CHARITIES – crocheters are very generous

So, I’m interested to know what charities my readers contribute to – crochet-wise. I am familiar with Project Linus, Heartmade Blessings, and others, but I’m always looking for other charities that might benefit from our handiwork.

Please post your favorite charities to the blog – with contact information – if that others may to contribute also. Include a brief description of the charity if it’s not self explanatory.

www.sixdegrees.org (I don’t know if Kevin Bacon crochets!)

I’ll also pass along that I just heard about an interesting site that may be helpful to others. It’s www.sixdegrees.org. This site was started some months ago by Kevin Bacon, the actor and musician on whom the game ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon’ was based. He got the idea to turn the ‘game’ into a beneficial thing and has raised over $600,000 for a variety of charities. So, check it out.

My daughter is the Mizzou (University of Missouri – Columbia) rep for the student organization 400000facesfordarfur (www.400000facesfordarfur.com) which is attempting to raise awareness about the number of people who have lost their lives due to ethnic cleansing and civil war in Sudan. Please feel free to make a donation at her site ;-). I believe there are some organizations that are seeking crocheted and knitted items for this part of Africa also. Maybe someone who knows more about this can enlighten us, show us how we might contribute to that cause.

So, this week – but please share with us and post the info about the charity that is the recipient of your personal generosity. Thanks!

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.

Have you read?