How can Yarn Make a Difference?
Once upon a time there was a lady in Pennsylvania who loved to crochet. She had so much yarn that she knew she would never finish it all but she worked hard as long as she could. After she passed away, her daughter wanted to share the yarn with other people so they could continue to create something beautiful with the many colorful skeins. Some of the yarn went to Illinois and other crafters nearby but a huge box made it to me in Kentucky! Now that yarn lives on and continues to touch other people’s lives. Here are some ways that I have found where crafters are using yarn to make a difference in the world around them.
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How can Yarn Make a Difference?
I am not a skilled crafter but I love experimenting with a variety of yarns. One thing I have quickly learned is that yarn is meant to be shared. Once you catch the crochet bug, you realize that one afghan, scarf, hat or washcloth quickly becomes two and then five and then you realize that you don’t have enough room in your life to accommodate all your yarn creations. This is when it gets fun!
Yarn Creations are Meant to be Shared
Prayer Shawls
I know a lady who has crocheted dozens of prayer shawls and afghans just this past month alone. There is literally no way to count how many shawls and afghans she has crocheted over the past years. She spends each evening with her crochet hook and skeins of yarns and prays for people as she crochets these shawls. Then she takes them to elderly shut-ins, nursing home residents, or sends them to people who are experiencing tough times. She uses her hobby to share the love of Christ.
Gifts for those who are hurting
Another lady I know creates afghans, scarves, hats, and amigurumi animals to share with family and friends. She makes them for birthday and anniversary presents but doesn’t stop there. When she hears of someone having a rough time in life, she will quietly create their favorite bird or animal and drop it in the mail. This is her way of being an encouragement to those around her.
I thought this was a great idea so I started trying to create smiley face emoji balls. I haven’t quite mastered it, but I’m working on it. When I get a little better, I’ll be able to share these with others!
Hats for Homeless
In Rapid City, South Dakota, local knitters and crocheters create hats and scarves for the homeless population each winter. They quietly place these hats and scarves on the Presidential statues that are on every corner of the downtown area and people who don’t have warm clothes can come and find what they need.
Encouragement for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients who are undergoing chemo treatments need hats during various stages of treatment. Many knitters and crocheters will create hats of all sizes, colors and designs so they can be shared with people as they leave the doctor’s office.
The list goes on….
Baby Blankets
Young unwed mothers who are experiencing pregnancy without the help of family support are often given handmade afghans with a reminder that someone has crocheted a blanket and is praying for them and their new baby.
Lap Blankets
Nursing Home residents often get chilled sitting in their wheelchairs or recliners. Crocheted or Knitted lap blankets are a reminder that these special people are not forgotten.
VA Hospitals often have patients that find themselves using wheelchairs unexpectedly. A lap blanket can be a welcome bit of warmth and comfort as wounded veterans recover and find new normals.
What do you see?
Some people may see a skein of yarn in a box, on a shelf or thrown in a corner in a knotted mess. But someone who understands how to use a crochet hook or knitting needles sees an opportunity to pass on a legacy and offer encouragement to someone in time of need.
Are you someone who creates blankets, afghans, hats to make a difference in the world around you? I’d love to hear how you are using yarn to create something of beauty!
Interested in learning to crochet? Here are 8 things to know when you get started!
What a wonderful article, Sharon. Perhaps it will encourage others who are handy with yarn to share.