weeks of my free time, I have crochet and donated 2 hats.
I also bought a loom yarn and made a scarf and 2 more adult sized hats (they go much faster), and a child sized earwarmer.
I know it’s not a lot in the grand scheme of things, nor does it cost any “money”. I suppose, though, I hope it is helping someone, somewhere. Because it could be me someday -and that is what keeps me going. If you’d like to make a few hats, scarves, or participate in the shoebox appeal for Inner City Helping the homeless, please check their website.
I’m sure they’d appreciate any help they can get.
One of the girls at work is having a little boy around Christmas. She left on Maternity leave this week, and this being her first baby, naturally, she needed a little something to celebrate. Thus, I made her a hat and scarf for a newborn out of cotton thread. I think that it turned out ok. I used a different pattern than I usually do – and it called for a size 4 hook. I think that I like the pattern (it works up fast) but it needs a larger hook (the sweater was so tiny I’m not sure it will fit!).
The first part of the pattern calls for making the body as one single piece. From here, you make the sleeves:
And then add in a collar:
And then it’s done:
While I’m not normally crazy for cotton thread, I did find this turned out quite heavy and it should be relatively easy to wash. The hat and booties were also made from cotton thread – just a different color.
Overall, I think my colleague liked the set, and she was quite surprised I made it from scratch. I always love that reaction – you made this!?! It must have taken you hours! (No, actually I did both in about 2 hours). It really brings it home just how much times have changed from the days when everyone made something handmade for a new baby – to today where everything’s store bought. I’m not sure that’s a good thing.