STILL KNITTING

[Pennylee]

I started knitting little jumpers for the AIDS babies in Africa who were
being delivered into newspaper "clothes" because there just weren't any
other kinds. There was a tremendous effort in this State and I know also
right across the country which it seems has at least dented the problem, and
now I've started with slightly larger sizes for older children who need them.

It's the kind of knitting I like nowadays, as, apart from making me feel useful, its simplicity fits in so well with watching tv or talking, and it helps to use up small amounts of wool.

[boo]

:) aw, those are so cute. What a wonderful project to be able to help with.

[springsprunginmy<3]

Pennylee..would this be a project that you would be willing to share the pattern to ? I have a teenage daughter that you have inspired..she would love to get involved..


You are doing such a wonderful thing !

[Pennylee]

Spring - more than happy to share the patterns.
Don't know how it works there, but here I've knitted for a church group,
a retirement home club, and now for a small local charity. They save up to send
a big bag each time (freight is expensive) and that way know that the
goods get right to their destination.


The original newborn pattern is apparently not so much in demand - or at least it is the larger patterns that are being sought now. I have given
details of the small, medium and large sizes here.





SMALL JUMPER PATTERN 8 PLY WOOL OR SOFT ACRYLIC
Think called double knitting wool in USA

5MM Needles tight knitters: 4 MM loose

KNITTED ALL IN ONE Bright colours, stripes if you like.

CAST ON 44 stitches
WORK 18 Rows in K2 P2 rib
WORK 30 Rows stocking stitch

CAST ON 24 Stitches at beginning of next two rows

At the same time, change to K2 P2 for sleeve
Rib 22 more rows.

Rib 32, cast off 28, loosely, rib 32 (Neck)

Rib 32, cast on 28, loosely, rib 32

Work 22 rows in rib
Cast off 24 stitches beginning of next two rows
30 rows stocking stitch
18 rows rib. CAST OFF

********


The above is the original “new baby” pattern I was given, except that
I lengthened the sleeves, from Cast on 12 to Cast on 24 at
beginning of next two rows, since a longer sleeve would give
more warmth. I am a “tight” knitter.

**********

To make a jumper slightly bigger than above, I
use bigger needles and make the body longer. The jumpers I am making at present measure 14 inches from neck down-
that is, 4 inches for ribbed welt, 6 inches for stocking stitch part and 4 inches for the top striped part that includes the sleeves. (about 12 stripes.)
I am making this sound complicated, but it is not !
The need for bigger than “newborn” jumpers is now being stressed.

Below is a pattern for even older children.





PATTERN FOR OLDER CHILDREN

Using 8 ply knitting yarn and 4.5 needles
Lots of bright colours and stripes please!

•Cast on 70 stitches and work 18 rows knit 2 P2 rib
•Work 48 rows in stocking stitch
•Cast on 34 stitches at beginning of next two rows for
sleeves at the same time change to knit 2 P 2
•Rib 30 rows.
•Rib 49 cast off 40 Stitches rib 49
•Rib 49 cast on 40 stitches rib 49…..(This forms the neck
opening)
•Rib 30 rows
•Cast off 34 stitches at beginning of next two rows
•Work 48 rows in stocking stitch
•Rib 18 rows in knit 2 P2 rib.
•Cast off and sew up side seams and under arms.

[MaryG]

Penny you have such a good heart.

[Pennylee]

Thank you, Mary - I really do appreciate kind words, and will have a
spring in my step now.

But the truth is that this particular task gives me great pleasure.

[Spider_Lily]

we need more people like you willing to help out of the kindness of your heart.Thank you for helping these babies.I can't or don't know how to knit. but I do help with the Chemo Angels I send my lady things to brighten her day a card once a week or a small gift.It's not much but maybe it will give her a smile and know we care.:):hug:

[Bernie]

You are doing a wonderful think Penny. I have no talent for making clothing of any kind. I can crochet but my efforts at clothing leave a lot to be desired. My neighbor's church group makes quilts and clothing for African missions. I pick up fabric in thrift shops for them. It's not a lot but they are always happy to get anything they can and say they make the most of every scarp.
Bernie

[pete28]

Penny that is such a great thing that you are doing for those children and their parents or gaurdians. Without the risk of not sounding like a manly man I kind of wish I knew how to knit. My wife has been wondering how to learn as well.

[Pennylee]

It's nice to hear how everyone helps out in their own way, as they can.

Pete, one of our most popular and manly State Governors (the Governor takes the place
of the Queen at formal occasions)
was known to be a keen knitter. He knitted the kind of lacy children's
clothes, with complicated stitches, that I wouldn't ever attempt! Everyone liked and respected
him, and our biggest hospital complex has been named after him. The
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, now known affectionately as Charlie Gairdner's.

Anyone who wants to knit can learn the two most used
stitches - plain and purl - and begin with something easy, like a scarf.
Someone a little older would, I am sure, be happy to show your wife how to
get started.