I don't like to make New Year's resolutions.
I find them hard to keep, plus January is usually a VERY busy time of year for me, so it's hard to get started on new things. I just got back from a weeklong trip to Japan for work, and got back just in time to grade piles and piles of midyears. Instead of grading those midyears, I'm going to spend a few minutes thinking about what I would like to accomplish in the creative part of my life this year.
Recently, I've been thinking about why I like to make things. Sometimes, I make things that are useful. Often, I make things that are not useful, or in any case, not useful to me. Keith will often ask me what I'm working on, and then ask...why? Often, I don't have a good answer. I just like to make things. I find it soothing.
But then, what do I do with the things I make? Some people make things and sell them, but I don't think I have that kind of drive, at least not at this point in my life.
However, I think it would be nice to have a little more purpose behind my crafting. Hence, goal number one:
Every month, I want to choose a charity, and make a donation of something I have made.
Since January has mostly gone by, for February I have chosen to make a donation to Knitting and Giving, a charity group based in Connecticut that collects hand-made items for homeless shelters and poor families. For my donations, I've started turning my leftover stash yarn into hats for newborns. They knit up quick, and it's easy to try different variations so you don't get bored. I found about a billion free patterns on ravelry - I liked this one, which was very simple and easy to experiment with.
I know not a lot of people read this blog, but would anyone out there be interested in crafting and giving this year?
This is a great idea! I try to donate some of my work to auctions benefiting organizations that mean a lot to me. It's hard for me to write them a check myself, but I like that my artwork can be my contribution.
ReplyDeleteAlso, pictures from Japan?
It's a beautiful idea Erica. I'm a bit of a selfish knitter, I admit. My friend made a resolution to knit one baby hat a week that she donates. This is the second time she has done this! I admire anyone for this kind of giving.
ReplyDeleteJapan, wow? Did you win a teacher award?
I'm sorry your quilts don't come out as neat as mine. I'd love to help you - any more specifics on the problems you face? The hardest part is the fleece for me.