In a partnership with Nurses for Newborns Foundation, Knitty Couture will begin its first community program, Knit for Newborns, in which all knitters are invited to knit toys, clothing, blankets and other items for St. Louis and Missouri children.
Here is your opportunity to declutter some of that yarn stash you’d like to let go, and more importantly, to give back to your community. Share your stash and share your love!
Nurses for Newborns Foundation is a Saint Louis-based, not-for-profit organization, focused on providing in-home services to babies, children and their families in an effort to improve maternal and child health, and promote healthy babies. You may already be familiar with the wonderful work this organization does. If not, do check out their website, www.nfnf.org, or stop by the shop to pick up a brochure.
Knitty Couture will serve as a collection site not only for donated materials (e.g., yarn, stuffing), but also for finished, ready-to-donate toys, blankets, and garments. These items will then be given to Nurses for Newborns to distribute to children and families in the 24 Missouri counties they service.
Please keep in mind the following restrictions and recommendations:
1. All materials must be previously unused, smoke- and odor-free, and clean.
2. Toys must not have buttons.
3. Washable is preferred, but not required.
To promote the program, we’ve knitted up two baby caps which can been viewed at the shop. Available below is the pattern for the preemie cap (left in picture).
Preemie cap pattern:
Materials: sportweight yarn, double-pointed needles (dpn) US 2.
Instructions:
Using dpns, cast on 57 stitches. Divide stitches evenly between four needles; fourth needle will have an additional stitch. Connect round by knitting first and last cast-on stitches together. Knit 5 rounds. Purl next round. Knit until cap is approximately 3 inches from cast on. Begin decrease. Make sure there are 14 sts on each needle.
Round 1: Ssk at beginning and k2tog at end of each needle.
Round 2: Knit.
Repeat these two rounds until 8 stitches remain. K2tog until 4 stitches remain. Work i-cord for two inches and knot at top. Weave in ends.
We also found several sites that provide great baby and children patterns. If you have recommendations for other websites, let us know. We’ll be happy to include it on the list for others to refer to.
1. Warm Up America : Great resource for patterns for preemie and newborn caps.
2. Knitty : A wonderful site for numerous patterns for baby and children items.
3. Mochimochiland.com : Some of the cutest patterns are found here.
4. As always, the Greater St. Louis Knitters Guild. Click Supported Charities on the left bar for additional information.
We also have an extensive list of other local, national, and international charity programs you can participate in or contribute to. Please email us at knit@knittycouture.com for more information.
Also, keep in the mind that the local food drive will continue until the end of the week. Bring a bag of donated food goods and get 10% off your purchase. Join us in helping local families stave off hunger.
