Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch by Betsy Greer published by Trumpeter (November 11, 2008).

A heartwarming and uplifting series of essays on knitting from craftivism activist Betsy Greer. Betsy writes a series of refreshing and inspiring essays, all about knitting, with topics ranging from craft as therapy, using craft to connect with others, craft for charity, and knitting and activism.

Dotted throughout are interesting anecdotes and crafting memories from various people who have used craft in positive ways. Such as Felicity Ford from the Mississippi radio show who crated the walking stick cosy competition to challenge perceptions about disabilities. Diane Gilleland, church of craft minister and broadcaster of the popular crafty podcast craftypod. Faythe Levine, author and film maker of the indie production ‘handmade nation’ and lots more.

There is also a range of simple yet stylish knitting patterns in the book – designed especially for giving to others, meditation knitting, learning and teaching. Such as the striped hat for the homeless, cushion cover to knit for the elderly or bedridden, knitted toys for children and a rather nice asymmetrical vest.

Congratulations Betsy – a must read for crafters and non crafters everywhere.

Anny Purls has designed new pattern for the benefit of MOST’s Adopt-A-Family program which provides much needed holiday cheer to families of multiples in need. When Anny heard that the program was underfunded to the point where it may not be able to continue to operate next year, she thought knitters could do something about that!

These buddy sweaters with finger puppet buddies and pockets were designed for the Benefit of MOST’s Adopt-A-Family program. The pattern is free with any contribution to the organisation. You can find out more and download the pattern here: 100% of the money raised goes directly to families of multiples in need.

Here is a short documentary by Anna Brownfield (www.poisonappleproductions.com.au) about Rayna of www.radicalcrossstitch.com who uses fences on vacant blocks of land to cross stitch the message ?I wanna live here?, to highlight the housing affordability crisis that is being experienced in Australia. This is part of a larger documentary Anna is working on about craft.

Anna Brownfield is a multi award winning independent filmmaker who is based in Melbourne, Australia. She is an avid crafter and is constantly inspired by the DIY craft revolution.

As the temps outside reach frigid lows, the issues faced by your local homeless population can be life-threatening, especially for those unable to find adequate shelter. This winter season, consider using your craftiness to help the homeless fight the cold with these simple projects. Hand them out in urban areas or in places you know where many homeless people reside, or call a local homeless shelter (homeless shelter directory or shelter listings) to find out if you can hand them out there. Keep in mind that shelters may require larger quantities of handmade goods, so you might consider finding or starting a group in your area that can do a project on a larger scale. Think the office, friends, social clubs, classes, meetup.com, or for knitting projects, the charity knitting groups on Ravelry.com.

There are many free patterns on the internet suitable for winter warmth. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Felt Mittens by Waxwing, 2004: These felt mittens use materials that are inexpensive and easy to find, and they can simply be made in large quantities in a short amount of time. They are crafted by felting recycled wool sweaters which can be found at local thrift shops, yard sales, even the back of your closet. For more information on felting, read this tutorial on CraftStylish. [also check out this quick mittens tutorial on whipup]

ScWiNoNa Scarf by weezalana, 2008: Scarves are always a good bet. They’re a breeze to knit and can be made in no time. If you’re looking for a quick project that can be made in a few hours, try the Beginner’s Garter Stitch Scarf. For a more detailed scarf that still flies off the needles, knit up the ScWiNoNa (pdf link). When knitting scarves, choose warm, comfortable next-to-the-skin fibers such as merino, alpaca, or wool blends.

London Beanie by Mark Thrailkill, 2002: If you want to make hats, there are endless free pattern options online, but simple construction is best. The Creative Kindness Easy Hat (pdf link) would be perfect made with warm fleece and can be modified to add lining or made long enough to cover the ears and the back of the neck. If knitting’s your thing, try the Minnesota Winter Hat or the London Beanie.

Basic Ribbed Sock by Kate Atherley: If you’re feeling adventurous and have lots of time to knit, think socks! A comfortable pair of warm wool socks goes a long way. Keep the styling and stitches simple. This Basic Ribbed Sock pattern is practical and gender-neutral.

Get creative! Take the scraps from the sweater you made your mittens with and sew up a matching scarf. Use your stash leftovers to make striped knits. Just remember, your finished goods should be made with care in neutral color combinations, should be comfortable and functional, and should be something you would be proud to wear.

Be warned: The experience you have when crafting for others in need is addictive. Once your winter wares are given away, you’ll surely want to make more!

About the author: Lisa Ashby is a mother, designer, student, and craftivist living in the Carolinas. This month and next, I am making felt mittens for the local homeless based on a tutorial I found on Craftster and have posted about this on my blog here. Blog :: etsy store.

Mama to Mama seeks to find ways to connect hand crafters with mothers, children and families in need of a little bit of handmade love. From Soule Mama.

The first project is Caps to Cap-Haitien Project find out how you can participate – down load a pattern and start making.

The Melbourne Craft Cartel are hosting a public talk event!

The Revolution is Handmade :: Political fabric crafts and the struggle for social justice :: Thursday Sept 4, 6.30pm :: 1/27 Hardware Lane Melbourne

Guest speakers: Dr Joyce Stalker from the University of Waikato, NZ – talking about fabric crafts and the struggle for social justice. Rayna Fahey from the Craft Cartel and the Melbourne Revolutionary Craft Circle will be talking about the role of historical and contemporary craft practice in radical political action with a focus on feminist and peace action protest movements.

Film premier: Short film from the recent MRCC action night which saw a bunch of craftivists take public action against land speculation in Melbourne’s west. This creative action has gained global attention and has played a large role in increasing awareness about the connections between vacant land and the housing affordability crisis.

fun pop up from popular kinetics: Choose your candidate and pop him right into the White House! Download and print the pdf file onto card stock and start cutting, folding, and gluing. Then VOTE in November!