Charity begins at Loops.

This past Sunday, we had our first Charity Loop Group. Since we opened nearly two years ago, hundreds of people have come in looking for yarn and patterns for charity stitching projects. We wanted to offer some organization, direction and cameraderie for those who feel that little tug to knit for a cause. We have never been opened on Sundays, but decided that once a month, for a couple of hours and for good causes, we could make an exception.

With the help of Dawn, the store has begun to compile a list of local and national causes to stitch for. Our group decided to choose a new project every month or two (and of course everyone is free to knit their own project.) For the first project, I found a simple baby burpcloth on a great little site called Bev's Country Cottage with tons of free patterns for preemie and baby things. Everyone was knocking these out very quickly in Muench Veneto (currently on the sale rack):

If you're interested in joining our next Sunday Loop Group, check out the just-completed Loops April Class List. It's one of the ongoing groups listed at the bottom right. We also have a slew of fun new classes, including the "Recognizing and Fixing Mistakes" class, and a little silk purse class with Ingrid - I got a peek at this in person yesterday, despite her best efforts to hide her project - you are going to want to check this one out.

I'd like to close with photos of two men who have inspired the spirit behind the Charity Loop Group. First, I love this photo of Gene "modeling" a baby bib he designed with a breakfast theme. Gene gives so much of his time to others. Last year, when Loops employees started going to Cancer Treatment Centers of America to teach cancer patients and their caregivers to knit, Gene enthusiastically volunteered. Now he leads the whole effort - never misses a week. He's always got at least one non-profit project on the needles. Plus, he's just a great guy - we love having him around - who wouldn't, with this obviously well-honed sense of humor? ;-)


And finally, I have been looking for a good time to share this picture of my Dad, wearing the buffalo hat I made for him two Christmases ago. Dad is originally from Bartlesville, and loves to visit the Tall Grass Prairie. We've gone together with the kids a couple of times to see the awesome sight of adult and baby buffalo grazing across that big stretch of land. Dad taught me at a very early age an appreciation for others, including those in need. I remember very vividly sitting with him on our porch, closing my eyes and working to "get out of myself" and think of situations from other people's perspectives. Dad is a great writer and inspired me to pursue my first career, advertising copywriter. Dad was also a great champion of my decision to open Loops, despite all of the other important commitments in my life. Plus, he reads the blog faithfully. Here's to you, Buffalo Bill:


Love, Shelley