I started with searching on Charity weaving and found a link for "Tips on Making Items for Charity" with some very solid suggestions:
Check with the charity, hospital or other intended recipient group for any guidelines or requirements they may have.
All materials used should be easily machine washed and dried.
Acrylic yarns are a excellent choice. Cotton yarn may shrink and is not as good a choice.
Cotton, polyester and cotton/poly blends are good fabric choices. Avoid fabrics that need a delicate wash cycle or cold water washing.
Items intended for babies or toddlers should be made of soft materials. The seams and finishes should also be gentle on a child's skin.
For sewn items, all fabrics should be prewashed to eliminate shrinkage.
Make sure the item is securely constructed.
Zig-zag, serge, use pinking shears, or otherwise finish the exposed cut edges of woven fabrics to prevent fraying. Knit fabrics usually do not fray. Cut edges that are completely enclosed (e.g., inside a collar or a quilt) are not subject to the abrasion that causes fraying.
Finish yarn and thread ends securely.
Here are a few charities that may be interested in hand woven items
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afghans for Afghans is a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project that is sending hand-knit and crocheted blankets and garments to the people of Afghanistan.
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American Angels offers many ways to support our soldiers/sailors and their families.
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Afghans for Angels is a volunteer organization that make and distribute blankets to hospitals. The hospitals give the afghans to parents who have lost an infant through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.
I can see a reluctance to create a lovely blanket or afghan to just give it away. Some of the projects for babies and young children in hospitals involve making small afghans and blankets and that might be better.
I noticed, in looking through the requirements, that most of these organizations require washable items. I see this as a good weay to practice some different weave structures and use up some washable yarns I have.
Any other thoughts on this?
Claudia
Current Afghans for Afghan project: for Afghan youth -- girls and boys, ages 7-14 years -- for next winter. Due date: Early March 2010
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Sweaters and Vests
-- Please add buttons if not sending a pullover garment; garments need to close up against cold.
-- Please be sure that sweaters have adequate coverage: full-length sleeves to the wrist (NO 3/4 sleeves); torsos need to be long (NO bare midriffs).
-- No hoodies, please. -
Socks
-- Basic socks with proper heels and good cover for the lower leg (no booties or slippers).
-- Socks for knitters only -
Mittens
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they will also accept some hats and blankets:
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Hats
-- Be sure that hats cover ears & stretch for comfort over forehead. -
Blankets
-- Minimum dimensions of 40" x 45".
-- Larger afghans should not exceed 50" x 55". -
SIZE: Please assume standard garment sizes. Afghan children may be thinner than North American children, but they are not shorter.
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COLORS that inspire you. The gift of a bright, cheerful afghan or garment will have a tremendous impact on those who have little if any possessions. Consider using some shade of green as it is a beloved color of Islam. Avoid white or light yarn colors since they are difficult to keep clean. No camo yarn, please.
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FIBER: wool and other animal fibers like mohair and alpaca or wool blends that offer the most warmth and durability in harsh conditions. ACRYLIC ITEMS WILL NOT be sent to Afghanistan. Avoid delicate fibers such as some silks and novelty yarns.
Just had another idea for a charity...
Heifer International
Donates animals, trees, and other stock to needy families around the world in the hopes of increasing ustainable self-sufficiency. “Knitting Basket” donation provides two llamas and two sheep to a family for income-producing wool.
Heifer International
P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203
(800) 422-0474
Websites: www.heifer.org or http://catalog.heifer.org/basket.cfm
Suzy
I just went on the Heifer International website and found these links:
how they help in Haiti... http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.5720609/?msorce=EEA1C0000B3
projects we as a group could sponsor... /www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.3538797/
Heifer International's online catalog... http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/
It's rated an A- on the charitywatch website...
"Of the over five-hundred charities currently rated by AIP, only a select number qualify for our listing of Top-Rated charities based on our rigorous analysis. Groups included on the Top-Rated list generally spend 75% or more of their budgets on programs, spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support, do not hold excessive assets in reserve, and receive "open-book" status for disclosure of basic financial information and documents to AIP. Please see the Criteria section of the website for more information on AIP's rating criteria and methodology.
Each mission category below lists Top-Rated charities that receive high grades from AIP. Top-Rated charities generally fall within the A- to A+ grade range...."
Found another interesting worldwide charity, KNIT A SQUARE , that donates 8" knit and crochet squares to be made into blankets for orphans of AIDS in S. Africa. I've sent out an email to see if handwoven 8" squares would work... WHY NOT?
Read more about it at:
http://www.knit-a-square.com
