Charity crafting never stops

I know, it's been forever since I wrote something here.  I have been extremely busy with a lot of projects.  Many involving knitting or sewing for charity.

The thing is, when you live in a tropical climate, you have to do yarn crafts in the Winter.  Or what passes for Winter.  When the temperatures get up into the 90's, well, the yarn just does not slide on the needles, your hands get sweaty, and your lap is suffocating.  That's when I wait till the wee hours when it's a tad cooler to do a few more rows. 

I do have a reserve of items.  Actually, I have a large bag full of things, just so I'll have something to send out for our Summer projects.  It's depressing to see all the needs and have nothing to send.  Makes me feel bad.  So, here I have a stash that I hope will help some babies in Texas, North Carolina, and other areas.

Some of you know that I am in this wonderful online group called All Crafts For Charity.  I love this group and the people in it!  This group has been active for several years and the rules are exactly in sync with my personal feelings:

• First, you only have to donate when you can.  No pressure, no whining. They only ask that you participate once per year, and even that's not really enforced.  We all have lives and things happening, and this group is very understanding.
  
• Second, you don't have to stick to a certain pattern.  I'm terrible at following directions, I don't use patterns or tutorials.  Tell me right, and I go left :))!  Here, you get guidelines of what is needed the most.  Last month, there was a dire need for sweater sets for babies.  We could make any color and any style, which is what I like.  My little donations were made with the yarn I had on hand, and I just made up different designs as I went.  I don't like making the same thing twice, too boring.  And if I were the recipient, I wouldn't like to see that my baby got the exact same sweater as the other 10 in the ward.  I believe each baby is unique and deserves something special.
• Third, the group coordinators go through a lot of trouble to offer new projects every month.  I like variety. I like that we're helping in various parts of the country and even of the world.
• Fourth, and this is a big one for me, you're never asked for money.  I know, I know, money is needed to fund programs that are crucial. But, money is easily... shall we say... misrouted.  In the world of cash donations, we all know that some never reach their intended recipients.  Let's face it, some of those places have corrupted government officials, who are all too happy to pocket those donations.  It's a lot less likely that clothing would be stolen.  And, if someone does take a few booties, well, maybe they needed them for their babies.
• Last, it is not a group overwhelmed by Christian righteous people.  I am a Christian, I am Catholic. But I don't see the point of endless preaching.  The focus here is to make clothing for needy people, regardless of their beliefs.  This business of patting oneself on the back because one is doing one's Christian duty just rubs me wrong.  Much preferred, in my view, is the person who contributes what he or she can discreetly.  Boasting not needed.  Enough said...

Ok, off the soapbox and let's have some photos.