The biggest problem we've had is finding a decent, quick-and-easy, but suitable, scarf for the homeless. Their needs are different from ours. They cannot launder them often. They must be able to use them for neck protection, or have them wide enough to also pull up around the ears against the wind, possibly wind them up over their heads, and/or tuck them into a jacket. So, I figured we need at least 3 to 4 foot long scarves. Longer than that, and they'll get caught in things. Complicated patterns take forever to make. We also did not want fringe just to make the length because the fringes are too easily tangled out on the street.
I finally took a stitch idea from the fingerless gloves we make, and adapted it, hook size and all, and started making these. They end up lightweight but cozy and nice looking, a ribbed look. The slightly airy feel acts as a thermal barrier against the cold, and they are soft and flexible because of the large hook size.
I realize there are tons of sites and patterns for the homeless but I just didn't have time to test every one of them, although I'll pass some along when I find some.
This pattern is free for you to use for the homeless. If you use it to sell the item(s) you make, you must give credit to me (Pattern by Evelyn Mayfield). It is a very simple pattern.
Hook - J
Yarn: Knitting Worsted
Amount of yarn: about 5 oz. for a 36" scarf.
Width: 8-1/2" (gauge isn't terribly important)
R 1 - Ch 32, turn
R 2 - HDC in "back loop" of each chain across; ch 2, turn.
R 3 onward - Repeat R 2 in each stitch across for 36 to 48 inches; fasten off.
This is a great way to use up scraps, also. Tomorrow, I'll post a quick and easy way to keep track of how long the scarf is, as you move along.
If you find it difficult to print from a blog post, you can now get a .pdf file for only $.99 by clicking here.
Feel free to share your thoughts on this pattern or to suggest other patterns you'd like to see. I tend to specialize in quick and easy projects.
15 comments:
Oh my goodness.... you are now a designer! Congrats! Nice pattern!
Thanks Evie
Thanks for the pattern. I also crochet for a homeless shelter--actually a "cold weather" shelter. It is only open in the winter. There are three of us that crochet hats & scarves. Simple is best--this is great!
Oh how great! I now know a designer. This is a great pattern. I will use it for my charity gifts.
Sandra
Great pattern, Evie!!
This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing this. Actually, I've been using your pattern (self designed by myself) as a beginner crocheter, this pattern was easy for me to remember w/o having to keep reading patterns for scarves.
Glad to know that your work is going for a worthwhile cause. This is a great idea to give back to our communities. Thank you
Thank you for the kind comments. I have also used this simple pattern, in cotton worsted, for placemats and hot pads. It's very adaptable.
I love this idea as well. Several years ago I had started a group at church in which we made blankets. However, I have a heart for the homeless and the remainder of the group did not want to see their blankets going to the homeless. They preferred nursing homes. I eventually got sick and could no longer lead the group. Anyway, I have begun making blankets again on my own and would also like to make scarf/hat/mitten sets. I have the scarf covered but can you suggest any quick hat and mitten patterns? I have usually stuck with afghans in the past.
Thanks, Sherry Keever
Sherry, I have actually posted the free patterns we found that we use for fingerless gloves and easy hats. Here are the links to the blog posts which will lead you to the patterns...There are a couple of links for each one because for the hats, I posted later with photos showing how cute the color changes can be...have fun!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56976745/fingerless-gloves-and-wrist-warmers
http://prayersncrafts.blogspot.com/2010/11/pattern-for-fingerless-gloves.html
http://prayersncrafts.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-choice-for-gloves-for-homeless.html
http://prayersncrafts.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-fave-cap-for-homeless.html
http://prayersncrafts.blogspot.com/2010/11/color-ideas-for-3-way-caps.html
this is great! im 11, im actually making this for homeless people! im making my first one right now, im on my 5-6th row. during winter. i will hunt down a cold homeless person and give them the scarf (:
It makes me feel so good to know someone your age is doing this to help someone you do not even know. If it helps, I also posted about how to count rows when something is getting very long...here
http://prayersncrafts.blogspot.com/2009/10/tip-for-marking-rows-worked-in.html
Very nice! I always enjoy being able to find & make a simple pattern where the results are able to give a sense of warmth & joy to another person's life. Thanks for sharing! :)
Thank you. Our small group of Friday morning charity crafters always try to keep both the comfort of the needy, and their dignity, in mind. It's nice to know others feel the same.
Thanks for sharing this. As a beginner crocheter, this pattern is easy enough to follow. Thru work, my sister and I joined in their efforts to collect hats, gloves and scarves made or bought to be donated to the women shelter in our local community. We'd like to continue this worthwhile cause for years to come. It's a great idea to give back to our communities. Thank you again.
Thanks for sharing that as a beginner, you find this pattern easy enough to work with. Great blessings on all the years to come with your charity efforts!
Hugs and prayers
Evie
I have been doing this for years as well in my hometown. I do this alone, But my sweet husband takes me to give them out. We live in a state that gets VERY cold in the winters therefore we have been adding sweaters and coats from thrift shops that we collect all year. or from friends and family. all sizes. As far as your scarves go, I would suggest that on some you can perhaps add a large pocket. with velcro or something. I sadly saw a new mom this last year. with a newborn. she was in a shelter thank God. But, it was heartbreaking just the same. God bless you on your mission to help others when they need it most. Gentle hugs!
betty boop bop! ;)
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