Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Project OCC 2016

I am sure some of you are familiar with my yearly 40 Hats in 40 days project during Lent in which I make a hat a day to donate to God's Tiny Angels for newborn and preemies.   And while my hook and needle are in use frequently for the rest of the year, I also have a special Fall project that I work on as well for Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child.

For those of you unfamiliar with Operation Christmas Child, it is a yearly outreach from Samaritan's Purse in which you and I can pack a shoebox full of supplies and gifts for children around the world.  Samaritan's Purse collects the packed shoeboxes and then arranges the distribution.  Long before we even think about packing a shoebox, though, they have gone to the distribution areas and worked with the local pastors to prepare.  You see, the children who receive these shoeboxes not only get what may be the ONLY gift they ever receive, but they are told about the most awesome gift the world EVER received, Jesus.  Many are given the opportunity to participate in 12 week Bible study, free of charge, so that they can learn more.  These shoeboxes open the door to let children feel loved and valued so that they can understand just how much the King loves and values them as well.  It is a ministry that is close to my heart.

Every year I try to ensure that each shoebox my family packs contains at least 1 hand-made item.  As I make each item I pray for the child that will be receiving to to have an open heart to the message they will hear, to feel the love of our Creator, and to know that they are cared for.  In years past I have made hats, dolls, and scarfs.  This year my 8 year old made plastic canvas crosses and hearts to put in each shoebox.
Plastic Canvas crosses and heart
This year I chose to make a wash cloth for each shoebox and wanted to share a few of the patterns that I used.  Wash cloths are a great project for beginner knitter and crocheters since they are small and you get to that satisfying completion much quicker.  And I am currently eyeing an entrelac pattern since I have never done entrelac before and feel a little less intimidated by the smaller project size.  With wash cloths it is important to remember to use a cotton or other absorbent yarn.  Acrylic is definitely not your friend on projects like this!

The first was a neat corner to corner pattern, which I had never done when knitting before.  It is called the Diagonal Knit Dishcloth, which is only available as a Ravelry free PDF download.  (Don't worry, membership is free too!)  It was a neat little project which admittedly would have looked better in a solid color yarn, but this is what Mr. Sunflowers bought for me when he found a cone of it on sale.  The pattern was easy to follow and once I got the hang of it it worked up really quickly.  I like the contrast between the middle section and the rest of the cloth.

Tomorrow I will share with you my own design born from the need for a washcloth made from a limited supply of yarn....

Until next time,

Ginny