When I started this blog, I had a pretty clear idea what I wanted — a resource about wooly things that are needed around Halifax, NS. I thought that the new ideas would pop up as I contact more non-profits and ask what they need each season. Also, I decided not to post things that I personally knit and donate — other than samples — mostly I publish pictures of someone else’s work. And finally, I don’t usually follow knitting patterns but improvise something — from slight modifications to completely new designs.
Now, I am about to break all these rules in this post. Because, look.
First, I knit it and plan to donate it. Secondly, I have no idea where this hat goes — I have a few organizations in mind. And thirdly, I used this pattern.
And the same thing happened to this hat
(that’s the pattern)
and this hat (the pattern is Jacques Cousteau Hat available for free on Ravelry)
and these Ribbed Wristers and a matching hat
(the pattern looks like this).
Ok, I did improvise the slouchy hat to match the mitts, and this blue hat with a pom-pom was originally a machine-knit front of a sweater — the only manifestation of my previous habits.
I have two more hats in the making and I am using these two books, available from the local library.
So, here is what happened. First, I needed to knit something “mindless”, and I was hoping that “a hat a day” might keep my worries away. Making up a pattern usually takes time and often produces unexpected results — like that skein of yarn that recently became a knitted hula-hoop instead of a cowl and then became a skein of yarn again. So when I saw a book with a cute collection of baby hats, I decided to give it a try. And after I tried, I just wanted to show you how cute those hats turned out — here, I said it. Since none of the non-profits listed on my blog can use hats that fit school-age children, I contacted a few organizations in Spryfield, such as Hand in Hand store and the Single Parent Centre. In September, I will also ask the local schools if they could use hats and mittens for kids.
I still believe in the ‘goodness of fit’ when it comes to charity knitting — the items should meet the needs of their recipient and only then our need of being good citizens and connecting with others. And while my pile of hats is growing, I will try to find the best home for it.
Halifax Charity Knitters 
I don’t know about Halifax, but when I lived in Ottawa, there were a couple of yarn shops that accepted hand-knit hats and mitts. In fact, one of them would give the knitter the yarn. When the finished item was brought to the shop, the knitter could get more free yarn for the next item. It was a great way to involve knitters who couldn’t afford to buy yarn and to keep kids warm!
Thank you for your comment. I think it’s a beautiful idea. That’s what I plan to do with the donated yarn that I have — give it away for those who knit for charity or even could use some “yarn support” to keep their families warm. Thank goodness, kind people find me through this website and share their yarn when they move or reduce the stash. Some of it goes to the new immigrant knitting group, some to the senior residence house, and some I keep for the new knitting group that will start in September.
Hi Olha, the post office in Weaverly collect mittens for kids for Christmas
I love making children’s hats. They are a small, quick project that is easily carried with you to work on. I love it that you knit “outside the box” with patterns. With the younger kids, we can combine different/any colours and the sky is the limit. BUT most of all I like how you reach out and find the organization that “fits” the project and pass that info on to us. We can now get on with another winter project and donate, donate, donate. THANK YOU.
Thank you, Sue! I would encourage all my readers to think about their communities and their needs in the cold season.
Great knitting, beautiful hats. I have found that any grade school will gladly give hats and mitts to their children in need. There are so many children in need. Love that you do this for them.
Thank you!