Even though summer is still upon us, it is never too early to start thinking about others and the Minnesota winter that is just around the corner (eek!).
Hats for the Homeless is a local project whose goal is to provide the homeless in Minneapolis, MN with handknit hats. Last year they collected and distributed 900 hats (yay!) with a target this year of 1500. Is it doable? Of course! Knitters are generous, beautiful souls! The following blog describes the program and details:
http://hats4thehomeless.blogspot.com/
Need an idea for a hat pattern? Here are some suggested patterns.
Keep these guidelines in mind:
1.) Hats for men. Big, warm, “pull down over your ears” hats for men. If you are a female knitter, the hat should be a bit big on you. (The homeless men we met last year really wanted plain, dark hats. Please pay attention to this and avoid stripes, embellishments and patterns.)
2.) Hats for newborns, babies and toddlers. We have a new connection to an organization working with homeless teens and a lot of them have small children. We need to cover all the heads.
Thanks, everyone!!
I’m on it! Thanks for the link.
Comment by kmkat — August 4, 2011 @ 9:53 am
Do you have any thoughts on fiber content? I know wool is warmer, but some places want a fiber that can be washed easily. I have also heard that washing is not a factor and go for the warmth factor.
Comment by Linda — August 4, 2011 @ 11:53 am
Just a heads up. The links for the second and last hats didn’t work at http://hats4thehomeless.blogspot.com/p/patterns.html: A Very Warm Hat and Simple Hat. The others were fine. Thanks for the idea, the information and the inspiration. 🙂
Comment by Kathy — August 4, 2011 @ 11:56 pm
The outdoor thermometer on the patio currently reads over 100 degrees Farenheit, yet I feel compelled to sort through my stash for yarns that would make warm hats / scarves / mittens for the Minneapolis Hats for the Homeless project. Must go cast on! Thank you for this opportunity.
Comment by Pamela — August 7, 2011 @ 8:22 pm
Thanks for posting this and thanks for Kathy posting an updated link. http://hats4thehomeless.blogspot.com/p/patterns.html:
Comment by Tina — September 15, 2011 @ 1:27 pm